Become a Member of MCrider: www.MCrider.com/Member I hope you enjoyed the new camera angles and animations in this week's video. I upgraded the studio over the last week with some new toys to step up my video production game. For Members, I will do a behind-the-scenes video soon and show you all the cameras and electronics that you helped pay for. So, keep an eye out on the forums for a link to that. www.MCrider.com/forum As always, thanks for watching! Kevin

I'm a new rider at 54 years old, but I've spent many years driving cars/trucks in traffic. Your evaluation of how people drive, where they look when they want to turn, or enter an intersection, and how to position yourself to be seen, are all spot-on. Thanks!

Situational awareness determines your lane position. You need to be able to see first, be seen second and give your self room to maneuver.

100% agree that there is no right lane position all the time as some seem to think. I tend to ride nearer the centerline most of the time as that provides the most clearance to things coming in off the side of the road. I live in PA and deer/vehicle accidents are very common. Staying near the center of the road gives more time to see a deer coming out of the bushes on the side of the road. When a car is oncoming, I tend to weave to the center or right side of the lane to provide more separation from the car, assuming I don’t expect a risk coming from the right side of the road. I then weave back toward the center once the car passes. Another advantage of doing this is related to human factors. Our peripheral vision is very sensitive to motion. So, if the oncoming driver isn’t looking right at you, they are less likely to pick you up from the background if you are not moving much relative to the background. Making a gentle swerve to change lane position greatly increases the chance of being picked up by oncoming drivers. Also, practicing swerving is a good thing in and of itself.

When approaching intersections where you have the right of way and are proceeding straight and the intersecting traffic have stop signs, consider "wobbling" back and forth, that is, change your lane position from 1 to 3 and 3 to 1, etc., and do that a few times. Helps force the other motorists to see you and hopefully won't violate your right of way.

For side angle camera comments : easy solution : you just need to turn your head & ALWAYS look at the side angle camera when this camera is on! That’s it 😘🤗. Keep on great jobs; Cheers from Montreal.

Every so often it is a good thing to go back and review the basics. This is a good one.

Been a year since my motorbike accident. Just met a guy today that was in a bike accident very similar to mine. He lost an organ, some nerve damage and some brain function. I got up and walked away from my accident. I can honestly say your lessons saved me from a far worse outcome. Ironically had i not been lazy on the day and had followed all of them i would even had the accident. Just wanted to say thanks man.

Absolutely sound advice. Answering three important questions can save your life. ADOPT A MINDSET before every ride to condition yourself; to constantly be answering those questions, adapting your position on the roadway and doing so throughout the ride. Become an example of sound planning and effective stratagies OR BECOME A STATISTIC.

Just last week proper lane positioning kept me from getting into a crash. I was pulling up to a 4 way stop and it was blind to my right. Luckily and by habit, I positioned myself in position #3 for situations such as this one. As I came to a stop, A vehicle came from my right and made a left turn. He cut the corner short and was in my lane and just missed me. Had I been in position 2 or 1 he would have hit me head on. Lucky day. Thanks for sharing great tips.

An exceptional video! A lot of people say to me "the book says..." and they don't take into account the situation (road, traffic, debris etc...). They follow "the book" religiously and wonder why they have a problem. In the UK, we use _up to_ 7 positions in the lane. It's your preference how many you use. I personally use the 3 positions you illustrated. But I know a lot of people who use the 5 positions as, in that system, position 2 and 4 are just off the "oil line". Keep them coming...

Lane position is one of the things I concentrate the most on when riding. Another is scenarios and escape routes. I’m always thinking about the what ifs when I approach side traffic. I see a lot of bikers on 4 lane divided come up in the left lane and pass cars while hugging the lane divider giving them zero chances of getting out of the cars way when it instantly decides to change lanes into the left. The biker will give himself zero escape routes when that car comes over. I love your videos and share them with new riders.

I really liked your breakdown on this... something often taken for granted or over simplified... i.e. "always place yourself in position X". So many factors dictate the best choice.

