Motorcycle awareness

I’ve been driving for 20 years. Last year I finally took the plunge and learnt to ride a motorcycle. It’s made me see a few things on the road differently. What is nice, is the large portion of drivers who will make way for you when they see you filtering in the mirror. Just so you know, it’s always appreciated. Sometimes dependent on the conditions it might not be quick or easy to give a thank you, but know that we’re thinking it. One very kind person last week, must have seen me filtering from far back, and left a car size gap at the front for me to pull into which was amazing and something I will try to remember to pass on in future when I’m behind the wheel.

What isn’t nice. Are the small minority who see you filtering, and for whatever reason decide to close the gap. I have had middle aged women with their kids in the car nearly squash my leg between their car and the bike because they were so affronted that I might get past them in solid traffic. To these people. Have you ever been held up by a motorbike? We try to get to the front at junctions because; it saves us time, it’s safe, we can pull away quicker than you and be gone before you know it.

And the second frustrating habit is the tailgating. I’m not in a car. If you go into the back of me, I get seriously hurt. Just back the f*** off and chill. I’m on a bike, if I’m holding you back it’s either because we’re at the limit and there’s speed cameras, or the traffic ahead is impassable. Why on earth are you trying to push me out of the way? Where are you going to go?

Anyways. Apologies. Just a small rant and a big up to the nice folk out there! Hoping maybe this makes some of the newer drivers think differently out there ✌🏼