Motorcycling Observations #4 | Own Your Mistakes

[@farnsfield]

As a biker I think you have owned your inexperience. Just because you’re on a bike, there is a time to filter and a time to queue. Filtering is best done when traffic is very slow both ways or with wider carageway opportunities. Filtering is definitely legal but the risk factor is massively increased and you really need to know what you’re doing. I’ve been riding for over 40 years

[@laceandwhisky]

Bit of advice ash, when filtering and you need to edge in as traffic coming the otherway maybe road not wide enough use the between front a vehicle and rear of a vehicle rather than sat alongside a van. A definate statement what you are doing, also when you do pull in to stop and to stop the driver of the vehicle going karen just nod or hand up to say thanks😊 make them feel good and helps with your safety 😊 48 years riding bikes 😊

[@ashley_neal]

This is the type of comment I was hoping for! Many thanks 👍

[@smilerbob]

If I am in a queue of traffic in my car with many vehicles behind I try to leave a bigger gap to the vehicle in front to the standard “nudging gap” so any filtering riders (motorised or other) have a safe spot to head into should traffic appear the opposite direction. It is usually appreciated by all

[@GavinHitchens]

As a car driver I do enjoy the little nod

[@macduff1964a]

What I’ve learned so far during my AIM observed rides (yet to take my test) is the concept of ‘the thinking rider’ and you summed that up perfectly Ashley with your statement “own your mistakes”. Thank you.

[@smilerbob]

Owning mistakes is something many people, especially road users, struggle to do. All too often “it is the other persons fault” especially if “the insurance ruled in my favour” and “I followed all the rules properly” There are many times that mistakes happen and we all learn from them, that is life. But very few will learn, or perhaps I should say very few are willing to accept they had some responsibility in that mistake. Recently I pulled out of a junction when it wasn’t clear. Hands up, my mistake and I dealt with it. Thank you to the other driver making it a non event. Yesterday I mentioned about a motorcyclist going the wrong side of traffic lights, completely wrong and their riding was awful. Could I have done anything different to stop it? Yes I could as upon reviewing the camera footage I missed the left signal on the bike. Had I seen it, I would’ve created more space earlier for the rider One thing this channel, and this community, really helps with is improving our roadcraft. We all aren’t perfect as individuals but as a collective we can all become the best road users we can be and theckey part of that is saying, without shame or prejudice, “Hands up, I could’ve done better there”

[@PedroConejo1939]

So many people on other channels who've seen Ashley's analyses simply cannot grasp that even if the law and insurance find in your favour, you might still have avoided the incident and therefore could improve. The level of defensiveness is tectonic.

[@johnflavin1602]

While filtering, watch out for other bikes also filtering. It caught me out once as I was filtering slowly when a bike flew past me. Learned my lesson.

[@groundcontrolto]

I do use my dashcam to analyse my driving from time to time. Very useful to be able to look back at your own mistakes.

[@PedroConejo1939]

Most dashcam warriors totally fail to grasp that the video captures your own mistakes as well as those of others - which are often created by the warrior anyway. It's for this reason I very rarely submit clips because, while not egregious, my mistakes are then a matter of public record and opprobrium.

[@PedroConejo1939]

I seem to find myself in the position of the van at 1:00 quite often. I will have seen the ESV and pulled over in a safe place only for a couple of vehicles behind to pull out and pass me, presumably because they haven't seen it. I can't change that, but if someone pulls over in front of me, looking for blue lights is part of my response. As you correctly say, giving yourself room to make that assessment is key. If you're in the process of passing already, all you can do is complete and then pull over. I think I'm hypersensitive to blue lights and sirens because we get so many hereabouts.

[@smilerbob]

The best ones are when everyone stops and then one will go to overtake everyone just as the ESV is coming passed them 🤦‍♂️ Same as yourself, I am hyper sensitive to any form of blue light in the distance or anything remotely sounding like a siren due to close proximity of the local police station and A&E department

[@chrisl1797]

Everyone should be able to HEAR the ESV long before it rocks up (that is assuming the siren is on, of course....).

[@PedroConejo1939]

@@chrisl1797 That very much depends on the surroundings. In town, with plenty of buildings, etc for sounds to bounce off, yes, but on motorways, open roads, I usually see them long before I hear them, otherwise they'd need deafening levels of sirens. I almost never drive with music/radio on, and often have the window cracked down to increase the hearing - the car has laminated side windows to help keep the noise out. I much prefer the older/continental nee-nahs than the modern sirens - much easier to hear and locate.

[@chrisl1797]

@@PedroConejo1939 I've heard sirens a good two or three minutes before the ESV has rocked up.

[@PedroConejo1939]

@@chrisl1797 Everyone has a different sensory perception balance, it seems.