I agree my lane position is fluid like water, always changing to the circumstances as I ride. I base it primarily on maintaining the largest bubble as possible between other vehicles combined with giving me the best sightlines/ other drivers the best sightlines of me. One of the best tips I've learned is to move to lane position 3 when approaching a cresting hill on a single lane road in case someone coming the other direction is passing on your side of road.

As riders we have the most to lose, if we are not seen. Great video once again. Also worth mentioning, there are many vehicles out there with large forward blindspots between the windshield and side window. If we stay on the alert, we get to keep riding.

.....rode dirt bikes as a kid, just got back into it at 57, after life happened.....kid raised and some free time on my hands am having the time of my life cruising the back roads and mountain trails here in Northern Cal on my BMW R1200 GS.. thanks to your videos and the superb instruction, my slow game has improved 1000% ! Will be joining the club, and will following with all the great content ! Thanks again Kevin!

here in Queensland Aussie, lane position is often influenced by unique factors, including but not limited to, time of day, area, posted speed, and road condition. Among the potential hazards are the very high probibility of suicidal Marsupials, the condition of the road surface, angle of the Sun, and the biggie..Other Road users! If riding in the morn or afternoon..best position is right on the center line..that gives you the best chance of seeing, and avoiding those Kangaroos, Wombats, Echidnas, Crocodiles,, Snakes et al When an oncoming vdh is seen, then position 3 is the best, acounting for their texting, inattention, insecure loads etc.. Pos 2 is good for approaching a crest. And most importantly, ride as if you are invisible, AND that those that can see you, are looking for another notch on thier steering wheel. Thanx for your excellent work Kevin! I always promote you to other riders, along with Jerry Palandino, and Kieth Code?

Great video! We here at Viking Bags really appreciate your content! Keep up the nice work!

I never ride in #2, too much trash and oil. I almost always ride in #3, but go to #1 when it's raining as #3 tends to have the rain puddles. Sage advice on the intersections, I learned through close calls to go to #1 in those situations. I always try to be positioned where I can see the driver, hopefully they'll see me. But you're correct, it's all a game of compromises to make the best situation. Great video, thanks!

Great lesson, as always! I can now see where Lane Position 1 has it's advantages regarding being seen by potential oncoming left turn vehicles. As a rule, I would use the 1st Position when riding past parked cars to avoid someone opening their door in my path. Since oil drippings are in the middle of the lane, I never use it. I also prefer Position 3 to avoid an oncoming vehicle losing control and drifting over the center line. "Always leave an out!" is my primary mantras on the road....bike ir car.

It’s great to see the same message told in another, more effective manner. Glad you are enjoying your new tech. Thanks for sharing.

I am a 53 year old new rider and every lesson you give I try to apply and practice with my bike. I am so greatful for all I am learning from you, especially the mindset one needs, to become a better and responsible driver. I love the way you explain matters, cause you always put it to the point, with humor and a great talent for entertainment. In German KZfaq Channels I didn‘t find at least one Trainer similar to you, talking about themes like fear or increase your confidence etc. So thank you for all your knowledge sharing with us. Greetings from Germany 🇩🇪

A picture is worth a thousand words.... although those words as well are so helpful. The graphical examples are really clean and neat Kevin. 🙏

I ride a Harley-Davidson Sportster 1200c and live in Southern California. That should be enough said that I need to watch these videos because people aren't out necessarily to get me but every single time I ride someone pulls out in front of me in one way or another or does something stupid because they are looking for cars not motorcycles. Another reason I need these videos is because I'm a weekend rider at best and it's just not enough experience as a daily rider has. Practicing is fun also it's still riding on my bike. So thank you Kevin for these videos as they may have saved me already from injury or death.

I started riding in 1980 and NEVER stop learning new things. Never…ever…think you know it all and listen closely to pro’s like Kevin. It’s that simple. Be safe my American friends. Victoria Canada 🇨🇦

Another great video, thanks Kevin!

Glad you made this thanks Kevin

thank you Kevin your tips alway are really good

Great video/instructions. Thanks Kevin!

Great video, loved the visuals

Production looks GREAT Kevin. Love the new setup. Great job.

Good info!👍👍 I learned something, thanks!

Good stuff Kevin.

Situational Awareness and smart decisions...Great video Kevin.

