Driving on the wrong side.

[DuRavary]

A

Edited December 16, 2021 by DuRavary

[husoi]

I believe that is a subject that would take several pages to explain.

I have both driven and ride in the continent and never had any trouble knowing which side of the road I should be in.

[Bender]

I just keep the kerb to the side its supposed to be at if that makes any sense, works for me, I can see how ribbon would work. 

[DuRavary]

7 hours ago, Bender said:

I 

Edited December 16, 2021 by DuRavary

[manxie49]

Like Husoi I can't really say I've experienced any issues.  I was fortunate enough to cut my teeth driving a lot in Germany when I was in the Army.  The only near mistake I did make was almost going around a roundabout the wrong way.  That was a good few years ago though.  As you can imagine, we get a lot of riders from the continent where I live, most accidents seem to occur when the rider panics and reverts back to what he knows, that is, switching to what is normal for him / her.  I suppose what I would take away from it is,  if it's your first time on the continent,  take your time,  keep calm and don't be harassed by other drivers,  you very quickly get into the swing of it.

 

 

[DuRavary]

k

Edited December 16, 2021 by DuRavary

[DuRavary]

7 hours ago, husoi said:

I 

Edited December 16, 2021 by DuRavary

[husoi]

If you see the other vehicles coming in your direction on the same side of the road you will know that you shouldn't be there  

 

On a serious note, you will rapidly know which side is the correct one by the vertical signage. It should be facing you on the right side if you ride on the continent.

[DuRavary]

5 hours ago, husoi said:

I

Edited December 16, 2021 by DuRavary

[DuRavary]

7 hours ago, husoi said:

I believe that is a subject that would take several pages to explain.

C

Edited December 16, 2021 by DuRavary

[S-Westerly]

I know someone who made an arrow from red electrical tape, stuck it on his tank with the arrow pointing  to the right. It worked for him.

[husoi]

19 minutes ago, DuRavary said:

Can you explain what you mean? I’m just wondering if there are any things others might use as an aide mémoire. I’ve already mentioned TOMM’s ribbon and I also met somebody who regularly crossed the channel who used to put a cuddly toy in the rh or lh corner of the windscreen as a reminder. 

If you feel the need to have a "reminder" you should use one. It doesn't hurt anybody and if makes you more confident so be it. Either a ribbon on the handlebar, a stuffed toy, a sticker on the windshield, etc. any of those would do the job.

I remember seeing a car, years ago, with a sticker on the back saying that the driver was on the other side (as if the non UK number plate wouldn't give the hint).

What I meant was that for me, personally, I didn't need it when I arrived in the UK and I don't feel as necessary when I go touring in the continent (or driving abroad).

It doesn't mean what I do will work for anybody else. 

 

While riding in urban roads it should be clear which side you are supposed to be because of the traffic flow. While in countryside roads the "reminder" would make more sense.

Again, if you feel that you should have one, you should get it. Can't see anybody telling you off by doing it, and if prevents trouble, you should have it.

 

As @manxie49says, having the experience will help and while some riders will get used to changing the side of the road quicker than others it is perfectly understandable each individual having different choices.

 

I find it more important to be aware that when you stop that you will have to be careful how you dismount off the bike as the traffic will be flowing differently.

Another "issue" you will encounter is traffic lights that work differently from the UK (continent doesn't have the transition red/amber before green light) and although priority rules are the same (righthand right of way) you will be facing other road users on the other side of the road. This yes, could be a bit more confusing.

 

Parking and entering the traffic are on the right side so you must get used to look over the left not the way is done in the UK.

[Blackholesun]

I usually stick to the other side to where the cars are coming...

[DuRavary]

4 hours ago, Blackholesun said:

I 

Edited December 16, 2021 by DuRavary

[DuRavary]

4 hours ago, husoi said:

If 

Edited December 16, 2021 by DuRavary

[DuRavary]

4 hours ago, husoi said:

I

Edited December 16, 2021 by DuRavary

[KiwiBob]

Its easy to have a lapse of concentration when stopping for fuel so I try and pick petrol station on the right hand side of the road.

[husoi]

Don't worry @DuRavary I won't be reading any more of your posts...

[Mississippi Bullfrog]

Anyway it's all Napoleon's fault and he was a nasty little man so I'll stick to places where I can drive on the proper side of the road.

[DuRavary]

3 hours ago, Mississippi Bullfrog said:

A

Edited December 16, 2021 by DuRavary

[DuRavary]

3 hours ago, husoi said:

D

Edited December 16, 2021 by DuRavary

[MikeHorton]

It's all getting a bit heated on this forum lately. Just remember it's nice to be nice, maybe let's not be too Insulting to each other wr and maybe have a little tolerance of each others views. Hands up I can be a bellend at times and I don't think any expert in bellendedness could ever confirm I'm not one so if anyone want to call me a bellend I'll accept that as I display all the symptoms of one in short  bellend positive for the foreseeable future

[Liveware Problem]

1 hour ago, MikeHorton said:

It's all getting a bit heated on this forum lately. Just remember it's nice to be nice, maybe let's not be too Insulting to each other wr and maybe have a little tolerance of each others views. Hands up I can be a bellend at times and I don't think any expert in bellendedness could ever confirm I'm not one so if anyone want to call me a bellend I'll accept that as I display all the symptoms of one in short  bellend positive for the foreseeable future

 

*Waits for Six to chime in calling you a bellend* 

 

Don't think I've ever seen you post anything mean or bellend-ish actually! 

[MikeHorton]

Just now, Liveware Problem said:

 

*Waits for Six to chime in calling you a bellend* 

 

Don't think I've ever seen you post anything mean or bellend-ish actually! 

Damn it I must try harder to be more visibly bellendish. Cheers mate

[Guest]

5 hours ago, DuRavary said:

keep calm and don't be harassed by otherdrivers, 
 

As I pointed out above mistakes often happen pulling away after a stop, when other traffic is around is less likely that anyone would be confused. 

This happened to me. Driving in Spain. Long day, tired and stopped for fuel, pulled out and drove along on the wrong side of a thankfully quiet road.  A scooter overtook me on the correct side and I corrected my mistake. No advice on avoidance, but being extra careful when tired.