[@hamshackleton]

Ash, have you seen/heard that 'they' may have to close the Snake Pass permanently, due to all the land-slippage the road is suffering? - - Ambulances, I've often wondered why the siren is louder AFTER it has passed, than oit was before - do they mount the roof-boxes backwards? - - Achy hands/pins and needles -have a look at the handgrips of modern mountain bikes, they have a flat paddle-shaped grip that gives palm support - - During that vid ride, I heard a couple of clunks from the bike when you shifted into neutral or first - it could be your chain is a shade slack, and thus 'snatching' a little as the load comes on or off.

[@shadybacon3451]

When you are talking about slow down for Bobby, something which being from Liverpool I am well aware of as everyone should be around Liverpool, the speed and genuinely poor driving habits of some people going past schools, especially at kicking out times amazes me. However, some of the worst drivers around are the parents dropping their kids off. I live round the corner from a primary school and have to walk past it to the park with my dogs of a morning. I frequently have to dodge impatient entitled idiots driving along the pavement to drop off their kids because they dont want to wait and let others pass parked cars. They park anywhere they like, blocking both the pavement and traffic on the road, park across side road junctions blocking those, I've seen kids nearly get ran over by people driving on the pavement or when the parents run across the road with their kids without even looking. Honestly, I am amazed at how no one has been hit yet.

[@Chigleybus]

Booker Avenue, Quarry Bank, Liverpool College, SFX...to name just a few school-run blackspots round where I live. Absolutely 100% agree with you that the parents' driving (and "parking" if you can call it that) is generally a disgrace. If they can block the road or put you in danger they will do as long as their child gets to school on time. I'm genuinely shocked at how many teenagers get driven to and from school. And they wonder why obesity's increasing.

[@johnflavin1602]

I think people forget that what you can see in bike mirrors is pathetic compared to the centre mirror and side mirrors of a car. I always notice the difference when I get back into the car having been on the bike. Much easier for me to spot an ambulance from behind in the car.

[@ashley_neal]

Agreed, but we can't use this as an excuse.👍

[@tin2001]

Ashes bike mirrors look almost as big as the side mirrors on my boss's Ford ute... I can't believe Ford managed to even get them approved for sale like that.

[@redtela]

OK, so I'm going to be super critical - and its easy enough for me to be a back seat driver with the benefit of hindsight and the rewind button... but I genuinely do this with my own riding anyway. Firstly, kudos for the attitude of "own it, learn from it." 0:54 - road markings indicate you should move left, and you start following the van in front a little too close for comfort (what if, in an extreme situation, he hits reverse and drops his gearbox on the floor, stopping dead in your tracks?). I also didn't see any sign of a lifesaver check over your left shoulder (is the camera mounted to your chest?) - mirrors only do so much, even if you check them religiously. 1:00 - is he turning? Maybe, or maybe he's more switched on and has seen the blue flashing lights behind - how much did you use the mirrors when merging left behind the van? ;) Right as you say "is he turning?" just before you move right, we can hear the siren. Did you check right to make sure you were good to move right around the van? That whole situation started at least 6-10 seconds before you took evasive action from the van and simply cascaded. After the ambulance passes, its clear your camera is on your head, and I can see you doing mirror checks more frequently - little late to start moving the head around after it's happened, but hey, you started moving your head :) - and yes, my mirrors are positioned so that I can use them without moving my head... but I see more if I move my head, compared to my eyes alone. "No excuses, just couldn't hear him" - the van driver (probably with his radio on, inside the noisy van) saw what was coming - he didn't need to hear it. Filtering, 15mph or so through hashed markings - no issue... but the long box where you ended up forcing the VW to modify his intended path (and you had a pedestrian to deal with) was a little cheeky. That "pocket" after filtering towards an oncoming truck - no sir! You're far too far out to the right. Should have tucked in behind the white van (if not earlier than that). I find adding a left indicator tells oncoming that I'm surrendering position, and tells those on the left that I want in. No part of man or machine should be over the center line (including mirrors). Fair play on picking up on yourself about the mirrors, while riding the bike.

[@redtela]

I love that you go on to say you do sufficient lifesavers - certainly NOT the case, peripheral vision or not, with the ambulance!

[@jakebrennan7685]

Disagree about the gap with the van, the optimal postion would have been next to the pickup as it's a bit further over from the centre line and he can keep good vision up the road but where he was isn't an issue IMO. The road was wide enough for the lorry and the bike, no different to where the artic is positioned further ahead. Going behind the transit would have blocked a lot of vision and by the time he got there the gap was tiny.

[@redtela]

@@jakebrennan7685 ever had a truck tyre blow out near you? That's not a fun thing. I agree that going behind the van would have limited view, and I choose not to go behind high vehicles for that very reason. The failure in filtering really, was in not knowing the landing point when setting off out. As my advanced mentor puts it: "would you take off in a plane, with limited fuel, not knowing where you were going to land, and having alternative options available?"

[@georgecromar4094]

I agree with some this. But there are very basic issues with every one of AN's m/c videos that I'd want to see fixed before the things you highlight.

