Triumphrat

brolane · 08-14-2007, 07:51 AM

I recently spent several days in Chattanooga, Tenn., and drove my car, mainly because I carried my two miniature schnauzers with me. Carrying the dogs means that this is a one-pit-stop trip. As I neared the halfway point, I became aware that I was checking to see what type surfaces were on the areas where I could pull off an park. I was looking for loose gravel and other hazards that might affect a bike. I have noticed that I am also more conscious of the distance I maintain with the vehicle in front of me, looking for that perfect line around curves and being generally more aware of all road conditions and traffic around me. I always keep an eye out for bikes.

In short, I feel I am a better driver because of my riding experience. Have any of you noticed improved driving skills?

fugitive · 08-14-2007, 08:16 AM

My truck is not as nimble. I do use turn signals more, flinch when seeing people coming in from the side, watch closely on those turning. On the other hand I am more likely to speed (I don't think speed alone is a sign of bad driving), change lanes and pass more on the bike. I have found that there is really big blind spots on my wife's car on the driver side in particular, I can lose a whole vehicle there, not just a bike. I always imagine the feel of the surface for 2 wheels. Last Fall I came around a windy bend (Windy Point on 285 for locals) in the mountains, there was water and sand all over the road, several emergency cars, where snow had been blowing and freezing. This was one of the times where you wonder which vehicle to take, I opted for the truck. If I had been on the bike and been 10 minutes quicker it may have been all over.

I do notice motor cyycles more, but have always considered myself a bike guy, even all those years I was sans one.

drainbamage · 08-14-2007, 10:03 AM

Has riding affected my driving? Well, YES IT ******* DID! Just the other day I tried to drive between 2 other stopped cars at a light. Dumb, dumb, dumb!

JasonS · 08-14-2007, 10:54 AM

I am a better driver for the time on two wheels... I am also a better driver for time spent on 4 wheels on a track.... Riding demands total concentration. There was a point in the last few years, where I had not driven a car for weeks and weeks.... on the day I did drive 4 wheels, I was bored... the car almost drive sitself, and I find myself with all kinds of extra time....

blacktiger · 08-14-2007, 11:04 AM

Well documented on this side of the pond that riding a motorcycle makes for a better car driver because on a bike you HAVE to be more observant to stay alive.
The down side is that it can make you less patient with slower traffic because you can't overtake so easily in the car.

Whisperinsmith · 08-14-2007, 11:32 AM

i'd like to think riding a bike has improved my driving a car. to answer your question simply, yes.

97sprint · 08-14-2007, 11:38 AM

Yes.

I've always felt I was a good or above average driver.
I drive a city bus so I need to be VERY aware of traffic
and pedestrians.

As to my bike riding, get me out in the countryside!

I notice my vision is different at speed versus city driving.
Almost like I get better vision at speed, or more clarity.
Not tunnel vision, I just see better.

markbvt · 08-14-2007, 12:00 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by brolane

In short, I feel I am a better driver because of my riding experience. Have any of you noticed improved driving skills?

Absolutely. I'm much more conscious of corner entry speeds, throttle/brake input in corners, and potential upcoming hazards.

Personally, I think all drivers should be required to spend at least six months riding a motorcycle before they're allowed behind the wheel of a car.

--mark

BadMouth · 08-14-2007, 12:04 PM

I like to lean around tight corners in the truck.
I can only drag my knee in the left handers though.

LoVel · 08-14-2007, 12:09 PM

I would have to agree with yes most of the time but as someone else already pointed out I too have become less patient. I find myself constantly thinking, I could have passed that moron on my bike.