Great visuals

Great information and the new graphics make it very easy to understand your instruction.

Great word!

Thank you so much for these videos - super helpful. I'm also really interested in learning more about land positioning when riding with others, both when leading & following other riders. Thanks again for these videos, I think it's important that I am continually engaged in learning and growing in my ride skills.

Another excellent lesson Kevin. Every time I'm out there I think of your fundamentals. Thanks my friend!

This is the best video on lane position I’ve seen. Very nicely done!

Lane Position is not a Safety Zone. It is, more or less, a result of Situational Awareness (being defensively aware of your surroundings, and turning that awareness into an effective strategy). KZfaq doesn't like links, so you'll have to look this up, but Huffinton Post has a good article titled "Situational Awareness: A Key to Your Safety" that can be applied to road strategy. It's worth a read.

Great video thank you

Such a great video. I know I will use these when a ride.

Great video as always, thanks!!. What is the best lane position when you drive in curves?. I got many doubts there. Thanks again!!!.

Kevin, thanks again for another video on practical life-saving tips. I've come to appreciate you and your channel so much that I've decided to subscribe. Plus, I want to get one of those cool hats, shirts, and stickers! BTW: I love the "new" studio.

Great video, saving many life's here. Thank you

Excellent mister, thanks a bunch!

Very nicely done!

I ride on a lot of back country roads. I've seen fellow riders do position 1, like almost right on the yellow line, and it scares the heck out of me because so many "country drivers" coming in the opposite direction tend to cross the center line. I like Position 1 in traffic but in country roads I tend to do 2 or 3.

Great video as always. I am about to go on my first cross country trip, and appreciate all the tips. I am sure all of them will come into play at some point. Thanks again Ride safe

I feel too many people want precise rules to follow in every circumstance. Too bad the correct answer is "it depends". Great video.

Thanks Kevin. I really needed that one. Have a great weekend!!

You make it very easy to understand. Love this channel, you are a blessing my friend, keep pushing out content!!!

@MCrider. Kevin, I love the videos & topics you cover, and I have a topic you haven't quite addressed yet. In this video, you are riding next to an 18 wheeler (the white trailer/blue stripe, pulled by a Volvo tractor) for an extended few minutes. As a Driver/Instructor for Class A CMV's, I teach my students to never linger next to a vehicle unless necessary. Here are 3 reasons never to travel next to a large vehicle for extended times. 1. Trucks/RV's only have side mirrors for side and rear vision. There are large blind spots in which a smaller vehicle can be 'lost' such as a car or motorcycle. If the truck/RV makes a lane change and the vehicle is in a blind spot, the smaller vehicle will take the worst of the collision. 2. Air-buffeting around a large vehicle can be problematic for a new, or even an experienced rider. When driving next to a large vehicle, wind, or air currents coming from the front & sides of the vehicle can move the smaller vehicle around their lane and even cause a motorcycle rider to possibly lose control and crash. 3. If a large vehicle has a tire-blowout, the explosive force can be deadly. The force of the air (105psi) can be enough to startle a motorist/rider & cause loss of control. Or, the tire debris being blown apart can either strike the motorist/rider, or simply land on the roadway. If this tire carcass lands on the road, it can cause serious damage to a car, but it can be deadly if a motorcycle rider hits it at freeway speed. So there are just 3 reasons why it is best to not remain next to a large vehicle when traveling. If you are behind them and wish to pass, it's best to add some throttle and make the pass as quickly, and safely as possible. This minimizes your time next to the large vehicle. I hope this helps. Safe riding! :-)

Thanks Kevin, I am a regular watcher and get something out of most of your videos. I am an old guy returning to riding and appreciate your efforts in making me safer on the roads

Another great video and essential information. Thank you Kevin!

I lived in Florida for 35 years it use to be a great state for motorcycle riding. The last few years I lived there it seemed there was a bounty on motorcycles. Too many people there now so I moved to southeast Alabama to a small farm town. Great motorcycle country.

One of the things I love about motorcycling is the fact that my brain and my imagination is constantly engaged, there is no such thing as boredom. It is a game of life or death for real and must be approached as such. As in any action game, there must be constant adaption to a changing environment and failure to observe and failure to know and make the right adaptive choices will lose you points --- or your life.