[@redtela]

@@georgecromar4094 1000% agreed

[@Pattoe]

I've criticised you quite a bit in the past, but one thing around the 9 minute mark I see you doing well here is identifying the cyclists on the path and making sure you're aware if they decide to join traffic. You do this well because there's not even a gram of judgement. It's all just practical and thinking about how to keep them and yourself safe. I cycle, and I cycle on the road, but I also don't judge people who only feel comfortable cycling on footpaths. Obviously they should be super careful around other footpath users and give them priority, just like if it were an official shared cycle path.

[@weevilinabox]

Your "best pocket" might not have been alongside the van driver, but perhaps one vehicle further back, alongside something you could see over. Being alongside the van means that it blocks nearly 180° of your view. It certainly did a good job of hiding the fella who trotted across the road at 3:51. If you do find yourself alongside a high-sided vehicle - either at a stop or keeping pace with it - I'd recommend an exaggerated move to the right when pulling away to give yourself a little space and to improve your sight angles around front of the taller vehicle. Also worth remembering that the longer you're alongside such a vehicle, the more out of date is your mental map of a large chunk of your surroundings.

[@raymondbenjamins5884]

This is an interesting one. I think it shows perfectly that everyone makes mistakes, but that it's nothing to be ashamed of. Just fix them and reduce risk as much as you can. And try to reflect on it afterwards (maybe by pulling up your dashcam footage and analysing it). The most important thing is to own up to your mistakes. Only then can you learn from them. If you go around blaming everybody else (like so many people unfortunately do), you will keep getting into similar situations.

[@mikgold]

Returning to motorcycling from 25 years off, I am finding this a great resource for me. My test was in 1981 and I know I'm just an older idiot but I'm learning. Thanks Ash I drive in Edinburgh loads and often feel guilt at filtering and crossing hatchings. I now know if carefully done I'm ok. 👍

[@ashley_neal]

Don't take everything I do on a motorbike as gospel. I'm in a similar situation to yourself, I'm hoping with the expertise within my viewership these videos can make a difference. Please keep an eye on the comments to help.

[@mikgold]

@ashley_neal thanks yes I look at several bikers vids but it priceless to be able to view yourself and how your managing. Generally I think I do alright but never without room for improvement. I get numb fingers often. My commutes are 50 minutes in summer. More in the snow

[@studisco2327]

Knowing when to filter only comes with experience - and with a few mistakes. As long as they're only minor mistakes, and no one gets hurt - and of course you don't keep making the same ones 😅 And you're absolutely right, crossing joins in the road or tramlines should be done at as steep of an angle as you can manage. I also found people are constantly surprised to see a bike sticking to the rules of the road. It's nice to see the confidence growing 👍

[@busog97641]

I know that this is a late comment, but, I only want to make a comment just in the hopes that it helps get KZbin to suggest it to others so that they can learn from and enjoy this great channel.

[@petegreenfield8366]

Hi Ash. Thank God, you’re human! I’ve been studying you car videos for a while. They’ve definitely helped be become a safer, better and more patient driver (work in progress), but I have been beating myself up when I make a mistake. I definitely own it and learn, but blimey it tortures me for a while! Maybe I should give myself a break like you have. Also, your tips have helped me avoid mad drivers numerous times and stay in one piece. Yesterday most recently (driver doing about 40 towards me on a single track country lane. Luckily I could stop quickly and give her space to do the same).

[@Nikolai508]

Everyone makes mistakes, and we can all learn from them. Knowing that helped me calm down when driving or on my motorbike, I’m so calm now it would take a hell of a lot for me to road rage, and now I really enjoy driving a lot more because I don’t let silly non events like someone being in the wrong lane so they have to squeeze in bother me.

[@mastweiler22]

From what I remember IAM was quite flexible. Have just been in a bike for the first time in 10 years, doing an offroad course, people were commenting on mine and another riders who'd done Roadcraft training, which I found quite interesting 😊

[@Christian-ve1wi]

Filter is a privilege and as riders we must do our utmost to be seen doing it safely and respectfully so that it always remains an option. The government could easily introduce a law prohibiting lane filtering if they saw fit and filtering isn't always seen in a popular way by many other motorists. If you inconvenience another driver just put your hand up to acknowledge the mistake, we are human after all mistake happen and when filtering into a gap left by another road user just a little hand wave or thumb up gesture shows gratitude. You don't have to do these things but I think road users appreciate the acknowledgement.

[@steve00alt70]

Some cars waiting in ques for a while may suddenly swing out to do an illegal U turn to turn around which can be a hazard for motorcyclists/cyclist

[@PedroConejo1939]

Plenty of bikers have come a cropper due to that. I've had it happen to me often enough.

[@georgecromar4094]

​@@PedroConejo1939me too. It is for this reason that I get frustrated with @ashley_neal videos with regard failure/incorrect use of the horn (headlight at night).

