Hazard perception and defensive riding
Hazard perception and defensive riding tests whether you spot the developing danger before it becomes an emergency and whether your plan has an exit. Scenarios are ordinary Swiss roads - a crest with a side road, a wet village junction, a deer at dusk - and the correct answer is usually the one chosen earlier, not the bravest.
Scanning routine
Look about twelve seconds ahead, sweep the mirrors every few seconds, and shoulder-check before any change of line. Ride to a plan: if this vehicle does the stupid thing, where do I go? Keep at least two seconds to the vehicle ahead - three or more in rain, at night or on unfamiliar roads.
The hazards that actually hurt riders
- Oncoming vehicles turning left across your path at junctions.
- Cars edging out of side roads: read the front wheels, not the driver's eyes.
- Gravel, diesel spill, wet leaves, painted lines, manhole covers and tram rails - all far worse when the tyre is leaned and the surface wet.
- Crests, blind bends and tunnel mouths where surface or light changes abruptly.
- Black ice on bridges, in shade and in valley bottoms on cold mornings.
- Deer at dawn and dusk, farm animals, loose dogs.
- Wind gusts at valley mouths and turbulence when passing a truck.
Being seen
Ride where you are visible in mirrors rather than in blind spots, use the light, wear contrasting clothing, and signal early. Cover the brakes when a car might pull out; the horn is for warning, not for claiming space.
Worked example
Wet rural road, a crest ahead with a side road just beyond it. Reasoning: you cannot see what is behind the crest, so reduce speed now, move away from the side road, cover the brakes and expect a vehicle to emerge without looking. Two seconds is not enough here - extend to four and stay ready to stop.
Traps
Sitting so close behind a truck that you cannot see ahead; assuming a driver who looked has seen you; staring at the hazard instead of the escape; leaving sunglasses on into a tunnel.