Kevin I am going to take an advanced class thanks to you. Your statement regarding your skill level is what you bring to a situation rang home to me thank you.

I need to watch more of your videos...thanks

Great job 👏

Make total sense - thank you very much Sir.

Thank you , ride safe!

Thanks again, Kevin. Your production is maturing nicely.

I usually don’t like to comment on videos but let me just say that even though I have been riding for a long time but I feel like I learn something new every time I watch your videos ..... you’re the best.... thank you

Great video ❤

Brilliant discussion. One extra could be to increase your visibility. Wearing black may look cool BUT a fluro vest helps drivers see you.

Great video. As a general rule of thumb, if I can't see them, they can't see me. If I don't have a good vision of the road/junctions ahead, it's a good signal for me to back off and/or reposition

Thanks Keven!

Thanks again, excellent info! You're the best! Assuming that every other driver on the road is out to get me, is what I've found to be my best approach. When around traffic, try to be seen. I expect intrusions into my lane at intersections. No pro, but been riding 50 years. These days, I'm lucky enough to do most of my riding on country roads where my worst concern is deer. There, I save my speed-runs for along open farm fields.

Great point.. I cal it situational blind spot

I feel good about my road strategy after watching this and learned additional strategies too! Win Win....thanks Kevin I'd be interested to hear more about lane positioning on 6 to 8 lane expressway-3 or 4 lanes in each direction. When there is a left shoulder I tend to stay in the left lane. Less cars to deal with and a shoulder to escape to, if I need an escape. If cars come up I pull one laner over let them pass and then stay left again...

Great video. I see many riders pretty much sitting in position 3. Even with no traffic....leaving themselves less time to avoid wildlife. I move around quite actively for the best position based on visibility, highest hazard, etc and find the added benefit of being more prepared for them as they appear not to mention it’s more fun!

Good stuff before summer gets busy I usually draw a imaginary between diver and outside mirror seems to work pretty good so keep your chin up be happy and let’s ride 🇺🇸🐾🍻

You're awesome Kevin, btw. Thank you for all you do. You're the calmest and coolest. And you're exactly RIGHT. . It DOES depend on traffic, other variables for sure. I will maybe swerve just a little, that high LED bright, and I've heard you say 'movement 'is the key, it commands the most attention from other drivers. So along with electronic turning signals, I use hand, and a little motion with my arm to draw a little more attention. Anything we can do. Hope this is something you approve of Kevin

Solid! Good road strategy is something everyone can do, regardless of skill level or experience.

Love the new studio toys. You look like you are having some fun with the switcher!

Good video I’ve learned soo much from watching your videos thank you

Thanks Kevin. With regards to lane positioning I believe it helps to move around in your lane as others see you as a fixed object behind or in front of them and lane movement breaks that image.

Thanks Kevin - This is an important topic and you've managed to explain it in an easy to understand way. What about multi-lane hiways? Can you offer similar advice in the scenarios encountered on the interstate and other hiways that are not two lanes?

I watched this video while having my coffee, the advice you gave was invaluable. While out on a ride this afternoon with the missus, if it wasn’t for my lane position that I had, I would have collided with a car. I was able to avoid the crash with some emergency braking. Thanks for great advice

Amazing video! I am going to watch more of these! Ive had some close calls and crazy accidents and any tools i have to make myself safer i will take! Thank you for your service to your fellow rider!

Kevin - That side camera angle didn't bug me in the least - Just saying. Also, your advice is so spot on... You say it best - but what's the best lane position ??? - There isn't one - mine is changing ALL THE TIME - and some of you other videos cover other stuff as well. I am CONSTANTLY watching for SIGNS, POWER POLES, LARGE TRANSFORMERS, AND ON AND ON AND FREAKIN ON - where I know, there is no freakin way "that car" waiting to pull out of that driveway / side street / whatever - can see me coming. I get to the best lane position possible for the circumstances, adjust my speed expecting to stop, or avoid because I EXPECT them to pull out in front of me. Cheers !!!

Good information, I also pay close attention to the shoulder type and condition. With a wide , paved and clean shoulder I tend toward lane position 3. With a narrow, gravel or debris strewn shoulder I tend toward lane position 1.

