Ask Honest John

Honest John Ask Honest John » Motorcycles need to make a lot of noise to make car drivers aware of their presence.
What is life like with your car? Let us know and win £500 in John Lewis vouchers | No thanks

Motorcycles need to make a lot of noise to make car drivers aware of their presence.

Your reply about motorcycle exhaust noise was spot on. Motorcyclists need to do everything they can to make car drivers aware of their presence, from day-glo vests and daytime running lights to blipping the throttle in traffic jams when filtering. It’s amazing how many drivers change lanes without looking or indicating. An angry snort from the exhaust soon wakes them up. I also find that making eye contact with drivers is a life-saver. You can easily tell whether they are alert and have seen you. However, the modern fashion towards darkened windows is making this more difficult. Maybe a little more enforcement of the rules over tinted glass is called for?

Asked on 27 July 2013 by JC, Hillingdon

Answered by Honest John
Thank you. The voice of reason and common sense. You should see some of the pompous prattishness that has come from the keyboards of other Telegraph readers. Motorcycle exhaust noise subliminally alerts a sixth sense that these dozers aren't even aware they have.
Similar questions
Please join me on the A12 from Romford to Wanstead each working morning where you will witness some of the worst motorcycle riding; the constant high speed weaving in and out of cars, going through lights...
The noise from motorbikes is annoying, but we have to tolerate the noise on safety grounds. You may be interested to know that the Velocette motorcycle company of Plumstead, South London, invented a very...
With regard to the millions of pounds to be spent on safer cycling infrastructure, is there any truth in the rumour that cyclists are to be required by law to install a speaker system with a looped recording...