Why Do Motorcycles Ride So Close To The Yellow Line?

[Rams]

Why Do Motorcycles Ride So Close To The Yellow Line?

https://www.msn.com/en-us/autos/ownership/why-do-motorcycles-ride-so-close-to-the-yellow-line/ar-AA1xAeSG?ocid=msedgntp&pc=LCTS&cvid=45be9338ff5c44abb76875361c00337c&ei=65

There are two main rules to becoming a good motorcyclist. First, you should have at least a basic understanding of how your motorcycle works. This way, if you notice a drop in performance, you'll have a general idea of which part to inspect so you can take preliminary measures. Second, and most importantly, you must know the common mistakes and best practices for riding a motorcycle safely on the road.

All your skills and experience in handling your bike will mean nothing if you don't know where to position it in a lane. One incorrect position could put you in a dangerous situation on the road. Experts will always suggest you position your bike close to the yellow line on the road. This mainly helps to reduce the risk of a collision with a vehicle coming from the other lane, as both riders may be unaware of each other's presence due to limited visibility. But how exactly does riding near the center yellow line reduce the risk of a collision?

There are two main reasons why motorcyclists ride close to the yellow line: to see and to be seen. Riding a motorcycle always requires making decisions based on what's happening around you on the road. The best angle for you to observe the road ahead, is by riding close to the yellow line.

Let's say you're riding on a two-lane road with a slight curve ahead. In such a situation, positioning yourself closer to the center yellow line will allow you to see oncoming traffic earlier as you approach the curve. This will help you in making a better decision on whether you need to adjust your position to avoid any chance of collision from oncoming vehicles. Also, if you're near the yellow line, it'll allow you to be seen by drivers coming from the opposite direction who might be considering overtaking a slower vehicle in front of them.

Additionally, since bikes are smaller in size, there's a high possibility that they might get overlooked by large semi-trucks or cars. But by positioning your bike near the yellow line, you're more visible to the driver through their side mirror, which will eventually reduce the chance of being overlooked. So, when a large vehicle wants to change lanes, your position will ensure that they're aware of you, which will help them to make safer decisions. Furthermore, this position will give you more room to swerve away from a merging vehicle and avoid a collision.

What Are The Other Benefits Of Riding Near The Yellow Line?

In addition to improving visibility for both the motorcyclist and vehicles in the opposite lane, there are a few other advantages of riding near the yellow line. When you ride in the center of your lane behind a large vehicle, you may experience significant wind turbulence caused by the vehicle. This turbulence can make it harder to control your motorcycle and may even impact fuel efficiency, as your bike needs to use more power to overcome wind turbulence. You can avoid such a situation by maintaining a safe distance from the vehicle and positioning yourself differently, preferably near the yellow line.

Additionally, many riders on forums, state that they prefer riding near the center yellow line to avoid obstacles like small rocks and grease. It turns out that the center of the lane often accumulates oil and grease, while the farthest edge of the lane tends to gather debris like small rocks. All these factors can make riding more difficult and unsafe. That's why it's better to ride the yellow line, which is generally cleaner and smoother.

Riding close to the yellow line also means that you're closer to vehicles coming from the opposite direction in the other lane. That's why it's important to adjust your position based on the road conditions. You may need to shift your motorcycle from near the yellow line to the center of your lane or farther away from the yellow line if you notice a heavy vehicle traveling close to the yellow line in the opposite lane. 

   

I agree with much of this, I also prefer to ride close to the yellow line but, my reasoning mostly goes to having the room to maneuver should the need arise.   Yes, visibility is also right up there but for me, it's more about having that room.   While I will ride staggered within or while on a group ride, I'm not nearly as comfortable being close to the ditch where there's a much greater opportunity to cross over that paint (where and when the edge is painted/marked).

Rams   

[Jess from VA]

I routinely ride in the left side of the lane, to see and be seen.  Except really, from the seat of my bike, I can easily see over most cars, but not trucks.

