Navigating Motorways?

[veeeffarr]

Hi,

Didn't quite know where to put this, but I've got to make the longest journey on my bike yet (160 miles, Liverpool to Chipping Norton if you're interested) and I've only been on the motorway 3 times!

I don't understand motorway signage, I'm ok knowing what junction to come off on, but I've got to go M6 > M40 > M42 and I'm not sure how I'm going to be able to tell what lane to get in?

I know it's not a long journey, but I'm crap at navigation, what should I write down? Junction numbers, or destinations?

Thanks,

T

[Mr.Everready]

If you know what junction to come off just get in the left lane and come off at that junction, nothing more to it really.
____________________
the undemocratically unelected mod of the Scottish section

[short1uk]

It will be well sign posted telling you where to go and which lane to be in. If you have to be in a specific line then there will be and arrow above it with the place name.

for example

https://www.highwaycode.gov.uk/images/sign138.gif

It might be worth checking out the highway code mate here

https://www.highwaycode.gov.uk/signs06.htm

[Steve H]

If you're not too confident about where you're going these are a good idea...

https://www.urbanbikes.co.uk/acatalog/ox%20mag%20map%20holder.JPG

Put a few yellow post it notes on the map with some scribble on to remind you of when you've gotta get off (Junction Numbers), where you're going and more importantly the actual Road names that you've got to remember.

On the Motorway overhead signs will invariably point you in the right direction.

Good Luck
____________________
Mellow Yellow
The BCF Top TEN - 2010, 2009, 2008, The Original.

[Annabella]

The route M6, M40, M42 is easy. It's really clearly signposted with plenty of warning.

Just keep your eyes peeled for cars/lorries changing lanes at the last minute.
____________________
Avast! Pirates ahoy!
I did Cadwell!
www.bikepics.com/members/bella

[veeeffarr]

[Mr.Everready]

The chances are that the destinations will not be signposted on the "other" motorway. They tend to just show the main place that is on the new road so don't rely on it.
____________________
the undemocratically unelected mod of the Scottish section

[Mr.Everready]

Just had a look at the route your taking.

It's straight forward, you won't get lost.
____________________
the undemocratically unelected mod of the Scottish section

[hedjehog]

Hi Toby,

I've never done this, but looking at short1uk's post reminded me of this site which I think you've seen before.

You could use the simulator, or the exit lists in the motorway database, to get an idea in advance of what you'll be looking at.

Personally, the only problem I've had with motorway exits is zooming past them in the outside lane without even realising!

Bon Voyage!

hedjehog
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1988 CG125 BRE; 2000 GPZ500S D7; VFR 800 FI-X; 1980 CB 250 RSA; 1998 FZS 600 Fazer; 1986 Honda C70 E

[Stiffler]

Motorways are fairly simple once you get used to using the information you receive on the signs. The lanes you should be using are usually clearly signposted, but as for making sure you go the right way I think a quick check of the junction numbers you need and counting down to them is easiest method by far to get where you are going.

https://www.highwaycode.gov.uk/images/sign138.gif

Look for the Junction numbers (the number in black at the far bottom left of the sign). If you plan ahead and check which junction's you need they make knowing where and when you have to come off very simple.

Also useful are the distance markers which are on exit signs. For example the 1/2 mile on this sign. Sometimes they can highlight a junction exit as early as 2 1/2 miles so it's pointless pulling over and sitting with the trucks. Aim to be prepared to exit the motorway once you pass the 1/2 mile sign. (Don't start playing the exit game me and my friends do until your feeling a bit more confident... (300 yard) III sign means lane 3, II means lane 2, and I means lane one, which on a busy motorway is both dangerous and stupid)
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Current Bikes - Kawasaki ZX-6R (636) | BMW G650GS

[stinkwheel]

I always do it by junction numbers. Be aware that they are not always sequential, occasionally they miss one out and occasionally they add in an extra one (like 15a).

There is always a 1 mile, then 1/2 mile warning sign then a III, II, I countdown to the actual sliproad. So at the mile start thinking. At the 1/2 mile, look ahead for your gap in the slow lane and be in it before the III marker.

Be aware that motorways going into other motorways often don't use sliproads. They will pull a lane (or sometimes 2 or 3 lanes) off to one side then merge them with the next motorway. As such, you never actually 'leave' the motorway, just smoothly progress from one to the other.

There will be plenty of warning on the overhead gantries which will carry the road number and an arrow pointing down to the lane or lanes you need to be in to be carried onto that road. This information is usually marked actually on the lane too.

Half a mile before the lane is about to leave the current motorway and join the next one, you will notice the white lines between the lanes become much shorter (almost squares). You need to be in the correct lane at this point.

Some potential pitfalls:
You can miss roadside signs when overtaking HGVs.
Be aware what direction you are travelling in. You may be presented with a choice of "M6 (North) : M6 (South)".
Watch the overhead gantries so as not to miss which lane you are supposed to be in. This applies for both changing motorways and staying on the current one. You will often get the two right hand lanes staying with the current motorway and the two left hand lanes veering off onto a different one.
Watch out for people suddenly veering across the motorway at the last minute when they notice they are in the wrong lane.
Where the motorways merge can turn into a total free for all with the fast traffic joining at the left making a dive for the new right hand lane (sometimes through four lanes of traffic). Also for underconfident drivers on the one you are joining suddenly finding themselves in the third lane of four, shitting a brick and making a dive for the slow lane.
Watch out for brake lights ahead as a free flowing motorway joins a conjested one.

Don't worry though, it's a piece of piss. The signs are bloody enormous and are designed to be read at high speed, you get plenty of warning of what's coming up. Just watch out for indecisive/inattentive people chopping lanes at the last minute.

[Ariel Badger]

If you miss your junction turn on your hazards and perform a nice U-turn like you learned on your CBT.
____________________
Bikers make great organ donors, get 115 on your licence today.

[veeeffarr]

[phil2alp]

When you get to the part of the M6 where the M6 toll splits from the M6 it is very clearly signposted. Just keep in mind to stay in the left lane of the M6 as you approach the split if you are not sure and you will be guided almost automatically to stay on the M6.

Try not to be nervous when you are travelling as you are more likely to make a mistake when you are worried. Don't forget the worst that can happen if you take a wrong turn is that you have to find your way back on to the correct route so take a good quality up to date road atlas with you.

[veeeffarr]

Grrr

My aunt just emailed and said my mum doesn't want me taking the bike and she'll pay for a coach...

...

[Pete.]

[Ariel Badger]

If you have a wank in the bog on the coach and tell the driver he will give you a special badge. It is the National Express version of the Mile High Club, You get 8% discount at Greggs the bakers if you show them it to them when ordering a pie.
____________________
Bikers make great organ donors, get 115 on your licence today.

[fuzz]

[Bendy]

[veeeffarr]

[Odie]

Dont take the motorway then or take a white stick and a labrador!
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You are so ugly when you were born the doctor said "I?m gonna drop it, if it falls is a rat, if it flies is a bat."

[JonB]

[Annabella]

Even the M6Toll junction is pretty well marked.

I don't think you can go wrong to be honest.
____________________
Avast! Pirates ahoy!
I did Cadwell!
www.bikepics.com/members/bella

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