Thanks again for your excellent advice over the years. I have one specific strategy that works well for me that I would like you to comment on. In heavy multi lane freeway traffic that is still moving at 60MPH or greater, I have found that following at 2 to 3 seconds results in a constant flow of vehicles merging in front of me to fill the space cushion I am trying to maintain. I have found in this case it is best to follow a low vehicle with clear windows that I can fully see through to the next vehicle in front at 2 to 3 seconds. This closes the gap in front of me and allows me to still see the road ahead to the second vehicle in front of me including potential road debris. Let me know what you think and thanks again. Michael.

Thank you

Thanks Kevin!

I agree. There is no best lane position. There is benefits to every lane position, but also drawbacks. Riding near the center allows you to keep your distance from hazards to your sides, but makes you prone to being rear ended easier and running into a car in front if you dont have enough of a space cushion. Riding near the left or right of the lane usually allows you to be seen easier, and allows you to see further ahead, but makes you more prone to getting hit by a car changing lanes unexpectedly. All riders should be changing lane positions frequently. I've also noticed this makes me more visible with cars behind me and usually prevents tailgating since it makes us appear as if we are riding dangerously since we can't make up our mind on riding in a single position. This usually keeps drivers away from me from behind, allowing me to focus on the danger up ahead.

Thanks. I passed my written part of MSF course and am scheduled to take the riding part in early June. Looking forward to it. Your videos made me realize the importance of the training even though I have owned several bikes over the years.

Subbed. New rider here. Thank you for all of this information.

New camera's look great , thank you.

Excellent video. I ride with the same thoughts going through my mind as you were describing. I would like to add something as well, that as you said is a bit of a give and take. Going down a multi lane road, I have a tendency of riding in the part of the lane that is closest to the cars that I am passing. Some have said that is dangerous as I wouldn't have time enough to react. Unfortunately, I have noticed a lot of cage drivers have their side view mirrors adjusted so they can see right beside them, which causes a large blind spot. Riding in my lane but in the car wheel track that is closer to them, they are more likely to see my head light just as they would see a cars head light that is closest to them. I may decide to move over just as I am passing them, but my thought is that if they can see me in their mirrors, they are less likely to come over, even though I am closer to them. Of course watching for their head movement to indicate whether or not they are wanting to change lanes gives me a heads up so I can react sooner if needed.

Honest to goodness answer! IT DEPENDS on variables!

Greetings from the PPRC GOOD video.

Ay 9.00 you explain the danger of riding in position 3 close to the kerb when approaching an intersection where a car coming in the opposite direction would not see us and turn after the car in front passes that intersection. You are quite right in what you say. Unfortunately there is also a danger if one is following the car again but now in position 1. This means that any vehicle at the intersection and wanting to pull out can see the oncoming car and the white car behind us but cannot se us as we are hidden by the car in front. So both those two positions on approach to an intersection can be dangerous. The only safe place to be under these circumstances is to be as far away as possible from the rear of the car in front. That 2/3 second gap that would enable us to stop in in an emergency but would also give us not only the better view of the road ahead but also giving those vehicles ahead of us, who are wishing to turn out and against us and our path a better opportunity to see us approaching and not turn against us.

Thank you! This video helped me avoid a car yesterday. Your videos are fantastic!

Good advice. Lane position does depend. Normally you should ride in a cars left tire track.

Another good video! I'd like to add, in position 3, if there is tall grass on the side of the road, critters are apt to jump out, or even walk out in front of you. In that situation, I prefer position 1 or 2. I do realize though, ther is nothing more than a split second of difference. Maybe the critter would stop or turn around? I have had a turkey fly out in front of me and a deer approaching the side. Also ran over a snake once. Critters are a formidable opponent on the road!

If you wear a safety vest (green or orange) and use your high beam or a headlight modulator in the day time, I find these extremely helpful as well. The headlight modulator makes traffic do a double take because at first they don't understand what they are seeing. The double take happens just at the time you are passing by them and keeps them from stepping on the gas until you are past.

Good info. Nothing wrong with the new camera angle 😎😎