Scan, do not stare
Keep your eyes moving between far view, near surface, mirrors, side roads, and vehicle behaviour.
Guides
Roadcraft Tips
Practical roadcraft prompts for observation, positioning, speed choice, junctions, rural roads, and keeping options open.
Roadcraft gives you time
Good roadcraft is not a trick. It is the habit of finding information early, choosing a position that helps you see and be seen, and keeping enough pace discipline to change plan without drama.
The useful question is simple: what could change in the next few seconds, and have I left myself a sensible answer?
Roadcraft prompts to practise
01
Read the road surface
Look for paint, diesel, gravel, potholes, drain covers, wet leaves, and polished tarmac before they are under the tyres.
02
Treat junctions as active hazards
Assume someone may not have seen you. Adjust speed and position so a late pull-out does not become your only problem.
03
Use position for information
A better line is not always the fastest one. Choose the position that improves view, space, visibility, and escape options.
Three useful habits
Make speed match view
If you cannot see enough to stop or change plan comfortably, the road is asking you to slow down.
Plan for other people
Leave room for a driver to miss a mirror check, a pedestrian to step out, or a vehicle to drift.
“ I read years ago in Fast or Performance Bikes about covering the clutch and brake levers, all the time, I started riding like that the next day. At 60mph, the second it takes to get your hand off the grip and onto the lever, you've covered 30 yards, if your already covering the lever, your braking 30yds quicker. This has probably saved me a few times.”