Indonesian traffic mixes motorcycles, cars, trucks and pedestrians in close proximity. The hazards are predictable: sudden lane changes, doors, junctions, potholes and vehicles that do not see you.
Position for visibility
Ride where drivers can see you and where you can see ahead. Avoid sitting in a blind spot. A slightly offset position in the lane gives you an escape route.
Do not weave constantly. Predictability helps other road users.
Keep a following distance
A two-second gap in dry conditions, more in rain or at night. A larger gap gives you time to react and space to brake.
Watch the vehicle two or three ahead, not just the one in front.
Scan for hazards
Junctions, driveways, parked cars, pedestrians and potholes. A car door or a sudden U-turn is a common city crash.
Assume a vehicle may turn across you. Cover the brakes and be ready.
Filter with care
Filtering is legal in some places and tolerated in others. Check local rules. If you filter, do it slowly and watch for gaps, mirrors and pedestrians.
Do not filter at speed or between vehicles that are moving unpredictably.
Checklist
- Lane position and blind spots.
- Following distance in seconds.
- Junctions, driveways and parked cars.
- Potholes and road surface.
- Indicators and mirrors before moving.
- Filtering rules and speed.
- Escape route at all times.
Questions
Is filtering safe?
It can be, at low speed and with clear gaps. Check the law and never filter at speed or in moving traffic.
How do I deal with aggressive drivers?
Create space and let them go. Escalating a conflict on a motorcycle is a losing game.
What is the safest lane position?
There is no single answer. Choose the position that gives visibility, space and an escape route.