How to use the limit point to help you corner
The limit point is the furthest point along a road to which you have an uninterrupted view of the road surface. On a level stretch of road this will be where the right-hand side of the road appears to intersect with the left-hand side of the road. This point of intersection is known as the limit point.
To ride safely you must be able to stop on your own side of the road within the distance you can see to be clear – that is, the distance between you and the limit point.
The ability to stop on your own side of the road in the distance you can see to be clear determines how fast you can go. The more distant the limit point, the faster you can go because you have more space to stop in. The closer the limit point, the slower you must go because you have less space to stop in.
As you approach and go through a bend the limit point appears at first to remain stationary, then to move away at a constant speed and finally to sprint away to the horizon as you come out of the bend.
The technique of limit point analysis is to match your speed to the speed at which the limit point appears to move. If it is moving away from you, accelerate. If it is coming closer to you or standing still, decelerate or brake.
Even if the bend is not constant, you can still match your speed to the apparent movement of the limit point, because this will vary with the curvature of the bend.
Walking through it
Approaching the bend
- At first the limit point appears to remain at the same point in the road. Reduce speed to be able to stop safely within the remaining distance.
- As you approach the bend take information about the sharpness of the bend and carefully assess the appropriate speed for cornering.
Going through the bend
- Just before you enter the bend the limit point begins to move round at a constant speed. Adjust your speed and gear, if necessary, to the speed of this movement.
- You now have the correct speed and gear for the bend. Select the gear to match the speed before entering the bend.
Coming out of the bend
- As the bend starts to straighten, your view begins to extend and the limit point starts to move away more quickly. As your bike straightens and returns to an upright position, increase your acceleration towards the limit point.
- As the bend comes to an end, continue to accelerate to catch the limit point until other considerations such as speed limits or new hazards restrict your acceleration.
