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Observation Skills Observation Skills

It is important to develop observation skills as it enables the expert rider to identify potential hazards and dangers at an early stage. This ensures that good progress can be made without prejudice to the safety of the rider and other road users.

Observation Skills The red car has just pulled out right in front of you. Could you have foreseen that this situation would arise? Could you have positioned yourself so that the driver could have seen you earlier? The red car has just pulled out right in front of you. Could you have foreseen that this situation would arise? Could you have positioned yourself so that the driver could have seen you earlier? Always expect the unexpected to occur!

Observation Skills From this position our rider has a limited view of the junction ahead and potential hazards that may exist.

Observation Skills As our rider nears the junction, his speed should reflect the unseen dangers ahead.

Observation Skills Only when in close proximity to the junction does our rider’s view into it begin to increase. Even so, hazards present may still not be visible.

Observation Skills Only when our rider reaches the junction does he have sufficient view to make an informed decision. Position yourself to give the best view, both to you and other road users. SEE AND BE SEEN! Only when our rider reaches the junction does he have sufficient view to make an informed decision. Position yourself to give the best view, both to you and other road users. SEE AND BE SEEN!

Use open spaces & breaks in hedges etc. to gain early views, but be aware of blind or hidden junctions. Observation Skills

First Hazard Second Hazard Observation Skills

The curvature of lamp posts, telegraph poles or trees can be a good indication of road layout. Observation Skills

Reflections in shop windows. Observation Skills

The angle of approaching headlights can also indicate road layout. You may think the road goes right - but it could be a junction on the brow of a hill Observation Skills

Moving shadow or light cast by low sunlight can indicate an approaching hazard. Observation Skills

Moving shadow or light from headlights - security light, taxi dropping a fare or a vehicle approaching? Observation Skills

Make good use of lights to assist your riding at night. Observation Skills

Beware of ‘Micro-climates’ - shaded areas are a hazard in cold conditions as ice can form unexpectedly.

Observation Skills Defective surfaces are a danger. Try & avoid them, or ride over them slowly. Mud is especially slippery. Be aware of this near farms & building sites. Snow & ice are very dangerous. Use extreme caution. Is it worth riding in these conditions?

Observation Skills Road paint is slippery when it is wet. Try & ride between the markings if possible. Over-banding can deflect tyres & offers less grip. Covers & temporary metal sheeting offer poor grip, especially when wet.

A cluster of lamp posts ahead - is it a speed restriction, a roundabout or a garage forecourt? Observation Skills

Beware of the possibilities of fuel spillage in the vicinity of petrol stations, especially on bends and roundabouts.

A single lamp post on its own must indicate a hazard important enough to illuminate. What is it? Observation Skills

No gap in a bank of trees - what feature of The System takes precedence here? Observation Skills SPEED! - how can you position when you cannot see what lies ahead?

Observation Skills Motorway slip roads - where there is an off - slip there is nearly always an on - slip and traffic merging - plan ahead and position accordingly.

If you are following a large vehicle, keep well back and look along both the near and off sides to get the best view of hazards. Observation Skills

Remember - take views to both sides but don’t sit in the blind spot of the vehicle you are following. Maintain a safe following distance. Observation Skills