TEAM Arizona Riding Tip: The Time Space Continuum
Last Updated: November 30th, 2020
No, this article isn’t some high-minded sci-fi exploration. Rather, we hope this will be a jumping point for our readers to consider the interplay between the concepts of time and space. Our motorcycle ride can be negatively affected should we fail to understand how these concepts alter the amount of risk we are accepting. Like our friend to the left, Barf from the movie Spaceballs, we can choose to be our own best friend.
Will you follow Barf’s lead and be your own best friend?
AND NOW, STEPHEN HAWKING REGARDING SPACE
Actually, it doesn’t take a brilliant scientist like Hawking to paint a picture for us motorcyclists. Space is the area around us, our buffer zone, from all possible hazards. Hazards can be fixed (curbing, traffic islands, poles, etc) or they can be transient and mobile (other motorists, bicyclists, pedestrians, etc). When we position ourselves as far away from these hazards as possible, we are creating SPACE for ourselves.
Traditionally, rider training has focused on a key area: the space in front of us. Why? Research shows that most motorist involved crashes happen in front of us. Intersections are a critical road location where motorcyclists often suffer the most severe and damaging interaction with other motorists. It is crucial we learn to manage that space.
While the space in front of us is most important, we don’t want to neglect the space to our left and right. Giving ourselves escape lanes, positioning ourselves in our lane dynamically in ways that maximize our space, and keeping our head on a swivel are important elements to providing ourselves with space.
HAVE YOU TIMED YOURSELF?
In TEAM Arizona’s three primary course offerings, the Basic RiderCourse, Confident RiderCourse, and Advanced Riding Techniques, we introduce and promote the 2-4-12. If you are unfamiliar or need a refresher regarding the 2-4-12 concept, these articles are great:
Using measurements of time, we actually develop the space to operate our vehicle successfully.
WHAT IS THE RUSH?
We see it on the roadways everyday. Riders following other motorists a scant few feet behind the rear bumper at 65 mph, 75 mph, or even faster. What has that rider done to their time and space? Effectively, they’ve unnecessarily added risk, compressed the amount of time to perform a hazard avoidance technique, and removed possible escape routes. Why the rush?
There are several theories (e.g., Americans are highly territorial and aggressive on the roadways, motorcyclists have a false sense of performance because we can often accelerate or stop quicker than the traffic around us, etc), but none of these theories address how to change the behavior.
What’s the best way to change our behavior? First, understand how we’re directly accountable for actively providing ourselves the time and space for operating our vehicle successfully. Second, we have to consciously (meaning keep it top of mind while we’re riding) let go of our territorial desires and immediately forgive the motorists who trespass upon us. We’ll never win against other motorists so why try? Third, create good following distance habits by employing the 2-4-12 technique. Fourth, and finally, avoid being or feeling rushed on a motorcycle. You’ve made the decision to be on a motorcycle; take the time (and space) to enjoy it!
Do you have any ideas about maximizing your time and space? We’d love to hear about your solutions. Visit us on Facebook and tell us your ideas!
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