I used to commute the interstate in central Arkansas. I found it best to move all over my lane. Moving from side to side gives you a sight line advantage of the road ahead and tailgaters will back off.

 

I won't say that I hate riding on the Interstate. I use them for what they are intended for. Rapid transit from point A to point B. In general, you are much safer on the Interstate as there are no concerns about crossing traffic, traffic lights, far fewer critters to dart out in front of you, and so forth. But they get boring which can dull your attention. As far as riding, nothing special. I usually ride in the left track of the right lane unless I am passing or vehicles are coming up an on-ramp, then I move to the right track of the left lane. If three lanes, I will typically stay in the center of the center lane, trying to be as visible as I can. Speed wise, I aways try to ride around 5mph over the current average as I don't care for traffic coming up on my rear really fast. And if I'm in the left lane, I pay extra attention to my mirrors as there is always some speedster flying low.

 

Interstates are designed to be the most drama free mileage you will accumulate.
on average you will have way more time to react to issues than you do on any other street.
if you are ACE on suface streets you will ACE interstate its just different traffic and different=scary.
Unique to interstates is:
100% of all traffic is going same direction as you,
there are no intersections,
there are no stoplights,
there are no pedestrians.
for the most part no animals/things jumping onto road in from the sides

To me the primary change in thought process is one needs to prioritize using lane position (1/2/3) to protect your escape route over vision N seconds ahead.
I am NOT saying that vision N seconds ahead is unimportant, what I am saying is because of unique attributes of interstate there just isn't as many things to observe down road as compared to the immediate threat of what is happening to your escape route. Pretty much I will always position my bike as to force the other guy to be in their lane to pass the last thing I will do is ride lane position 3 as someone passes me on my left, should I do that if they crowd me even 6" I got nowhere to go on my right, I being at highway speed I wont have the acceleration to jump ahead so my only escape is to brake hard. For all those reasons, I wont be in lane position 3 as someone passes on my left. Whenever possible I try to ride in both a lane and lane position that provides two lane positions in one direction to escape and all of the next lane over. For example on a 2 lane interstate, you are safer riding lane position 1 when in right lane, but lane position 3 when in left lane. These positions give both whatever emergency-brakedown lane that exists plus both lane positions of your lane to escape. I use my mirrors often I rarely am surprised if someone passes me and it is totally ok when the do. The same exists when I pass others, I position my bike in the lane position closest to the vehicle being passed, I monitor very closely (to the point of staring) at the passed/passing vehicles front tire as I monitor its relationship to the white line between us, that distance is my early warning they wish to come into my lane as I pass (or they pass me)

 

I like the left lane as I am away from entering traffic ramps. There usually is a shoulder/breakdown for emergency use but I especially like that I only need to be aware of vehicles in the lane to my right. Big drawback is keeping up with the traffic.

 

I like the left lane because people trying to kill me are only coming from my right or from behind. I will change positions in that lane to try to have a view of the road in front of the cage in front of me and to have a clear option if something gets kicked up in front of me. I listen carefully to semis in my vicinity for what I call the tire slapping sound of a tread about to let loose. But mostly, I avoid interstates.

 

I ride them alot out here in Ca. I generally treat them the same as when in a car. I do like the left lane but unless going 15 MPH over speed limit then you will get run over. I generally mover from left side of center lane to left lane which I do generally stay on the right side of left lane otherwise idiots want to try to share your lane.

 

I ride interstates a bit, but typically for short distances. I don't have a problem with riding on them, but keep a close eye on your mirrors. More and more speedsters are out there recently. I can be doing 80 and they will come up behind me in an instant and literally try to run me off the road. These knuckleheads have to be doing 100 MPH plus. I had 2 idiots from out of state (NJ) racing I was in the middle lane about to pass a car and they came out of nowhere and split around me (3 lane ) the on in the right just turned into my lane as I was right next to his driver door. His racing buddy was on the outside lane and I had no place to go. I locked down on the brakes and moved slightly left as I am going about 85. My daughter was on the back and she was out of her seat and halfway up my back and holding on for life. The A--hole got around me and the 2 idiots kept the race going as they were heading for Lake George.
I almost went after them, but my daughter was with me. If I ever got my hands on those idiots I would like to make sure that they clearly understand what it is like to fear for your life!!!!!!!!!!!

I now have a camera system on my bike. I hope nothing like this happens again, but at least I will have a video.

 

I would say don't hang out near the semis and other large trucks. Reasons being - 1) if a truck's tire blows it could definitely ruin your day, 2) need room for evasive maneuvers if something falls off the back, and 3) wind turbulence around the truck may affect your handling. I've even heard of bikes getting sucked under a trailer. Either stay plenty far behind them or go by them quickly.