But I also routinely move right with oncoming traffic (esp big trucks and the like).  Decreasing the chances of getting hit.  And always avoid the center with all the oil, grease and gravel there. 

All my riding is back and forth across the lane, all day every day.  And watching my mirrors closely on all stops and slows (and if someone is coming up on me quickly, I move left or right for a quick exit whichever avenue is better, even off the road or crossing the double yellow is better than being rear ended). 

[f6john]

Ain’t Skeered! I notice many Harley riders (more of them to observe) routinely crowd the yellow line even in heavy traffic and I always thought that it was a matter of projecting dominance over their lane? Of course I have no way of knowing what another rider may be thinking but I have seen many drivers take more than their fair share of the pavement when approaching a motorcycle (me) so I get it. I pretty much use all of my lane at any given moment, some would say I just can’t hold a line, could be some truth to that.

[h13man]

Why Do Motorcycles Ride So Close To The Yellow Line?

https://www.msn.com/en-us/autos/ownership/why-do-motorcycles-ride-so-close-to-the-yellow-line/ar-AA1xAeSG?ocid=msedgntp&pc=LCTS&cvid=45be9338ff5c44abb76875361c00337c&ei=65

 

I agree with much of this, I also prefer to ride close to the yellow line but, my reasoning mostly goes to having the room to maneuver should the need arise.   Yes, visibility is also right up there but for me, it's more about having that room.   While I will ride staggered within or while on a group ride, I'm not nearly as comfortable being close to the ditch where there's a much greater opportunity to cross over that paint (where and when the edge is painted/marked).

Rams  

I'm line rider/LOC rider also.

[Hook#3287]

My riding position theory goes something like this.

When alone and no oncoming traffic, I ride the middle line or close to it.
I feel this is the best way to possibly avoid a deer jumping out from the right

When a vehicle comes from the other way, I move over to the right side of my lane.
I feel this is the best way to avoid a vehicle crossing the center line.

In corners I try to stay center, but will hug the line if no opposing traffic.

When in a group, I usually claim a right side position.

Most of my riding is in rural areas, so this seems to work for me.

[Rams]

Why Do Motorcycles Ride So Close To The Yellow Line?

https://www.msn.com/en-us/autos/ownership/why-do-motorcycles-ride-so-close-to-the-yellow-line/ar-AA1xAeSG?ocid=msedgntp&pc=LCTS&cvid=45be9338ff5c44abb76875361c00337c&ei=65

There are two main rules to becoming a good motorcyclist. First, you should have at least a basic understanding of how your motorcycle works. This way, if you notice a drop in performance, you'll have a general idea of which part to inspect so you can take preliminary measures. Second, and most importantly, you must know the common mistakes and best practices for riding a motorcycle safely on the road.

All your skills and experience in handling your bike will mean nothing if you don't know where to position it in a lane. One incorrect position could put you in a dangerous situation on the road. Experts will always suggest you position your bike close to the yellow line on the road. This mainly helps to reduce the risk of a collision with a vehicle coming from the other lane, as both riders may be unaware of each other's presence due to limited visibility. But how exactly does riding near the center yellow line reduce the risk of a collision?

There are two main reasons why motorcyclists ride close to the yellow line: to see and to be seen. Riding a motorcycle always requires making decisions based on what's happening around you on the road. The best angle for you to observe the road ahead, is by riding close to the yellow line.

Let's say you're riding on a two-lane road with a slight curve ahead. In such a situation, positioning yourself closer to the center yellow line will allow you to see oncoming traffic earlier as you approach the curve. This will help you in making a better decision on whether you need to adjust your position to avoid any chance of collision from oncoming vehicles. Also, if you're near the yellow line, it'll allow you to be seen by drivers coming from the opposite direction who might be considering overtaking a slower vehicle in front of them.

Additionally, since bikes are smaller in size, there's a high possibility that they might get overlooked by large semi-trucks or cars. But by positioning your bike near the yellow line, you're more visible to the driver through their side mirror, which will eventually reduce the chance of being overlooked. So, when a large vehicle wants to change lanes, your position will ensure that they're aware of you, which will help them to make safer decisions. Furthermore, this position will give you more room to swerve away from a merging vehicle and avoid a collision.

