CORE 4
Space, lane position, and communication
SEE: Search, Evaluate, Execute
SEE
Search 10–15 seconds ahead. Evaluate speed, distance, and direction. Execute by communicating and changing speed or lane position.
Three paths per lane — no single “best”
1
Left
Doors, parked cars, your view to pass
2
Center
Flanked both sides; lane protection
3
Right
Oncoming threat, or room from a left hazard
The oily center strip is about 2 feet wide. Riding beside it still counts as center.
Space cushion
- NUMBERNormally keep a 2-second following distance.Why it matters: A motorcycle can stop shorter than a car. Do not import the Driver’s Handbook 3-second car gap unless the stem names a car.
- NUMBEROpen to 3 seconds or more on slippery pavement, in heavy traffic, when you cannot see through the vehicle ahead, and at night. Add more when towing.
- STOPPEDLeave an escape route in case the vehicle behind is not stopping or the vehicle ahead backs up.
- TAILGATERLet the driver pass. If that is not possible, slow down and open more space ahead; flash the brake light before slowing.
- ALONGSIDEDo not ride next to another vehicle longer than needed. Blind spot plus no escape route equals a bad trade.
- PASSINGStart in the left portion for visibility, signal, mirror and head check, move through the blind spot quickly, then signal and check again before returning.
- BEING PASSEDHold the center portion of your lane. Moving away can invite an early cutback.
Lane + signals
- TRAPThere is no single best lane position. Choose the path that improves visibility, avoids blind spots and hazards, protects the lane, and preserves an escape route.
- THREE PATHSVehicles on both sides usually favor the center. A threat on the left generally favors center or right. Parked vehicles generally favor the left portion, away from doors. The oily center strip is about 2 feet wide — riding beside it still counts as center.
- HORNA motorcycle horn is quieter than a car’s. Use it, but do not rely on it. Flash the brake light before slowing when a tailgater, a mid-block alley, or a tight high-speed turn makes deceleration unexpected.
- NUMBERToll transponder — five legal spots: pocket, cycle net on the tank, plate-mounted device, storage compartment, windshield. Not on the outside of the helmet.
- LANE SPLITTINGCalifornia permits lane splitting when done safely and prudently. The shoulder is not lane splitting, and shoulder riding is illegal.Why it matters: CHP’s educational guidance: not for inexperienced riders; risk rises with speed and speed differential; typically safer between the far-left lanes than other lanes. The statute sets no mph cap — “safe and prudent” is the testable answer.
- HOVMotorcycles may use HOV lanes unless posted otherwise. Enter and exit only at designated openings.
- SIGNALSignal during the last 100 feet before a turn and at least 5 seconds before a highway-speed lane change.
- CANCELTurn the signal off after the maneuver. A forgotten signal may cause a driver to enter your path.
- MIRRORCheck at stops, before lane changes, and before slowing. Add a head check for blind spots.