Lane position on the freeway?

Message

allawybiker · Tue May 31, 2005 7:34 am

I was taught to use the left section of a lane - follow the left wheel track of cars - to ensure that I am not in the blind spot of the driver ahead of me. But I noticed that on the freeway, drivers to my left are nervous about passing me and sometimes even cross to the lane on their left while passing me. I am riding straight on the left section of the lane and not changing position at all, so it is not because I keep weaving right and left within the lane! Is this rule of thumb relaxed on freeways? Should I be in the middle of my lane?
BTW this is a freeway with a speed limit of 70mph, I am riding along with the traffic at 75mph while some on the left lanes are doing 80+mph.

Psycluded · #2 Unread post by **Psycluded** » Tue May 31, 2005 7:41 am

Solo, I generally try to stay in the center of the lane when I'm riding behind someone. If you're being passed on the right, drift left, and vice-versa. Just stay in a relative position that allows you to see and be seen by the most people on the road, honestly.

iwannadie · #3 Unread post by **iwannadie** » Tue May 31, 2005 7:44 am

i always stay in the left lane position. i tend to hug close to the line to which seems to make cars nervous. if i see them wanting to pass me ill drift more towards the center but i wont stay there very long. i was on a 2 lane rode and on comming traffic to my left didnt want to get that close and drifted as far as they could from me.

Randy · #4 Unread post by **Randy** » Tue May 31, 2005 10:01 am

I tend to follow in the left tracks of vehicles on the freeway. I try and stay away from the middle oil slick. It does seem that this will make cars in the left lane nervous. Here in California motorcycles are able to use the carpool lane, so I tend to stay there and keep to the left. It keeps me away from a lot of traffic, providing a nice buffer.

Mag7C · #5 Unread post by **Mag7C** » Tue May 31, 2005 11:31 am

Lane position should be adjusted based on the situation. I always try to make sure I have a "buffer" zone between myself and other vehicles. If they're in the left lane, I stay to the right of mine for example. Just use common sense and don't get run over.

Mer · #6 Unread post by **Mer** » Tue May 31, 2005 11:47 am

Mag7C wrote:Lane position should be adjusted based on the situation. I always try to make sure I have a "buffer" zone between myself and other vehicles. If they're in the left lane, I stay to the right of mine for example. Just use common sense and don't get run over.

Yes!! I move all around depending on the situation. Don't think there is just one right answer. I also move over to the far part of the lane if I'm passing someone...just in case they decide to "share" my lane.