Read the Road

Observation gives you the edge, it helps you plan for what you can see, and prepare for what you can’t. Most riders are aware of what hazards they are likely to find out there but often fail to put that knowledge to use. The road is full of visual clues - knowing how to read them will give you the edge, not just for safety but for greater enjoyment.

This section provides hints and tips on how to use the road and its surroundings to your advantage. Below you will find a series of pictures that features hotspot areas where clues can be found (click a picture to open in a larger window). Hover over a hotspot and a drop-down box will provide information on the potential hazard and how you can use this to your advantage.

(Rider’s who have attended reading the road workshops/with advanced training learn to look well into the distance or beyond bends to spot potential hazards)

Hedges

Hedges can help you read the direction of the road. A break in the hedge may mean a farm entrance so beware. They can also show you the apex of a bend. If the point where the hedges meet on a bend look like they’re ‘coming towards you’ it means the road is closing up and you need to slow down. If it’s moving away then the road is ‘opening up’ and you can put the power on, depending on road conditions.

Position

Help motorists see you by making yourself as visible as possible. Wearing brightly coloured clothing is one way, but positioning yourself in their mirrors can provide a visual double check that they’ve seen you.

Use your side of the road to the maximum to increase your field of vision and the amount of time other road users can see you, especially oncoming traffic. Try and keep out of their blind spot, that way they won’t get a shock when you go for the overtake. If you are behind a truck, make sure you are visible in both mirrors, this is especially important if the truck is foreign. Remember, 40 mph is the maximum speed a truck can go on a single carriageway. Riding up their backside restricts your field of vision and won’t hurry them up.

Road Surface

Worn surfaces reduce grip, dew or drizzle can make them slippery so take extra care on bends covered by trees. Train your eyes to look for hazards like manhole covers, worn and shiny tarmac, painted surfaces, loose chippings, mud, leaves, over-banding, road kill and diesel are all things you need to avoid if you can.

Road Signs

There are lots of them but are you up to speed with what they all mean? When was the last time you read the Highway Code? Did you know that the Highway Code celebrated its 70th birthday in 2001 and was last updated in 2004 due to changes in legislation, road signs and markings? Get hold of a new copy from www.highwaycode.gov.uk and freshen up.

Scan as far as you can, look for signs in the distance that tell you what the road is about to do. Other street furniture can also help you read the road - telegraph poles, lamp posts etc. Prepare yourself by adopting a suitable road position.

White Lines

Road engineers use white line technology not only to guide us on our journey but also to warn road users of potential hazards ahead. A broken white line marks the centre of the road but when the lines lengthen and the gaps shorten it means there is a hazard ahead.

Areas of stripes bordered by a broken white line should only be entered if you absolutely have to and it is safe to do so. An area marked with chevrons and bordered by solid white lines must not be entered unless in an emergency.