[@mikeroberts]

If I was coaching you I'd be asking you about what the dangers are of overtaking vehicles with a junction on the right, because this is what you were doing when you filtered at the start of the video. Several times you passed vehicles that could have turned right. You need them to be closer packed in a queue so they can't jump out OR you need to be much wider. You've already recognised being a bit too keen/pushy using the dedicated right turn lane coming towards you. When filtering the same safety rules apply as if you were overtaking: looking out for gaps, don't cause oncoming to have to move, etc. You could also make more use of lane two, rather than being part of the queue (you're not in a car now). With regard to stopping at lights and selecting neutral (IAM/ROSPA). Yes, it's good machine sympathy (and gives your hand a rest). Why not give your legs a rest too and just right foot down? So much more relaxing in stop/start city/town riding. You can then easily select first and be away in an instant. Finally, at 44:50 where does the 30 start? 😉

[@Christian-ve1wi]

Hay Mike is Russ around here somewhere to 😂

[@mikeroberts]

@@Christian-ve1wi I've not seen him here, but comments soon get pushed down the page.

[@Christian-ve1wi]

@mikeroberts well I'm sure the bugger is here somewhere 🤣 and we wouldn't have it any other way. Yet to watch your Kawasaki Hybrid video but will do soon. Interesting concept bit is it worth it?

[@alidavemason4417]

You mentioned tram lines. That reminded me of the wear grooves of lane one on motorways caused by HGV's. Usually invisible but you can feel the bike oscillating from side to side if you're riding in them.

[@PedroConejo1939]

I've stopped on the hard shoulder and checked the security of the back wheel/swinging arm when I was much younger and riding a new-to-me bike. Yep, the HGV grooves struck again.

[@alidavemason4417]

@@PedroConejo1939 I thought it was a puncture first time until I realised what it was.

[@Jonc25]

An owned mistake is a fixable mistake.

[@grahamnutt8958]

@@Jonc25 Too right, Jon. Well said mate.

[@daddystu7046]

Assuming you live to fix it.

[@MrTaffynoel]

Worth considering a slight wiggle when you see a car that could potentially pull out from a side road. Studies have shown people can become blind to an object that isn’t moving across their vision, or fail to perceive you as a moving object. That wobbling light also changes intensity depending on where it points so extra useful at night.

[@kdmq]

I had somewhat of the opposite scenario happen to me with an ambulance about a month ago. I was behind a semi truck driver, and stopped for the ambulance earlier than the semi did, so when we were both stopped, the semi was about 75-100 meters ahead of me. When the ambulance passed, I accelerated briskly, as was my habit, and then the semi pulled out on me and I had to brake moderately (not a slam on the brakes, but not a gentle stop either). In the future, I will be somewhat more docile when accelerating away after an ambulance passes. I now understand the concept of passing someone ahead of me in traffic just because an ambulance has gone past is poor driving on my part.

[@mikgold]

As an aside I'd wish to say I've had 2 punctures this year out of 4 years and I'm sure due to filtering in the less used portion of the roads(hatchings). I've a BMW 1250gsa which can cruise at 20 or less and stereotype comes as optional😊

[@tin2001]

I ride an ebike, so I often ride in some of those crappier bits of road... Some of them are completely covered in junk like old wire, pieces of broken tools, etc. Occasionally you find intact, working tools too. But imagine the damage some of the bigger tools could do if you hit one.

[@mikgold]

@tin2001 I cycle a lot also managing 250 miles a week last year. I find it more nimble but also try to not infuriate or break the rules. The latter being easier obv'.

[@lombard71]

A warts 'n' all self assessment....we can all learn from these....good video, thanks for sharing.

[@TestGearJunkie.]

What do I do if I make a mistake..? Look furtively from side to side and hope nobody noticed, of course 🤣 I confess I was a bit confuzzled when you were going on about grids, Ashley, then I realised you meant manhole covers..! To me, a grid is something that's erm.. grid shaped, like a cattle grid or something 😋

[@BramvdSanden]

There is a difference between making a mistake or doing something wrong deliberately. Those who do things deliberately will NOT be excused! Other than that, I always live by the rule that if you accept mistakes made by others, it allows you to make mistakes of your own. We're humans. We're not perfect. Own your mistakes. 😇

[@bumpkinrocks]

Good to see you've just started riding👍 I've been riding 30yrs now and enjoy every minute of it. I find driving is so boring, stuck in traffic 😂

[@ashley_neal]

I've had a licence for 25 years but haven't ridden for about 14.👍

[@80sGeek]

I deal with my mistakes. I get hacked off with myself them anaylse and calm down then back to my normal smooth driving.

