Lane Positioning Myths Busted: What Many Riders Get Wrong

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Let’s take a look at an older video where a rider offers some advice on lane positioning. I actually saw this video several years ago, and for some reason, it stuck with me. Today, I want to break it down, share my thoughts, and hear what you think in the comments.

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Quick Update: Road Strategy Book Is Almost Here

Before we jump into the lane position tips, a quick note on the Road Strategy Book. Many of you have preordered—and it looks like I’ll get the shipment back from the printer this weekend.

If that holds true, I’ll be shipping out all the pre-orders on Monday. If you still want to grab a Road Strategy Book first print edition, you can order now and I’ll get it out the door Monday—as long as UPS holds up their end of the deal.

Tip #1: Break the Lane Into 3 Zones

When it comes to motorcycle safety, there aren’t many advantages we have over drivers in cars—but lane positioning is one of them.

A car is locked into its lane. A motorcycle? You can divide your lane into three distinct zones, and that flexibility can give you a major safety advantage.

A smart rider breaks the lane into three parts:

Position 1 (Left)
Position 2 (Center)
Position 3 (Right)

Let’s look at when and why to use each.

Position 1 (Left)

Use it when:

You’re in traffic and want to be more visible to oncoming vehicles
You’re following another vehicle and need a clearer view ahead
You’re preparing to pass or overtake
You’re entering a left-hand curve and want to improve your line of sight

Why:

Increases your visibility to drivers ahead and in the oncoming lane
Helps you avoid blind spots
Gives you a better reaction zone for side-street traffic

Caution:

Avoid hugging the centerline too closely—especially with oncoming trucks or in windy conditions
Be cautious in narrow lanes

Position 2 (Center)

Use it when:

You’re alone on the road and want even spacing on both sides
You’re navigating tight lanes, like in construction zones
You want to assert your position in the lane to prevent cars from trying to share it

Why:

Keeps you centered and visible
Helpful on straight, obstacle-free roads
Discourages lane-sharing behavior from inattentive drivers

Caution:

This is where oil and debris often collect—especially at intersections and in wet conditions
Avoid if the surface looks slick or traction is questionable

Position 3 (Right)

Use it when:

You’re on a multi-lane road and want to stay away from faster-moving traffic
Oncoming traffic is hugging the centerline
You’re entering a right-hand curve and want better cornering and visibility
You’re approaching a hill where traffic may drift over the line

Why:

Gives you buffer space from oncoming vehicles
Often offers a potential escape route to the shoulder
Manages risk in sketchy traffic situations

Caution:

Watch for driveways, merging traffic, and parked vehicles
Shoulders can be unpredictable—watch for debris and rough surfaces

Tip #2: Adjust for Visibility and Escape Routes

Remember, one of our main goals on the road is to see and be seen. Two of the best tools we have to control that are:

Following distance
Lane position

If more riders just kept better space and adjusted their position for visibility and escape options, there’d be far fewer motorcycle crashes on the road.

Tip #3: Constantly Re-Evaluate

There’s no “one-size-fits-all” lane position.

As a rider, you should constantly ask yourself:

How well can I see?
How well can others see me?
What is my escape route?

That mental checklist helps keep you out of trouble. Failing to adjust your lane position means you’re giving up one of your biggest riding strategy advantages—and you’re riding less safely as a result.

Till next week,
Stay safe out there and use every inch of that lane to your advantage.