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How big of a concern should getting hit from behind at a light be?
Posted: Thu Jun 22, 2017 10:54 am
by MThomas
From:
https://rideapart.com/articles/10-thing ... le-crashes
"Someone hit you from behind at a stop light? Why weren’t you flashing your brake lights? Why didn’t you slow down early to bring them to a controlled stop? Why were you stopped in the lane and not on the margin?"
TBH I've though of this scenario myself. I'm at a stoplight but there's no one behind me (yet). Will the next car see me and stop in time? I'm pretty much at the mercy of the driver.
I don't see others flashing brake lights, and avoiding the middle of the lane, should we be?
Re: How big of a concern should getting hit from behind at a light be?
Posted: Thu Jun 22, 2017 3:11 pm
by peels
dont let it eat at you, but let it always in the back of your mind, so you pay attention.
what i do, as I watch in mirror. if driver doesnt look engaged, and the speed looks high.. I flash my brakes.
drivers DO tend to creep awfully close to bikes, which i unnerving.
Re: How big of a concern should getting hit from behind at a light be?
Posted: Thu Jun 22, 2017 8:41 pm
by Catchina
I keep it in first and am prepared to move if a car pulling up behind me looks like it is not slowing down enough.
Re: How big of a concern should getting hit from behind at a light be?
Posted: Mon Jun 26, 2017 7:10 am
by mogu83
Happens a lot more than most riders think. Usually the damage to the rider is minor but the damage to the new bikes with all the body work can be expensive. Plus your bike can end up in the shop during prime riding time. Their are varied opinions (think oil) about what kind of rear auxiliary lighting is best but it's worth looking into something. Most are relatively cheap and easy to install.
I know MSF recommends sitting at a light in first with the clutch in, but I've always disagreed with that. I started on bikes with clutch cables and their was always the chance the cable would break and launch you into cross traffic. Also if your sitting at a light in first and some one just gives you a light tap, chances are the bike will move forward, your body will move back and your hand will slip off the clutch. Launching the bike into cross traffic. Better to pull to the light, put it in first and then pull it back to neutral.
Also when sitting at a light and people start that pull up two feet and stop routine, I don't move. Every time you pull up and stop just gives the guy behind you another chance to tap you.
Naturally IMHO (IE: IMHO). You did ask.
Re: How big of a concern should getting hit from behind at a light be?
Posted: Fri Jul 28, 2017 7:30 pm
by Sunbeemer
This is #2 on my hit parade, right after people (going in the opposite direction) turning left in front of me, and right before people driving distracted for whatever reason. My advice: Ride like you're invisible, flash your brake lights when stopped, and always leave yourself an "out".