[@smilerbob]

Analysis is the only way we can learn and improve ourselves and only natural to be hacked off, we all strive to be the best we can and nobody likes to be told we have done something wrong, even from ourselves. Best advice I have been given is to not dwell on the mistakes but focus on what to do next time

[@80sGeek]

@@smilerbob totally

[@Gopher31]

Nice point about accepting mistakes. No one’s perfect! I still remember when you took out a car mirror sometime last April! 😂

[@IfanRoberts]

Love this style of video, recently passed my test and this is really helpful

[@80sGeek]

Own Your Mistakes this is a must if you own a motorbike and survival on a motorbike. Believe i have made a few over the last 20 years. Practice practice the more practice.

[@smilerbob]

Interesting point with the ambulance and the sometimes reliance upon sound for observation. The ambulance could be seen in the mirrors at 0:54 but did the merge and proximity of vehicles around you distract away from looking in the distance at the rear? I initially thought the van was keeping left to allow you to pass, I do it myself sometimes as progress is easier on two wheels than four but an additional check needed perhaps? What was the phrase my driving instructor said to me…Look twice, check thrice. In other words, check more than you look to see what could be missed No harm done here and a good learning point for all 👍

[@smilerbob]

And just got to the point in the video where you talk about the mirrors 👍

[@JayDutch-UK-MK]

risk on bike of being rear ended when someone stalls in front of you. always look for escape route to protect yourself

[@chriswharrier3571]

I think learning is a continuous process for most things riding and driving included.

[@KPP365]

Ashley. If you don't have to ride in bad weather. DON'T

[@TestGearJunkie.]

Never did. I was a fair weather biker and not afraid to admit it. Why do some people get so full of themselves and say you're not a proper biker unless you ride in all weathers..? I did have a period when my bike was my only transport, so I know all about riding in rain, snow, fog, you name it; that's why I didn't do it unless I absolutely had to, once I got a car. Now I'm old and decrepit (plus I've nowhere to keep a bike) I'm restricted to 4 wheels only, but I remember my time on two with affection. I still don't like that digital speedo though, Ashley 😋

[@233kosta]

Those joints in the road get annoying, especially when you're on skinny tyres. But with tram lines you'll want a steeper crossover angle in general, just because they're really slippy compared to the rest of the road surface. No risk of getting stuck in the groove, even with the biscuits on the 125 I started on, but you can slip & lose it really easily.

[@markukblackmore]

I think drivers who take very early action in response to emergency vehicles are increasing the risk of that situation. I used to like to… well the only description is “show off” to other road users how on the ball I was with looking back and seeing the blue lights. But came to realise it just created uncertainty and confusion. The point about a helmet blocking sound is a perfect example of why.

[@IToohat]

I did my car and motorcycle test at Norris Green. My bike test was 5 years after my car test and was weird, after spending a few weeks with my instructor following on a motorbike, during my test I had an examiner (and my instructor) following in a car. It just felt strange, and we had a couple of situations where we got separated. The examiner was a little sneaky with the 'pull over on the left when safe' as I approached a bus stop, several driveways and a large skip....he then made me do my turn in the road on a really bad road surface with the largest camber I've seen before or since. At the end of my test I got my paper copy with zero marks on it, so can't complain. I was a fairly experienced rider last time I was on a bike (10 years ago) and no doubt today I would look like a baby deer on roller skates 🤣

[@TestGearJunkie.]

Heh. I did my bike test in 1980, three years before my car one. In those days, it was just riding around the block and the examiner was on foot watching you. At some point he'd step out in the road and put his arm up for you to do an emergency stop. I remember someone once telling me that he saw an examiner step out in front of the wrong bike 🤣

[@ImranOO7]

A mistake is only a mistake when you own up and fix it. Doing it again is not a mistake, in my opinion, it’s either deliberate or that can’t be bothered so carry on. Until it becomes serious and the inevitable happens.

[@233kosta]

Nice beep! I probably would have stopped instead, I enjoy my brakes a little too much 😅

[@frogandspanner]

0:54 If that's a helmet-mounted camera then I'd have expected a left shoulder life-saver at the loss of lane, and not relying on the mirror. My 1966 bike did not come with mirrors or indicators (modern Japanese muck - not what a real man would want !) but as deference to age and less articulate neck joints I fitted a right handlebar-end mirror, but I always instinctively look over my shoulders as far as pain permits. As my first 12 years of motorised road use were mainly biking (I couldn't afford a car) this instinct usefully carried over into car driving. 2:51 I began biking in about '69, and never filter - although I will overtake on the opposite side of the road. I want the full width of lane to protect me from potential intrusion from the sides. For example, when meeting a junction from the left (me on the priority road) I move towards the centre line: this gives the reptilian brain of the joining driver a better chance of seeing me [I note a hint of that at 14:28]. If I continued straight ahead the component of my motion across the driver's eye would be tiny, and they might not notice me unless they were carefully checking. This became more obvious to me when I began flying, where if another aircraft to one's side is in the same relative position, but increasing in apparent size, there is potential involuntary convergence. A few years ago I was holidaying at a friend's villa in North Tenerife (Icod) eating a ham sandwich indoors. I saw a dot in the sky that remained in the same x-y position, but grew bigger. As it noticed the glass and shot steeply over the house I recognised it as a Canary Kestrel that had been after my sarni. 13:03 I am Amal retentive. Many people switched their British carbs to Japanese ones, but I kept my Monoblocs.

