03-04-13, 12:10 PM
Rather than drag the "Respect" thread off topic, I thought I'd post this in a new thread.
Firstly I was surprised when I read this article from the AA which was linked to in the other thread, because that's not "off-siding" as I understand the term, but rather "Illegal riding". A traffic island with blue sign with a white "Keep Left" arrow is a mandatory, ie you *must* obey it and going the wrong side of it is bloody dangerous as much as anything else.
However the definition of "off-siding" that I'm familiar with is when you position your bike across the centre line. generally on a left hand bend, in order to give yourself a better view of the road ahead.
Here is the current IAM advice on this practice for people taking their Advanced Test:
Related to this is their advice on straight-lining or "trimming" a series of bends:
So mostly the advice seems to be "Don't put yourself in danger" and "Don't do something that will cause someone else to feel they have to change speed or direction".
Firstly I was surprised when I read this article from the AA which was linked to in the other thread, because that's not "off-siding" as I understand the term, but rather "Illegal riding". A traffic island with blue sign with a white "Keep Left" arrow is a mandatory, ie you *must* obey it and going the wrong side of it is bloody dangerous as much as anything else.
However the definition of "off-siding" that I'm familiar with is when you position your bike across the centre line. generally on a left hand bend, in order to give yourself a better view of the road ahead.
Here is the current IAM advice on this practice for people taking their Advanced Test:
Quote:16: Definition clarification: ‘Off-siding’ = the crossing of the centre line/hazard line, (or in the absence of such a line, the centre of the carriageway) in order to extend a view.
Off-siding – Single track road clarification: In situations where there is no possibility of passing an oncoming vehicle due to the width of the road and in order to enable your presence to be seen earlier, this is acceptable, providing it is both advantageous and gives no risk of conflict.
Off-siding (to extend view) – two-way carriageway clarification:
Experience is showing that this is causing Candidates to put themselves in danger. The IAM actively discourages this practice and it is therefore not acceptable on test.
Related to this is their advice on straight-lining or "trimming" a series of bends:
Quote:17: Set of open bends – straight-lining/trimming clarification:
Trimming or straight-lining a set of open bends whilst acceptable on test must not be carried out if there is a risk of conflict with other road users or where it will inconvenience, confuse or cause alarm or distress, to others.
If the Candidate compromises their own or any other road user’s safety they will fail the test.
So mostly the advice seems to be "Don't put yourself in danger" and "Don't do something that will cause someone else to feel they have to change speed or direction".