I did the IAM test in 2004 I Leary an awful lot. After a 15 year gap I’m going back into biking and hopefully I’ll remember all what was taught to me! Great videos to watch. Thanks

Nice clear video, I'm liking the updates. Looking forward to the next one.

@Back2TheBike

6 жыл бұрын

Thanks Robert. Glad your enjoying!

Hi again still trawling your videos. Love the point you make about your left eye being your dominant one as I too have had a " lazy " right eye since being a child. I too will now work on the method suggested . Thanks Ted

@Back2TheBike

6 жыл бұрын

Ted Edwards worth a try Ted. I've now found my particular problem to be the front tyre was unevenly worn, made a video if you are interested. Still worth checking those eyes though!

Good job mate. More than forty years riding and I am glad to see you are still learning and improving. Constantly learning and training keeps one always actively participating in the ride which keeps you in tune with your body, environment, and machine. A lady passenger I introduced to motorcycling said it was a very sensual experience. So there you have it, an additional incentive.

@Back2TheBike

3 жыл бұрын

Hi Richard. We never stop learning. The day that happens, we grow old.

Very informative and articulate. great video. cheers, Tony

@Back2TheBike

4 жыл бұрын

Thanks Tony.

The take-away is definitely if you ride in position kerb, you are inviting the vehicle behind to over-take. Command position is the norm at all levels of riding.

Hi. Really enjoying these videos. I’m back to biking myself, it’s been about 9/10 years since I sold my bike - getting my CBF1000 in 3 weeks. Watching these is getting my mind back on being on a bike and what it’s like. Can’t wait now! :-)

@Back2TheBike

5 жыл бұрын

Hi David. The key is take baby steps and always ride within your capsbilities. Check out the SeaFlyFisher channel too. His Masterclass series is the best on YT.

These are so informative and confidence-building.

@Back2TheBike

2 жыл бұрын

Good to hear that Ken, although it didn't feel that way at the time!

Your doing bloody great, your very very open to learning , no doubt you will be an observer if you want to be

@Back2TheBike

6 жыл бұрын

Cheers Mario, not sure about that though, I have enough of a challenge riding my my own machine!

Excellent pointers. Excellent

Enjoying the commentary, thanks & plenty to think about.

@Back2TheBike

5 жыл бұрын

Skip Alexander Hi Skip, and welcome. You're spot on there about the thinking - never a dull moment!

Fascinating 👍🏻

Very useful, I have just started riding again after 43yrs, my last bike was a Triumph 500 twin, now my ride is a Triumph Trident 900. very different beasts

@Back2TheBike

4 жыл бұрын

Mine was a GS550 suzuki! Things have really changed havent they?

Wonderful videos. I appreciate all your efforts. Keep them coming. I'm a 69-year-old "novice rider" on a 1995 BMW R100R; the last of the true airheads. Live in the U.S on Cape Cod. Actually spent the first 7 years of my life in Liverpool. Keep those videos and input coming. I'm enjoying your journey. All the best, Larry Venezia

@Back2TheBike

6 жыл бұрын

I married a scouser from Liverpool Larry, so speak a little bit of the language. I'm glad you're enjoying the videos. Thanks for the feedback!

I'm left eye dominant but I don't think that's why I'm less confident in right hand bends. I think it's a natural disinclination to lean my body into oncoming traffic even if my bike is in the nearside of my side of the road. On the subject of how vision works in making safe observations, I once heard it said that you should always move your head rather than just your eyeballs. This advice was based on research into near miss incidents by fast jet pilots. The RAF found that pilots were far less likely to miss details when moving their head to make observations than just their eyeballs. This is because we don't see the world in one continuous stream of visual information but rather in frames rather like a cini film. When we move our eyeballs we have a bigger gap between these frames so a greater chance something is missed but when we move our head to sweep our gaze across a scene there are more frames with less gaps and so less chance of missing something. I've incorporated this into my riding, I never flick my eyes over to check a mirror or look through a corner or check out an area of potential hazard, always I move my head. It gives a body language signal to others as well. I shift position when sat behind another vehicle as well, again based on how human vision works, the drivers eyes are far more likely to notice a moving object in their mirror than a small target like a bike which relative to their car static behind them because our brains notice movement before shapes.