[@JayDutch-UK-MK]

tip, elbows down, relax grip, use knees to grip bike .. no pain

[@razzle1964]

Indeed. I’d probably tear around a little too fast on my RD250, as a kid, and never really felt or noticed the subsequent ‘aches & pains’ after dismounting. As an older (and far grumpier) ‘born-again’ biker I want to feel as if I’m plonking my arse on a comfy chair (in my case a Super Meteor 650) … ‘squeezing the tank with the knees, dropping the elbows & relaxing the grip’ is the best advice one can give. PS. nice bio & bikes, fella. You’ve earned yourself a subscriber.😉✌️

[@SiCrewe]

Must admit, I've given up trying to filter on my bike. I might think differently if I lived in a city but I just find that so many drivers are either inattentive, stubborn or downright spiteful these days and it just ruins the enjoyment.

[@kevhunta]

i never sit at the side of vehicles just i think its better for me to tuck in a bit in the gap

[@thomaselliot2257]

If you're dishonest of owning your mistakes, a good way is to make out that they were deliberate mistakes.

[@PedroConejo1939]

The stages of getting caught in school are usually, 1. deny; 2. deflect/attack; 3. say it was a joke; 4. this place is like a prison; 5. I'm jumping the fence.

[@smilerbob]

The driver in front at 5:28 doing their best to appear on Ash’s September Driving Fail video 😉

[@holdenman8850]

Thanks for the shout out Ash, when you said Gary lol :)

[@whydoilivetoseethis]

I'm still on my CBT, but I would say as someone who rides for enjoyment primarily, as you are... I think if you find yourself making multiple mistakes you should make a mental effort to reset. After the ambulance and then the issue filtering I would have just sat it out in traffic for a while and reset the brain, remind myself for the mirror and shoulder checks.

[@georgecromar4094]

Wise. Your comments highlight my concerns about ppl making these videos with only modest abilities. They're too often unaware of their inabilities.

[@MrTaffynoel]

Surprised there’s so much negativity around the ambulance from within the comments. It’s 10 seconds from his very slight shift wide to overtake, and the ambulance passing. 10 seconds later look how far down the road it is. He was never too close to the van, and I’m sure he had enough situational awareness and observations to pass as he did. Though the filtering/overtaking using the right turn lane for oncoming traffic isn’t something I’d do…until there was no oncoming vehicle potentially wanting to use it.

[@georgecromar4094]

@MrTaffynoel you say "He was never too close to the van, and I’m sure he had enough situational awareness and observations to pass as he did" As He Did yes, but could @ashley_neal have, to coin his own phrase, have done better? In his own words yes. On the issue of was AN too close? Given that his bike training would have added a Lifesaver into his riding plan, he found himself too close for a Lifesaver to be safe/appropriate. So was he too close? He made the correct call to ditch the Lifesaver, good planB. But AN's mistake will have started probably 50+ meters earlier. It would be nice for AN to address in detail how this error came about. I agree with the earlier comment about AN trying to give Commentary. Multi tasking on a bike is less easy than in a car because of the extra hazards. Plod and Advanced Motorists make it seem easy. But they Plan on a level very much higher than most road users. By his own admission, his riding skills fall short of his high driving skills. AN and I sometimes disagree on his interpretation of his video content, more so around biking techniques. Watching AN get suckered into the Ambulance error vindicates my position in our disagreements. But to be honest the whole ride is littered with things that should have been done differently. But AN knows what the comments sections is like and is big enough to stick his chin out...and his Bank account details!🙂

[@aps-pictures9335]

Oof 2:50 was dodgy - you’d have failed the test for that. That filter was a bit too eager and I don’t think you’d planned ahead where you could slip back in. Know you realised it, but for others benefit. 3:44 - not a good gap, you’ve chosen a large vehicle to sandwich an oncoming large vehicle… You’d have been better going in the gap in front of the van behind the pick-up. 4:55 - much better. 10:58 - Ironically this was my only minor on my bike test with a HGV, he had me for ‘hesitation’ because ‘the bike would have fit in the gap’ lol. Just do a proper shoulder check… not worth thinking you can use peripherals. Although accept it doesn’t show much on a chin cam! 23:24 - Not really any more protected than on the main bit - inattentive drivers still might not see you. You’ve so much more to think about on a bike when you first start, which creates cognitive overload and errors sneak in. All about the seat time and replaying your rides ideally! Good decisions when pointless to filter - loads of bikers like jumping to the front with no room and have to cross the line… for what, a few cars? Notice you should practice some more with your back braking at lights, seems a bit harsh still, but again is just saddle time. As for pins and needles, triple check you aren’t gripping too tight. Elbows should be loose, shoulders relaxed and neutral. If that’s okay, maybe look at adjusting the throw of your clutch/brake levers to be closer. Just take it easy when you’re testing afterwards! My own mistakes? I analyse the footage as soon as I’m back to see what happened, beat myself up severely if fault was with me, and learn learn learn. It comes for me from taking pride in my riding and roadcraft - always wanting to be better.

