Re:My quest to make motorcycle riding that tad bit safer
by yial on Saturday May 10, 2025 @06:15PM
(#43949441)
I think perhaps this may be different drivers. The scenario I dislike is that drivers seem to fly up behind me, and then brake even heavier, when I’m using engine braking and then tailgate for a period. (For example, I’m going 40 in a 35, and they flew up behind me going 60).
If I tap my brake lights as they’re approaching, they slow more gradually and follow at an appropriate distance.
This is anecdotal of course.
I think the issue is that I’m using engine braking, while those around me are not.
holding your speed or decellerating mildly is not the same as braking. if i gear down into a higher rpm and hold my speed, or perhaps decel ever so slightly - its not worth alerting the driver behind you. most people over-react to brake lights and will see your brakes as "I should apply brakes too" when in this particularly case, they should not.
I can't think of a single circumstance where compression braking should cause a brake light to illuminate. the rate of decelleration is so small compared to even a gentle tap of the brakes, that it will merely confuse drivers behind you.