The thing about you doing LHers better than RHers doesn't surprise me - I've wondered for years why all sorts of things - ice skating, running round a track, NASCAR, etc. ALWAYS go anticlockwise/left. I've read all sorts of explanations none of which adequately explain why, it just "feels" more natural. And I've tried going clockwise roller & ice skating, it feels unnatural & weird (but then I've always gone anticlockwise so I can't say that that isn't for no other reason than I'm used to going anti). I'm finding these vids very useful & considering doing the IAM so thanks for posting. Spring is on the way, let's hope for some good weather and better things globally before too long...

@Back2TheBike

2 жыл бұрын

Im glad they're helping Dave. Also glad that now, with my tyres changed and technique improved the RHs feel same as LHs!

Observation #3: Lane positioning Here is an exert from The Official MTO Motorcycle Handbook here in Ontario, Canada: “On a motorcycle or moped, you do not have the protection of a vehicle around you, so you have to make your own protection. To do this, you need to position your vehicle in the best possible spot on the road. Depending on traffic and road conditions, the best position in the lane is usually a little to the left or right of the centre of the lane, in the track where the tires of a four-wheeled vehicle would travel. This spot is referred to as the left or right tire track. It is considered the best position for keeping a safe distance from other vehicles, for seeing and being seen, and for the smoothest road surface with the best traction. It is also called the because it blocks or discourages other drivers from trying to squeeze past you in the same lane.” So, when I am riding, I position myself in what you call the Crown position. When an upcoming big vehicle or transport is approaching, I temporally move to the Curb position and regain my blocking position right after. Yes, it does sometimes make me move like a snake but I believe it is still the best strategy. I avoid the centre lane (Command) as this lane has a tendency to collect road debris and oil drips from the regular traffic. On a three or more lane highway, you would travel on either the far right or far left lane and never the centre lane (s) as you have no blocking position on either side.

@Back2TheBike

6 жыл бұрын

That's interesting Claude. A bit of different philosophy from the British Institute of Advanced Motorists actually. Food for thought, thanks for sharing!

@MotorSportsFan46

6 жыл бұрын

To be honest not really that different. The "Kerb, Command, Crown" nomenclature is not an IAM thing. My group for eg don't use it. The important bit is that it is consistent with the Observers that you ride with so that there is no miscommunication. I, personally avoid the term command as it can give some people the wrong idea, with disastrous consequences when they discover that they cannot actually "command" anyone. I do however like to use the term body-language and the concept of managing the other road users. This is, I think,. a slightly softer term that allows for the notion of people who will refuse to be managed. The advice that Claude is advocating is what I would use on relatively straight, wide or low speed sections (maybe that's Ontario for you?) but on a British bendy back road I would position for Safety, Stability and View (in that order)

Ah this is so close to where I live 😊 got my free assessment ride this morning, got a 2016 Tracer (from a 2001 CB500!) and only have 200 miles on it so far. Only got my license at the end of 2017 (although that's pushing 4 years now to be fair). Nervous and excited in equal measure.

@Back2TheBike

3 жыл бұрын

Good stuff. Hope you enjoy your IAM!

Your instructor talked about kerb, command and crown, where my instructor suggested 5 positions, 1 close to the fog line, 2 in the left hand wheel track, 3 in the centre of the lane, 4 in the right hand wheel track, and 5 close to the center line. Position 4 being the default position, putting you in the door mirror of the driver and providing good visibility ahead. I was directed to use all of the lane to maximise visibility, smooth bends and avoid hazards. I'm not suggesting that one approach is superior to another just identifying that there are variations on the same skills.

@Back2TheBike

5 жыл бұрын

You'll see my thinking evolve as you move through the IAM 'boxed set. I've passed the test now but don't think of a 'number' or a title to describe the position, only 'where is the safest place I can be on the road right now?'

@ianallso2541

5 жыл бұрын

I agree, it is about being in the safest position at any given moment. During my training I was fitted with a comms system and able to receive feedback on the move, the instructor used the 1 to 5 scheme to provide clear instructions under those circumstances. I have watched the first three videos so far and have been pleased that the feedback that you have received dovetails with the information that I have been given by my instructors, we all face the same safety concerns, irrespective of the country in which we are riding.