[@ashley_neal]

Great feedback! Thanks.

[@80sGeek]

your right should have held back after the yellow box i would have. Minor mistake in my opinion. I always look for the defensive position

[@80sGeek]

great video thank you 🙂

[@JayDutch-UK-MK]

would be good if you did a video on low speed manoeuvres, mod1 or motogymkhana

[@PHILG2864]

Not sure as it may have been reflections, but 4:34 did you overtake a car ("L" driver) that was actively indicating right and was starting to move over?

[@80sGeek]

you stay safe too. look forward to next video

[@richlondonrich]

Have you considered doing a walking analysis? Maybe point out some things people might not have thought about. Love the channel.

[@facelessvaper]

Does, looking to the distance as you mention in a car, transfer to bike? I tried it cycling and had mixed feelings with potholes and kerbside debris.

[@smilerbob]

It is the same when driving as we still need to avoid potholes, debris and near objects. I have always been taught to look into the distance and bring the focus close to see nearer objects, but don’t keep focus on the near and move back to the distance in bring close. It is usua between 1 and 2 second between distance and near before repeating 👍 Hard to explain over KZbin comments and perhaps a short video explaining might be needed, if Ashley hasn’t already done one

[@MyJourney2succeed]

Can you filter a car that is filtering from a main road into a side road junction at a protected right turn? If you hit them as they are turning right, is that their fault?

[@hicky62]

It's been a long time since I owned and rode a motorbike, and I'm unlikely to do it again, so I really enjoyed the video. Thank you. How did Owen get on? Not motorbike related, but a few months ago, I made a mistake in the car. Long story short, I overtook without time or space to complete the manoeuvre. It put myself and others in serious danger. Luckily, no collision occurred, but I had to pull over and give myself a few minutes to absorb what had happened and what a lucky escape I'd had. I've since been talking myself through every journey to try and manage all situations. Finally, I'm surprised you didn't make the golf incident 'a non-event.' 😅 Take care and stay safe.

[@ashley_neal]

Owen Passed!

[@ashley_neal]

.......and I told you my mindset have been learned behaviour!!

[@hicky62]

@ashley_neal That's great, pass on our congratulations

[@hicky62]

@ashley_neal You've always been honest about your previous actions, as you were in this video. Even though I've been driving, cycling for many years, and rode motorbikes, I've learnt so much from your videos. My experience was a lapse in concentration, one I hope to never repeat, and remember for future.

[@PedroConejo1939]

At heart I'm a little shit. Classic.

[@tshepikhwy300]

@ 14:38 time lapse, shouldn't it be right indicator signal? I personally think so...

[@ItsAllJustBollox]

You are riding like a car driver forget using the mirrors to see what's next to you and turn your head and do life savers.

[@johnobiro5202]

I get pins and needles every time I ride Ash. I remember getting them when on my Test. I couldn’t feel to put the indicators on or off. Everytime I stopped at lights I’d put it in neutral and try and get the feeling back. Thankfully I passed. There is a product on line that I am going to try. It’s some kind of wrap you wear under your gloves. Costs about £28. I’ll let you know how they work out. I took my Bike test at St Helens.

[@grahamnutt8958]

Perfection is impossible. The few minor mistakes weren't high risk by any means. The contrast between your Riding in comparison to the upload posted yesterday is a bit like Night and Day.

[@georgecromar4094]

Yes...and no. These issues can develop into high risk because we put ourselves in unnecessary circumstances over which we then have no control. Many riders have gone to low risk to deceased in seconds. We've all done the same. Many of us are unaware that we do it.

[@grahamnutt8958]

@@georgecromar4094 Very fair comment and I will not disagree with you here. The "unknown" will always be a factor to which there is not a "right or wrong" answer. Reducing risk, however, I can 💯 agree upon with you. Thanks for the reply 👍

[@toxlaximus3297]

That's how my dad drives when he plays GTA.

[@centralscrutinizer3871]

Could the lapse of attention with the ambulance be blamed on your attention being on your video commentry rather than your mirrors. Not a criticism, just a thought.

[@ashley_neal]

Possibly but I don't think so. My job is to verbalise everything that's going on around even when I'm not saying it. I honestly think it's my inexperience on the bike that is the cause.

[@TestGearJunkie.]

@@ashley_neal I envy you the ability to do that, Ashley. I've always been crap at commentary driving.

