The CB1100 Community Forum

A year ago I read of a maneuver developed in England I believe, for motorcyclists to make themselves visible in 2 specific instances, which are a couple of the top reasons for motorcycle accidents.

#1: A car pulling out from the side, as in pulling out of a side street or driveway

#2: A car approaching from the opposite direction. with the intention of turning left in front of you.

I have been practicing this maneuver for the last year, and although I have no "proof" that it has been effective, other than I catch drivers staring at me after doing it, it seems to me as if it might have some merit.

What happens is when I see a car getting ready to turn left in front of me or pull out from a side street I start a tight quick weave in my lane (while still covering my brakes and clutch just in case) . The theory behind it is that rather than the tiny white dot of a steady headlight, which is tough to judge approaching speed on, the headlight bobs and weaves drawing the other driver's attention. I even did this to an Ohio Highway Patrolman one day about to turn left in front of me. He stopped. I wish I had turned around and chased him down to see if it made any difference to him, as he may have seen me anyway before the weave, but I didn't think of it fast enough. I will get the chance to question an LEO someday (probably in the backseat of his car as he's writing me up for reckless op lol )

Anyhow with the recent reports here on the site, I thought I would mention it, in case anyone else wanted to experiment. BY all means if you don't feel comfortable doing it, DON'T, and if I get a chance to talk to someone I have pulled the maneuver on I will let you know what they say.

Ride safe!

I think I read the same article. If I recall, part of the theory is that you expose more surface area (the side of your bike) to the driver in the process of the weave. I don't always remember to do this, but I believe it works. It certainly can't do any harm.

That sounds logical. Movement does not tend to blend with a stationary background. However it's a hard theory to prove, as Ferret points out. All may not be as seems though. Some (and not amateurs) claim that, during daylight, black is better that hi-viz. I confess that particularly on country roads I am inclined to weave a little if I see a vehicle at an intersection. Generally joined into a buffer manoeuvre. But, ultimately, you have to commit, often without a guarantee that you have been seen and recognised for what you are. Vulnerable.

Cheers, and good post.

I like to flash my bright lights with that new fangled right hand index finger switch that we have, it took me awhile to remember that I have it, now it's second nature, does it work.... I don't know....but every little bit helps.

Im hesitant to use the flash to passed switch (on the left hand switch btw) because when I was growing up flashing the high beams was a signal to tell the other driver " go ahead and turn/ pull out", I am giving you room. Not sure if younger drivers would read it that way or not.

(11-03-2014, 09:16 PM)The ferret_imp Wrote: [ -> ]Im hesitant to use the flash to passed switch (on the left hand switch btw) because when I was growing up flashing the high beams was a signal to tell the other driver " go ahead and turn/ pull out", I am giving you room. Not sure if younger drivers would read it that way or not.

I agree. This is a common signal to another vehicle to go and could lead to a disaster if you really don't intend for that person to take the right of way.
I often flash my lights when I'm in my car, but on my bike I'll either raise my arm to signal another vehicle to go or gesture with my head - depending on the situation.

(11-03-2014, 09:16 PM)The ferret_imp Wrote: [ -> ]Im hesitant to use the flash to passed switch (on the left hand switch btw) because when I was growing up flashing the high beams was a signal to tell the other driver " go ahead and turn/ pull out", I am giving you room. Not sure if younger drivers would read it that way or not.

I agree with this and since I ride with the hig beam on during the day, it wouldn't work anyway. Also, anyone know why the word "p-a-s-s" is posting as "cuss"? This happened to me several times yesterday.

I think the adm is trying out some new anti obscenity software and it is having some teething problems. Notice the u and i are right next to each other on the keyboard. I think the computer is either reading it as the slang of urine, OR more likely it is missing the p and reading it as the slang of rear end.

Growing pains lol

(11-03-2014, 09:16 PM)The ferret_imp Wrote: [ -> ]Im hesitant to use the flash to passed switch (on the left hand switch btw) because when I was growing up flashing the high beams was a signal to tell the other driver " go ahead and turn/ pull out", I am giving you room. Not sure if younger drivers would read it that way or not.

Many years ago a cousin who lived in Orlando, FL. told me that flashing the lights to an oncommig vehicle at an intersection about to turn in front of you was the go ahead sign. But in Miami, FL. it meant "don't even think about turning, I am not stopping". Not sure how it is nowadays.

I wouldn't mind trying this if it helps. Actually I wouldn't mind lighting up like an Ambulance with sirens and all.

Thanks for sharing.

(11-03-2014, 09:16 PM)The ferret_imp Wrote: [ -> ]Im hesitant to use the flash to passed switch (on the left hand switch btw) because when I was growing up flashing the high beams was a signal to tell the other driver " go ahead and turn/ pull out", I am giving you room. Not sure if younger drivers would read it that way or not.

I have never experienced this, except when two cars pull up to a four way stop at night, or when being passed by a semi truck on the highway to let him or her know that they have clearance to get back in the lane, I do use it sparingly when I think somebody may not be paying attention or appears to be in a hurry when they do a california stop, I tend to be fairly far away when I do this when I'm in a proactive zone.