All good observations. (I'm training with RoSPA southern riders)

@Back2TheBike

4 ай бұрын

Good stuff. Keep us posted!

I was a Police Advanced driver and still try even today to drive the the same standard. But my wife does not understand how I drive, she has bad habits but thinks those are good habits. Watching this video felt the same turning small bad habits make so much of a difference to safe riding. I am about to buy my first bike in years and I am going to teach myself how to ride safely. Thank you for sharing your experiences.

@Back2TheBike

3 жыл бұрын

Hi James. You'll know the system then, but just have to learn the bike. Stay in touch!

@andypandy955

3 жыл бұрын

@@Back2TheBike Thank you and yes I will stay in touch. I just need to convince my wife that a bike is a good idea.

On the basic test you would fail if you straight lined the roundabout. On to advanced and straight lining is the preferred option if it is safe to do so. So many things are different, lines in to bends, approach to junctions, all require a completely different way of thinking about things. Great fun...

@Back2TheBike

6 жыл бұрын

Hi Nevets, thanks for your comment. Yes, still trying to learn this one!

Regarding your preference for left hand corners, I am the same. A biking buddy of mine was a police advanced motorcyclist and he followed me around on a recent trip and he noticed me getting slightly tense in right handers. He suggested that I might be unconsciously worried about leaning into the adverse camber as it falls away to the kerb. I adjusted my approach and mid corner position slightly to the right and I have increased my confidence greatly. Just a thought.

@Back2TheBike

5 жыл бұрын

The Woodster thanks for that. I've cracked it now. It was a mixture of an unevenly worn tyre, poor technique and lack of confidence that I was going to end up in the hedge. The cambers are poor where I'm based in Northants too.

Aaah the classic difference between aggressive and assertive ;-)

I have the exact same problem with favouring the L/H turn I'm Ok on the open road but in the city at Intersections I prefer L/H turns R/H turns need more time and become notchy

@Back2TheBike

3 жыл бұрын

Keep watching the series. I crack the RHs eventually 😀 A combination of poor technique and a badly stepped front tyre ...

Seems very logical to me. We all start "digitally" in a new skill set, then move on to a more natural flow as the digitally formed habits become second nature. An example of that would be learning to play music on any instrument and learning to read the music on paper. It takes intense concentration to learn how to read each note and how to make the correct finger (or other) movements that correspond to the notes. But, once the "digital" (I just realized there is a kind of pun, there) habits are ingrained, we move on to "analogue" smoothness with everything coming together naturally. At this stage, it is a very good idea to have a more experienced person (coach) who can point out easier or smoother ways to get even better in a more analogue mode. Now about that lane position identification thing. I like the kerb (US curb), command, and crown concept better than the number system because it is more descriptive and simpler than a five position number system. However, I'm not sure that calling the middle position "command" is the absolute best choice. That makes it sound like the best position to be in at all times, and I just don't think so. You don't want to be there when the road is (freshly) wet, when you can't see forward as well as you would like, and when you don't have the best escape route if something goes wrong. I still believe that the best lane position depends on so many variables that it should never be "digitized" down to one.

@Back2TheBike

6 жыл бұрын

100% agree. My instructor said the same as you actually. I always try to practice a few specifics on each ride rather than everything, then 'relax' towards the end of the ride and see how much has sunk in. A long way to go yet!

Thanks for another god video. Interesting thoughts on presence and assertiveness as a way to safety. I know a purpose of these videos is for you to get feedback from experienced riders as a component in your learning process. As a rider to be, not yet past my drivers test, can I ask you a question? Staying on the kurb or in the crown position both has benefits, but also risks. What would be wrong by simply always staying in the command position?

@Back2TheBike

6 жыл бұрын

Segelmange generally you use kerb on British roads when approaching a right hand bend to open the view up down the road, and crown on a left hand bend to do the same. However it's not a fixed rule, as you must never sacrifice safety for position eg moving to crown when there is a large truck coming at you, or moving to kerb when there is a junction on the left. Take a look at videos from 'Nottingham Roadcraft' for more on this.

@MotorSportsFan46

6 жыл бұрын

The short answer is that you would be doing it without thought of where the optimal position and therefore by definition would not be demonstrating the behaviour of a "thinking rider" which is a key element of advanced riding. Having said that, Advanced riding will not necessarily help you to pass the test so listen to your instructor until you have passed the test and then look for someone locally who can provide advanced training.

