Roundabouts

When faced with a right turn around a roundabout, riders are often guilty of naturally placing themselves too far over to the right of their lane. This can significantly increase how sharply you need to turn the bike as you tackle the roundabout’s curve. Taking a more central approach will allow you to choose a better path to your exit.

Check the surface for debris, fluid spills, gravel or potholes and plan your line. A slightly wider line will allow you to make just one steering input, rather than the fifty-pencing effect caused by multiple corrections.

If you’ve got your approach right, you should be able to make a single, smooth arc to your chosen exit on the roundabout. The big key to getting on the right path is setting the best entry point. We’ve already mentioned making your approach wider, so that you could join the roundabout more smoothly, allowing you to take a single arc through. Not only will this boost stability, but it’ll also put you in a better position to see other vehicles’ movements and alter your line if you do need to avoid debris or potholes.

By not making numerous steering inputs and being able to hold a constant throttle, you will be able to scythe more smoothly around the roundabout to the exit. With your bike more stable, you’re also better able to focus on the road ahead and planning your exit, further boosting your confidence, awareness, and safety.

Just a few tweaks to your line on the approach to roundabouts could allow you to negotiate them on a better path – one that feels smoother, safer and less awkward. It shows the importance of starting a manoeuvre on the correct line, no matter whether you’re going round a roundabout or negotiating a bend.