[@georgecromar4094]

​@@ashley_nealthat's taking responsibility. But if that's how you feel about your riding. You should consider if you are skulled enough to make m/c videos or comment on them. Not this one, but some of your m/c videos are proffered from a position of authority on the subject. Especially when you have comment on other riders.

[@georgecromar4094]

@ashley_neal exactly my point. Your insufficient skill level means that you are "the blind leading the blind". There are fundamentally floors in your technique that you are clearly oblivious to because you continually make the same errors. Take your car driving advice of maximising safety. You show excellent technique and give superb advice around your road positioning. On the mc, you rarely position for maximum safety. You rarely seem to consider the road surface. These things are glaringly conspicuous by their absence. Trying to give commentary was good of you, but in the instances you raised in real-time, what is not mentioned says more about your inexperience than what than what you did comment on. I can assure you that I know very little about dentistry. Were I to make a video on the subject, let alone a video in the capacity of advice, do you not think that qualified dentists might have an opinion. And how should I take their opinion?

[@georgecromar4094]

@@TestGearJunkie. in this video, as @centralscrutinizer3871 said, I believe significant issues in this mc ride were a direct cause of trying to give commentary.

[@80sGeek]

The incident with the ambulance taking a left hand side position was the right thing to do i would have done the same. The ambulance driver was at fault he should have put his sirens on a lot sooner. so u could react better. Also there is car coming the other way So that ambulance should have held back. You couldn't handled that any better in my opinion. well done

[@DemiGod..]

Real bikers ride Harleys never shave and have a bath once a year whether they need it or not.

[@chrisl1797]

3:48 hmmmm. Maybe not along side, esp with a loitering pedestrian too.

[@andrewcampbell7476]

Be seen be safe

[@nowiplay2]

Comments are a little over critical. Every time you made a mistake you seemed to learn from it

[@mikeversys]

“ at heart I’m a little shit’ LOL on the beach in Bulgaria 😂😂😂 And no ye not. I ride all year round, for pleasure if you ever fancy a blast round north wales (I’m in Wirral ) Pop me a message.

[@ChrisCaaa]

2:53 So much going on, no human could process the whole situation. I find sometimes cars traveling under 15mph get ignored by our subconscious.

[@robpaultog]

Little 💩 at heart 😂😂😂

[@delmilligan4584]

Tbh ash I am not a fan of filtering on my bike , maybe on dual carriage ways , just think it’s to dangerous

[@richardsutton01]

There can certainly be an added element of danger over and above that which applies to motorcycling in general. However, if one never filters/lane-splits, biking would seem to me to be a less attractive proposition overall. I speak as one who has been knocked off my bike by a car driver suddenly deciding that he was fed up being stuck in queue and that an unindicated three-point turn across the road would be a better proposition. 🙄 Richard

[@alanchase7329]

Sorry, but once you are in the oncoming lane you are overtaking.

[@redtela]

Factually incorrect, but hey, thanks for playing.

[@alanchase7329]

@@redtela How is it incorrect? Filtering is carried out using lanes travelling in the same direction. Am I overtaking or filtering if I use the oncoming lane to pass traffic doing 40 in a 60 zone?

[@redtela]

@@alanchase7329 nice cherry picking. Filtering is widely acknowledged to be within 10mph of otherwise slowly moving traffic. What you saw in the video, under 20mph, is still legally filtering. Filtering does not need to be done on a motorway/dual carriageway - the opposite side of a single carriageway is perfectly fine, if done appropriately and safely. However, one also needs to be mindful of any traffic islands, with keep left signage.

[@alanchase7329]

@@redtela At what speed does your idea of filtering become overtaking? Can you cross solid white lines if you call it filtering instead of overtaking?

[@redtela]

@@alanchase7329 in my opinion, and my opinion only - if I'm doing more than 25mph, it isn't filtering (even if I'm between 2 lanes travelling the same direction)... and solid white lines are very clear - do not cross. Still, thanks again for playing.

[@georgecromar4094]

@ashley_neal Blimey, we could have field day with this one and I'm 13mins in. But well done for putting your hands up for the ambulance and the oncoming bmw.

[@petegreenfield8366]

Hi Ash. Thank God, you’re human! I’ve been studying you car videos for a while. They’ve definitely helped be become a safer, better and more patient driver (work in progress), but I have been beating myself up when I make a mistake. I definitely own it and learn, but blimey it tortures me for a while! Maybe I should give myself a break like you have. Also, your tips have helped me avoid mad drivers numerous times and stay in one piece. Yesterday most recently (driver doing about 40 towards me on a single track country lane. Luckily I could stop quickly and give her space to do the same).

[@MrTaffynoel]

Worth considering a slight wiggle when you see a car that could potentially pull out from a side road. Studies have shown people can become blind to an object that isn’t moving across their vision, or fail to perceive you as a moving object. That wobbling light also changes intensity depending on where it points so extra useful at night.