 

I completely agree. Tire blowouts are a constant concern. Another is they lowered the age requirements for a CDL since there is a shortage of CDL truck drivers. You got to be very defensive in your riding skills and take nothing for granted. If you are one of those riders who sees everyone as an obstacle and weaving between everyone like they are in your way you will end up as a red smear on the road sooner or later. Dean

 

Almost always ride in left lane 5-10 miles an hour above average traffic speeds. I avoid merging traffic that way and usually there is always a shoulder/median to my left I could escape to if necessary. Often you can find bubbles/empty spaces in traffic you can sit in for awhile.

In heavier traffic I try to move back and forth within the lane frequently so upcoming cars hopefully see and and don’t try to merge into me. I always turn my head to look back for lane changes no matter what and always watch my rear mirrors as drivers in Vegas do 100+ all the time and will appear out of nowhere.

 

The gist of my riding last summer: 26 states, 15k miles, 75% on an interstate. I generally keep within 2-5 mph of the speed limit, drive extremely defensively, keeping lane changes to a minimum, in Metro areas especially. If I’m passing someone, especially an 18 wheeler it’s WOT until I get around them, no tailgating. Knowing where I’m going, exits, lane changes etc.. well ahead of time ie… a GPS. Trying to get across 5 or 6 lanes in rush hour traffic in a metro area within a 1/2 mile of my exit is inherently dangerous.

 

You do have to watch how long you stay in the left lane, it's for overtaking and passing only. Depending on the State you're in the friendly State Trooper will pull you over and will give you his autograph along with a monetary request for a donation to the Policeman's ball, if it's 3 lanes I'll take the center lane that way faster traffic goes by on the left and the idiots slowing down 4 miles to the upcoming exit are on my right. The main problem is the people entering the Interstate and then cutting across to the passing lane in front others and cutting the people off, I've seen it done one car lost it and did a 360 then went down the right side on the interstate down the embankment into the fence, about 30 yards in front of me. Yes, it did make my ass pucker up and started looking for a safe way out, lucky for me the car went right. The Idiot that did it was driving a Blue Subaru WRX, he disappeared from the incident well over 100 mph. I just hope the family that was in the car didn't get hurt, the cars behind me were drafting on my rear.

 

Im sure you have to factor in how you ride and the location. In Nevada if your not doing at least 80-85 (65mph posted speed limit) on the freeway your better of taking side roads or your just asking to be rear ended or have someone go road rage on you. When I ride in California or Arizona it doesn’t seem much different, though Utah drivers are a little more relaxed seems like.

 

A lot of good info … In general for a new rider I suggest staying off the interstate until you’ve really ridden surface street for at least 6 mos … like 2-3 days a week … then try it in small sections … to get comfortable… there’s no rush …

I ride in Los Angeles… Things are a bit different with motorcycles allowed in the carpool lane and lane splitting… Putting that aside … adding too and recapping some of the previous information…

In an urban areas, 3 or more lanes each way … I prefer to ride in the left lane or the one next to it … it limits threats from the left side… The problem with the right lane is the slower traffic flow, the exits and cars cutting across from the center lanes when they realize they are missing their exit …

Keep up with the flow of traffic … especially if you’re in the far left lane … if they are going too fast for your comfort level … move over to the right one lane …
Always check your mirrors… head on a swivel..
Even though traffic is going in the same direction… it’s the speeding ones from behind, you need to look out for … watch out for Tesla’s, the auto drive has fail to recognize motorcycles and could hit you.
Don’t ride in a vehicles blind spot … and watch out for vehicles in yours … if a vehicle swerves into your lane … and they will … it will give you time to react … if your blind spot is clear you can move over to avoid a collision…
Always try to find an escape … interstate or not… even on surface streets … for example… when stopping at a Red Light I usually never stop directly behind the car in front of me … I’ll be off the left or right side with enough room in case someone is coming up too fast to stop …
Don’t ride next to Semi’s … or any big trucks in general… don’t follow too close behind … wind turbulence can be an issue … Tires are the bigger issue … blow outs and tire treads coming off are the issues … also watch out for open bed trucks … things you can’t see can come flying out … I usually try to pass a truck as quickly as possible…

On a 4 lane highway (2 each way) … drive like a trucker … stay in the right lane except to pass …

On a 2 lane highway… I will ride in the #1 position until I see a vehicle coming the opposite direction then I move to the #3 position … especially if it’s a Semi … not just to create a buffer/escape … but in the case of a Semi … there could always be an impatient car trying to pass …
If someone is trying to pass me I will also move to the #3 lane position…

In terms of lane position 1,2 or 3 … or following distance … it’s certainly up to you … the idea is to create a buffer of space and find an escape …

In the rain … slow down, watch for flooding and in this case I stay farther away from the center divider because I’ve had water fly over, on to me from the other side … It scares the hell out of you the first time it happens … it’s like an animal strike … keep going straight, maintaining current power and ride through it … don’t try to brake or swerve …

