Roundabouts
Getting round Roundabouts using the correct sequence of safety procedures is one of the most problematic for newcomers to motorcycling. This section is designed to help you understand what is required and it helps all trainees if they fully understand this before you come to your CBT.
Which lane do I get in?
First of all, you need to decide which lane you need to get into and planning ahead will help you.
- LEFT hand turn – move into the LEFT hand lane
- STRAIGHT ahead – move into the LEFT hand lane
- RIGHT hand turn – move into the RIGHT hand lane
As you can see, you only need to use the right hand lane when you are turning right, otherwise you keep in the left hand lane.
Note: this is the case on the vast majority of roundabouts however, if the road markings tell you to get into a different lane (e.g. right hand lane to go straight ahead) then you must follow the signs.
Left hand turn
Procedure:
1. Do a REAR OBSERVATION over your right shoulder to assess what is happening behind you
2. SIGNAL left
3. Move into the LEFT hand lane
4. Start looking to your right where any traffic will be coming
5. Move onto the roundabout if the way is clear and it is safe to do so
6. Keep over to the left hand side
7. Do a LIFESAVER to the left just before you turn
Straight ahead
Procedure:
1. Do a REAR OBSERVATION over your right shoulder to assess what is happening behind you
2. Move into the LEFT hand lane
3. Start looking to your right where any traffic will be coming
4. Move onto the roundabout if the way is clear and it is safe to do so
5. Keep over to the left hand side (very important)
6. SIGNAL left as you pass the final exit before your turn
7. Do a LIFESAVER to the left just before you turn
Right hand turn
Procedure:
1. Do a REAR OBSERVATION over your right shoulder to assess what is happening behind you
2. SIGNAL right
3. Move into the RIGHT hand lane
4. Start looking to your right where any traffic will be coming
5. Move onto the roundabout if the way is clear and it is safe to do so
6. Keep over to the middle lane
7. Change SIGNAL to the left as you pass the final exit before your turn
7. Do a LIFESAVER to the left just before you turn
Definitions:
REAR OBSERVATION:
A good look over your right shoulder to assess what is happening behind you.
LIFESAVER:
A glance into your blind spot just before you start turning, in the direction you are going to turn, e.g. turning right, then Lifesaver to the right to check for overtaking vehicles.
Procedure at Roundabouts Video
Three short clips showing the correct procedure for a Left hand turn, Straight ahead and a Right hand turn at a Roundabout.
Take special note of where the REAR OBSERVATIONS, where and when SIGNALLING takes place and where LIFESAVERS are done and in which direction.
You can also see which lane is selected for each sequence.
Question about CBT theory?
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