@martinwilkinson2344

5 жыл бұрын

On my initial training to pass the test, my instructor advised me to default to the "command" position. For the less experienced rider, I think it's the safest bet; when I was learning to control the bike, I wanted to have as much road between me and the hazards (kerb, oncoming traffic) as possible. And it's a simple rule when there is so much other new stuff to learn. As you gain experience, shifting position within the lane becomes less daunting and more comfortable; you can then use your position to just bump up your overall safety margin and improve fluidity.

Great videos and tips but is there any particular reason for not changing gear above 3rd.

@Back2TheBike

4 жыл бұрын

Haha! This was early days in my back to the bike journey, and yes, I got a lot of stick for not changing up. As you progress through the films you'll see a white marker appear on my tachometer, to remind me to rest the engine. Here I am, 2 years later, very much enjoying 4th gear ...

Exact same thing here with the left turns compared to right.Could it also be the dominant side of the body fighting the bike?

@Back2TheBike

5 жыл бұрын

Hi Steve. Now, many months later I believe I can answer this. My problem was down to: 1. Poor technique - if you watch my later vids you'll see how my mentor (SeaFlyFisher) has worked hard with me on cornering, particularly entry speed, position and drive. 2. A worn front tyre - the camber on British roads erodes the right hand side of your tyre and leaves a ridge that makes RH's twitchy. 3. Lack of early feel for the 265KG RT after coming B2TB. This is much better now but still needs work.

Don't worry about the terminology mate as our lot use 1-5 for positioning and call position 3 the sump line. They also publicise the route beforehand if you want to know where your going before hand, rather than waiting to be told via your observers indicators so you get into a flow as your observer will see if you're doing your rear obs by your head movements...or lack of them, but again it's what works best for your group. BTW you missed the overtakes on the horse box?, though I found that (performing safe overtakes within the posted limit) to be probably the most difficult thing to get right...but I'm working on it along with everything else as you never stop learning. Cheers Ade

@Back2TheBike

6 жыл бұрын

Yes, still very cautious on overtakes Ade. When I first got the bike, after the initial familiarisation period, I found overtaking relatively straightforward on abike with as much power as the RT, but exceeded the limit. As you say, when riding the IAM way in effect you have a speed 'budget' which you can't exceed, so it's much harder. The reason they don't tell you the route is that on the test the examiner expects you to follow his indicators, so you have to learn to do it.

@Bazza47

6 жыл бұрын

Back2TheBike ahh, a difference in examiners approach then which your local IAM branch are responding too. 'Some may say' that would be more appropriate to a masters...but as Manuel from Faulty Towers would say... I know nothing... Anyway as far as the overtakes are concerned I'm with you on that as "we" shouldn't be doing things we're not comfortable with-missing an overtake should not in itself get you a fail. Messing one up causing you to exceed the speed limit because you shouldn't have attempted it in the 1st place or cause other road users to brake/take avoiding action/be dangerous / you cutting them up etc. will. Ride safe mate

@charleskay2605

6 жыл бұрын

Good video series which I've only just come across. Interesting point on overtaking speed - I'm another who came back to bikes after a long gap (50 years) and when I took the IAM test (2014) my Examiner was the then head of the Metropolitan Motorcycle Escort Group and prior to going out I asked him 2 questions - his response was "don't bother looking at your speedo when overtaking, but come back to the legal limit as quickly and safely as possible and yes, you can straight line the bends on country roads if it's legal, you have a clear view and it's safe to do so". I passed :).

@Back2TheBike

6 жыл бұрын

Charles Kay HI Charles and welcome. I love that advice, sounds like the common sense approach. I'm not sure though if that gets you through the current IAM test. I've yet to do much overtaking and can probably count on the fingers of two hands how often I've done it since I bought the bike.

@Bazza47

6 жыл бұрын

Back2TheBike From what I've been told by my observer that was the case i.e. get past without delay and it still is as far as police tests are concerned, but the IAM have changed their policy so that you have to keep to the speed limits even when overtaking as they can't be seen to condone speeding (their view is that if you can't complete the overtake within the limits then you shouldn't attempt it). Once you've passed then it's up to the individual😉 Personally I adopt the common sense approach but on the test the limits are sacrosanct unless something unexpected happens when safety then over rides legality.