What Are The Other Benefits Of Riding Near The Yellow Line?

In addition to improving visibility for both the motorcyclist and vehicles in the opposite lane, there are a few other advantages of riding near the yellow line. When you ride in the center of your lane behind a large vehicle, you may experience significant wind turbulence caused by the vehicle. This turbulence can make it harder to control your motorcycle and may even impact fuel efficiency, as your bike needs to use more power to overcome wind turbulence. You can avoid such a situation by maintaining a safe distance from the vehicle and positioning yourself differently, preferably near the yellow line.

Additionally, many riders on forums, state that they prefer riding near the center yellow line to avoid obstacles like small rocks and grease. It turns out that the center of the lane often accumulates oil and grease, while the farthest edge of the lane tends to gather debris like small rocks. All these factors can make riding more difficult and unsafe. That's why it's better to ride the yellow line, which is generally cleaner and smoother.

Riding close to the yellow line also means that you're closer to vehicles coming from the opposite direction in the other lane. That's why it's important to adjust your position based on the road conditions. You may need to shift your motorcycle from near the yellow line to the center of your lane or farther away from the yellow line if you notice a heavy vehicle traveling close to the yellow line in the opposite lane. 

   

I agree with much of this, I also prefer to ride close to the yellow line but, my reasoning mostly goes to having the room to maneuver should the need arise.   Yes, visibility is also right up there but for me, it's more about having that room.   While I will ride staggered within or while on a group ride, I'm not nearly as comfortable being close to the ditch where there's a much greater opportunity to cross over that paint (where and when the edge is painted/marked).

Rams   

Why the quote with no comment?   

Rams

[f6john]

Ron, once the Ram has spoken,,,,,,,,,,,

[0leman]

I, too, ride mostly on the left side of lane.   I can see better there, and it is easier for the vehicle in front of me to see my bike.  This is because most car/truck drivers use their left side mirrors the most.  In windy conditions I will move over to the right side when Semi's come my way as their wind can move you around a bit. 

I believe the center can have oil residue on it, or at least it used to.  But with more modern vehicles, the loss of oil is not as prevalent.  Or at least I am not seeing it much in our neck of the woods.

[da prez]

  I ride the yellow brick road. Sorry , wrong subject. 
  I ride close to the line when by myself. If I ride to the right side , I have had several cages see it as an open invite to pass in the same lane.  NOT cool.

                                                        da prez

[Rams]

  I ride the yellow brick road. Sorry , wrong subject. 
  I ride close to the line when by myself. If I ride to the right side , I have had several cages see it as an open invite to pass in the same lane.  NOT cool.

                                                        da prez

Agreed.  In fact I'm told my crash a few years ago was due to an SUV passing me so close that their vehicle actually contacted my mirror or handlebar.  I honestly don't know, that crash simply isn't in my memory banks although, the ambulance ride (in part) still haunts me.

Rams

[Oss]

sounds about correct to me

When in the rain following a truck I pick the left tracks to ride in
Less water and still can see and be seen by others


We have a lot of strip paving,  about 2-3 feet wide going sometimes for miles
I ride then on the most recently paved parts when possible as it can be un nerving as the tire goes up and down on the differing road heights especially when road is wet

Here leaving distance is key so one can find the potholes before they find you

[DIGGER]

Another reason I ride close to the center line.   Ive never encountered this situation but have know other riders who have.... if you are riding the right hand side of your lane and there is a vehicle behind you....and another vehicle ease's over to see if it is clear to pass the vehicle behind you there is a good chance the passing vehicle wont see you in the right hand side of the lane.  He thinks it is clear and passes the car in front of him and then oncoming traffic forces him back to his side of the road and there you are but he has to come over into you to avoid the oncoming traffic.  Not a good situation.  If you are riding the left hand side of your lane when the passing vehicle eases over to see if he can pass the traffic in front of him he will see you better if you are in the left side of your lane

