Overtaking – Reducing the risk

Hang back

» Getting too close to the vehicle in front (particularly vans and trucks) is the number one reason for missed overtakes. Bikes are so fast that hanging back 30-50m makes naff-all difference to the time it takes to overtake, but can give you a far, far better view. Relax and deploy patience.

Give up on junctions

» If your proposed overtake involves any kind of junction, hold fire and have a rest, and a think. Junctions are the number one scene of overtaking crashes and you can reduce the risk to almost zero by just waiting. Overtaking on a bike is so easy, there will probably be an opportunity in 20 seconds anyway.

Go to space

» Never accelerate towards the back of a car because you never know what they’ll do in response – they sometimes jam on the anchors when their mirrors are suddenly full of lights. Instead, drift out into the opposite lane, wait until you see space, then ignite the afterburners.