Scooterlife News

Riding Tips

Here's a few tips on riding in traffic from the Scooterlife Team.

Peter Bramwell

When people talk about riding their scooter on the left side of a lane we strongly recommend you don’t! You pay your registration for the use of the road, so use whatever sections of the road you need. Don’t ride close to the gutter because cars will often try to sneak past you. Maintaining a visible, safe and comfortable position in your lane will make riding a lot safer for you, and give you more space for evasive action if you need it.

Ok, so we know not to ride in the gutter but where in the lane is best?

Firstly, always ride in the car wheel tracks. This is the cleanest part of the lane with less debris and no oil dropped from cars and trucks.

So which wheel track is the best to ride in?

If you are riding down a two-lane road, stay in the right wheel track of your lane.

Do the same if you are riding in the left lane of a four-lane road. If you are riding in the right lane, ride in the left wheel track. This defensive technique lowers the risk of people cutting in to your lane and also places you in the right-hand mirror and centre mirror of the car in front and directly in front of the driver behind. Remember………be seen, be safe.

And don’t forget, if it’s raining avoid white lines, the oily centre strip and zebra crossings!

published 17/02/2008