In general just because you have the right of way doesn’t mean to have to fight for it … sometimes just hitting the brakes and swerving out of the way … can brighten your day … Ride Safe …

 

I abhor interstate/ expressway travel but unfortunately do have use it when getting to my favourite riding areas. I recently was heading home from a two week tour and had to cruise the last two days on a couple interstates. I was in the right lane tooling along at 75 with every vehicle blowing by on the left. Curious me decided to speed up and track the speed of the fast lane vehicles. Clock them at 87-88 mph with the slightly less concerned driver slightly above 90 mph. Of course this is in a 65 mph zone and it was raining lightly. If you stick to the left lane someone will still pass you regardless of your speed. With cell phone apps warning of speed traps etc. drivers have ability to drive well outside their abilities.
Years back I commuted to work across a major city with the highest traffic volume in North America, and the most aggressive drivers. It would be a daily occurrence to be hitting 100 mph plus and then rapidly dropping speed to 10 mph. I’ll never miss it and now living well outside that city I only return on four wheels.
Two lanes is my happy zone even though cross traffic risks are higher. But the best advice points I can say are;
A) scan both your mirrors every 5-10 seconds.
B) study traffic flow and understand that gps junkies haven’t the aptitude to signal.
C) Left lane passing right lane travel.
D) Let the dinks win their race don’t engage the stupidity.
E) Never stop under a over pass in the rain.
F) Avoid fatigue by continuously reducing saddle time throughout the day.
G) Deer we’re put on this planet with the sole purpose of killing riders.

But as mentioned by others, the expressway is just a drone to consume miles with every gas/ rest stop a cookie cutter. The real adventure is on the backroads.

 

I use expressways/interstates every day that I ride. My commute is 60 miles round trip, 90% freeway. My riding groups meet 30 miles or so from my house and it’s mostly freeway riding to meet up with them. The list goes on and on…..
Freeway riding is safer than highways and city streets for the reasons others have mentioned: all traffic is going in the same direction, everyone is going the same general speed, and there are no intersections to deal with. You’re much less likely to have an accident in the freeway than on a city street.
My tips for riding, again, are the similar as to what others have mentioned.

• I generally stay in the left lane so I can use the shoulder as an escape route if need be.
• My speed is determined by the surrounding traffic. I don’t like being near other vehicles. I’ll speed up or slow down to avoid having someone right next to me or being in someone’s blind spot.
• If I do need to be next to another vehicle, I position myself in the lane so the driver can see me. If I can see them in their mirrors, they can see me.
• I constantly monitor what’s going on in front of, next to, and behind me for reckless/clueless drivers and obstructions in the road.

If you’re comfortable on the street, you’ll be fine on the freeway. Just keep your head on a swivel & enjoy the ride!

 

Ditto for all the above tips. Personally, I try to keep my Interstate activity at a minimum, but that is mostly because for whatever reason the sound frequency of all that tire noise really bothers me. Habit wise, I change lane positions often and only change lanes when necessary, for passing and especially if the lane I am in has tire ruts or is for some other reason not so smooth. I still fondly remember the tail end of my trip last year, suffering through an amazing array of construction zones and then finally hitting a nearly 60 mile stretch of brand new interstate. It was glorious.

 

A lot of good info here if you're not too familiar with interstate riding. One additional tip, if I may add it, is someone had mentioned the 'center' part of the lane: I would suggest not to ride in this area unless you're crossing from right tire-track to the left (or vise versa), as all common fluids (oils, fuel, coolant, etc) from most vehicles drips in this part of the lanes.
Above all, DO NOT be too adamant that 'I was here first' and stick to it, you will loose! Be cognizant at all times of your surroundings. Have a routine to check your mirrors frequently, look 10-car lengths in front to predict any impeding stops or traffic issues, in your lane or others. Enjoy your ride, but do not relax your guard while riding!

 

Ditto to all the good advice here.

I'll add that I think the interstate driving experience is highly dependent on where that interstate is. Here in the NKY/Cincy, OH region, our interstates really aren't that bad, they're more like wide state highways because Cincinnati isn't a really a big city, it's just a big small town. Even the busiest stretch of I-71/75 through NKY into Cincy and then 75 North or 71 North out of downtown isn't bad.

The interstate experiences I've had driving in Chicago or San Diego are completely different though. In Chicago, my "high alert" status goes to "ultra high alert." It's not the drivers there are worse than in Cincy, it's just that the number of vehicles is higher, meaning there are a multiple of bad drivers I'm accustomed to on Cincy area interstates and I have to plan/drive accordingly.

If I lived in/near a more populace metro area, I'd probably dislike interstate riding. As it is now, I really don't mind it at all. I did about 7,000-8,000 highway miles on the bike last year.