[Hook#3287]

Idk, the percentage of passing vehicles compared to distracted drivers coming from the opposite way seems to favor the later. Jmho

Then there's not letting vehicles come up behind you by use of the throttle 

[HayHauler]

Another reason I ride close to the center line.   Ive never encountered this situation but have know other riders who have.... if you are riding the right hand side of your lane and there is a vehicle behind you....and another vehicle ease's over to see if it is clear to pass the vehicle behind you there is a good chance the passing vehicle wont see you in the right hand side of the lane.  He thinks it is clear and passes the car in front of him and then oncoming traffic forces him back to his side of the road and there you are but he has to come over into you to avoid the oncoming traffic.  Not a good situation.  If you are riding the left hand side of your lane when the passing vehicle eases over to see if he can pass the traffic in front of him he will see you better if you are in the left side of your lane

I use the part of the lane that makes me the most visible.  I ride the left track if I am in the right hand lane and the right track when in the fast lane.  That way, vehicles passing the car behind me, will see me, no matter which lane I am in.  If riding in the middle lane, I will switch back and forth based on the vehicles coming in the adjacent lanes.  None of this is perfect and doesn't always apply, but being visible is the most important.
Heard on a ride to Inzane a couple of years ago over the blue tooth headsets.....
"Did a 747 land on the highway behind us, or is that HayHauler???"   LOL

Hay 
Jimmyt

[hubcapsc]

I weave down the road like a drunk uncle, unless I'm riding
with others, then I try to stay on the side that the guy
in front of me isn't on.

Never go to the other side of the line...



-Mike

[carolinarider09]

I cannot remember for sure that the following is true but....

I took a motorcycle safety course before I purchased my first motorcycle, 1976 or so Yamaha Enduor.

They taught us that staying to the left of center for a solo rider was the best choice.  It allowed you to see beyond cars in front of you, allowed more freedom of motion in your lane, and was just generally just a good idea.

Most of what I have read since then supports that notion as does my personal experience riding. 

It is also very important, they stated, that when riding in a group that the first rider ride to the left of his lane, protecting the riders behind him for a car "wandering" into your lane. 

I have noted, as I get older, that I tend to ride closer to the center line they before.  That sort of bothers me since I have a Goldiwng and a Hannigan trailer which I use on our (wife and I) road trips.  It is possible to ge the trailer on the center line if you ride too far left of center.  Just a thing.

[indybobm]

My personal preference is to ride where a cars left tire would be. I try to stay out of the middle because items kicked up by cars or fall off of vars tend to collect there, IE shovel, rocking chair.
If I am riding to left side of the lane and, depending on traffic, I have more avoidance possibilities if something jumps out in front of me. If I am riding in the right side of the lane, I might end up off the side of the road.

[carolinarider09]

My personal preference is to ride where a cars left tire would be. I try to stay out of the middle because items kicked up by cars or fall off of vars tend to collect there, IE shovel, rocking chair.
If I am riding to left side of the lane and, depending on traffic, I have more avoidance possibilities if something jumps out in front of me. If I am riding in the right side of the lane, I might end up off the side of the road.

I failed to mention not riding in the center of the lane.  I don't do that because it is more likely to be heavily oiled from leaks and other things that can collect there.

Since there is little contact with the "middle" of the lane from tires, stuff tends to build up.  Again, it is what I was taught in the motorcycle safety courses and it seems rational.

[Moonshot_1]

Yeah, I ride near the center line as well. A few reasons.

Provides more reaction time for things shooting out the side of the road like deer, raccoons, and other wild life.

The road seems cleaner as there tends to be a crown on the road.

Seems like the right side is usually wore, more pot holey, middle is oily, left side is pretty good.

And it is where all the cool people ride.

[Willow]

I stay away from the center of the lane for the reason already mentioned.  Cages leave two tracks.  I prefer the left track of the right lane, or in multiple lanes in my direction, possibly the left track of the right lane.

Such choices provide me the widest area available of paved surface last anything should go awry.