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Difficulty: HardMotorcycles

You are following a motorcyclist on a single-carriageway road. As the road approaches a sharp left-hand bend, the rider moves towards the centre line of the road instead of keeping to the left. What is the primary reason the motorcyclist adopts this position?

  1. A
    To encourage following drivers to overtake on the inside before entering the bend
  2. To improve their view of the road ahead and make themselves more visible to oncoming trafficAnswer
  3. C
    To focus solely on the road surface directly ahead without scanning for oncoming traffic
  4. D
    To avoid having to increase their separation distance when riding over wet road markings

Answer

To improve their view of the road ahead and make themselves more visible to oncoming traffic
Motorcyclists frequently adjust their road position within their lane to maximise their view through bends and make themselves more conspicuous to other road users. On the approach to a left-hand bend, positioning towards the centre of the road opens up the view around the curve earlier, allowing the rider to identify approaching hazards or oncoming vehicles sooner.

Step-by-Step Solution

1
Analyze the road geometry and the motorcyclist's specific change in road position on approach to a left-hand bend.
Recognize that moving right towards the centre line straightens the approach angle and widens the sightline through the curve.
On a left-hand bend, staying close to the left kerb severely restricts forward visibility due to hedgerows, embankments, or roadside obstacles.
2
Evaluate the safety and visibility implications for the motorcyclist and other road users.
The rider gains an earlier view of oncoming vehicles or stationary road hazards and becomes visible to oncoming traffic sooner.
Riders adapt their road position dynamically (as taught in advanced motorcycle roadcraft and recognised by the DVSA) to maximize forward observation and early anticipation.
3
Determine the appropriate driver response when following a motorcyclist executing this manoeuvre.
Maintain a safe following distance, avoid attempting to overtake, and understand that the rider is optimizing their safety and vision.
Drivers must recognise motorcycle positioning tactics so they do not misinterpret them as an invitation to pass or an erratic movement.

Key Concept

Motorcycle lane positioning for forward visibility and hazard anticipation on bends
Estimated Time:1m 0s
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Motorcycles

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