 

I ride them all of the time. Few of things I have not seen mentioned.

1. If I am in a city or a place where there is a lot of on and off ramps I don't ride in the lane where they are. I try and stay out of the exit and merge traffic.

2. Look at the front tires of cars to see where they are going and when going by someone I try and look to see if they are driving or on their phone oblivious to the world around them.

3. When looking at traffic you can get a 6th sense about how a car is in a lane and can tell that someone is going to jump multiple lanes or two cars are fighting and road rage is building up. Learn to recognize that and then stay away. You want to be a witness to the wreck, not involved in it.

 

I ride them all of the time. Few of things I have not seen mentioned.

1. If I am in a city or a place where there is a lot of on and off ramps I don't ride in the lane where they are. I try and stay out of the exit and merge traffic.

2. Look at the front tires of cars to see where they are going and when going by someone I try and look to see if they are driving or on their phone oblivious to the world around them.

3. When looking at traffic you can get a 6th sense about how a car is in a lane and can tell that someone is going to jump multiple lanes or two cars are fighting and road rage is building up. Learn to recognize that and then stay away. You want to be a witness to the wreck, not involved in it.

This is something I have drilled into my wife's head.

It's sound advice.

 

I live on the west side of Puget Sound and do most of my riding on the Kitsap and Olympic Peninsulas and avoid Interstate 5 In Seattle like the plague. The reason - interstate bottlenecks.

Depending on the time of day and direction, the freeway traffic can come to a complete halt and quickly. Down around JBLM where young military drivers (God bless 'em and protect them) think they are immortal, rush hour traffic can be hairy and scary.

Just my 2¢ . . . it's not about the years but the miles.

Ride safe - ride lucky.
TR

 

One other thing to look out for is road debris… usually the really dangerous stuff is on the white lines between the lanes … because you don’t expect it and don’t see it until it’s too late … it’s also another good reason to leave as much following distance as you feel comfortable with…

Here’s a few videos … Sorry about any ads …

About :22 seconds in …

 

The only time I would find riding on the interstate worse than local roads is in heavy rain conditions. You are at a much greater risk of possibly losing control quicker than in drier conditions. I've seen more bikes laid down on wet highways than any other time. All it takes is one person to make a sudden move at you and you respond to quickly and you break traction. What do you think?

 

Very true. I got caught in a horrible storm on my way home from work last summer. I was hauling ass on the freeway trying to outrun it, but it caught me. Traffic was going 25-30 mph and there was standing water on the road. That was fun 🤨
If you DO get caught in the rain on the freeway (or any road), stay out of the grease strip in the middle of whichever lane you’re in. Take your time, don’t lean the bike over as far as you’d usually lean, take wider turns, and leave much more room between you and the vehicle ahead of you.

 

@Hunter301 your experience and mine are not the same. I would say trust your judgment/experience/observation.
Mine experience is for the same weather conditions the interstate yields the most drama-free miles including heavy rain.
But I will agree, when rain is SOOO heavy the speeds are forced to be 40mph I do not want to be on highway period, put me on surface streets. I can't be on a road going 40 with someone behind me trying to go 65. BTW in high winds, the highway rocks awesome. Two years ago I was in Maine trying to reach Cleveland before 6" snow storm scheduled to hit next day was reach Cleveland. with just 30 hours to go Maine to Cleveland it was a "hands on deck" turnpike only to get home mission. Me and everyone else that day was going 80mph. The miles clicked by, fillup after fillup. then I noticed my bike be pushed hard laterally this occured repeatedliy and hard for over an hour. I could control it but it was very unusual and kept me thinking why am I being pushed soo hard. After an hour of this I got low on gas so I exited highway. OMG was I in for a shock. I was in the middle of a windstorm the sustained winds were 30+ mph with gusts into the upper 40's. On surface streets with my big 19" windscreen it was all I could do to drive my lane and it took all my strength to make a creepingly slow turn at lights. I found a gas station and booked a hotel which 2 blocks away. Next morning winds below 30mph, I Left 6 am and beat the snow to my house by 3 hours.

 

Personally, I would never ride the far left lane, as it is for passing only. And, as has been mentioned, some states will ticket you if you are a ‘left-lane wonder’. I always ride 5 mph faster than traffic, as then I’m in control as much as is possible. I constantly check my mirrors, head is always on swivel, and if someone is coming up fast behind me, I move right. Riding is a game of defense and offense. Chose wisely which one you use, and when. Road debris and semi’s are my greatest concerns, as I can watch for drivers, and never do I pace a semi truck, or follow behind one for very long.i leave at least 1 car length of room for every 10 mph I travel. And, if trucks are the vehicle ahead of me, I leave a couple truck lengths of room.
Charlie