I'm the same regarding the left and right bends. Find it much easier on the left handers. I wonder if that's the case with most riders?

@Back2TheBike

6 жыл бұрын

sharkface 70 Don't know is the answer. Do your eyes focus differently?

@parf2665

6 жыл бұрын

Back2TheBike I'm right eye dominant wonder if has something to do with turning towards oncoming traffic?

@MotorSportsFan46

6 жыл бұрын

Most riders find left handers easier than rights, this is nothing to do with eyesight and everything to do with camber of the road. On a left the camber rises to your right helping you around the corner and reduces the effective lean angle of the bike. The converse is true for a right hander, the road falls away and pushes you to the outside of the bend, which means that you have to lean the bike further to achieve the same radius. The exception is a super position road, where there is no crown and the whole surface slopes to the inside of the bend.

@CB-xj4jr

6 жыл бұрын

Your theory is interesting but only applies where you ride on the right side of the road. In the UK it is the opposite and the problem is there too. I still stick to McRider theory of your right hand being twisted uncomfortably on right turns compared to left turns.

Maybe hold back at the narrow bridge :-) IAM looking to develop a thinking rider, no right or wrong Safety first, sytamactic IPSGA, smooth, speed and the last S to remember that Sh1t happens

@Back2TheBike

6 жыл бұрын

COD K1600 that made me look twice. Actually was further away than it looked on my wide angle lens. Take your point though!

@CODK-nb6mw

6 жыл бұрын

Yes nice safe ride

Why did you spend so long following that blue horse box?

@Back2TheBike

5 жыл бұрын

Andrew Harrison two reasons: I like horses, and it was early in my training and I was still working on my overtaking skills.

I've noticed you rarely use 5th or 6th gear e.g., doing 60mph on dual carriage in 4th all the time. I find myself watching and thinking change up, change up. Having not done any IAM stuff myself but considering it - is this something IAM teach / advocate ? Also, when you chat about rhythm , do you think you are being overly analytical when riding to the point it is getting in the way of your rhythm and dare I say it enjoyment ! I accept one has to be 'switched on' when riding but i do wonder if you are being so analytical and critical that you are missing out on the joy a bit

@Back2TheBike

6 жыл бұрын

Gordon Fletcher Good points. I'm still trying to work out which gear is best, balancing traction with relaxing the engine. Re yr point about analysing, Im trying to build a doctrine for riding. Once I've nailed that down hopefully it becomes a habit, something subconscious.

@MotorSportsFan46

6 жыл бұрын

Here's a hint, when you are doing the "dynamic" riding mentioned on the first run, adopt a gear that places you in the middle third of the rev range i.e. a responsive gear. When you are cruising or in situations of low grip select a gear that has you in the lower third. The upper third is between you and your conscience :) (Chris, IAM RS Chief Observer)

@MotorSportsFan46

6 жыл бұрын

Hi Gordon, my initial thought was it's a refreshing change to see a rider who is using the revs and not treating the bike like a diesel saloon, changing up at 2.5 to 3 thousand revs. However, once on the dual carriageway and cruising I would have liked to have seen top gear selected for mechanical sympathy and economy.

@Back2TheBike

6 жыл бұрын

Hi Chris, honoured to have your comments here - thank you. I'll certainly take that on board. Never touched the upper third yet! I am the global lead in my own field (training practitioners in managing large complex defence projects) but very much the new kid at school here. The personal challenge is to attain a safe and competent level of riding after a 37 year lay off.

@Back2TheBike

6 жыл бұрын

Amen.

i found you cant please a one of them, they all want to re wright the book, a lot of it contradicts itself, but it does make things safer, saying that it can get full on as you advance it goes from a leisurely ride out to your pants on fire.

I think that most of what you said was fine, but I think the way you worded the roundabout 'straight line' theory was a little flawed. On approach to the roundabout, as long as nobody was coming from the right, you only have to be aware of what is behind you a little, but the 'straight line' thing should never be used if someone is approaching from the left. If they see you in the right-hand (inner lane) they may naturally assume that you are turning right and pull straight out into the left-hand lane (outer lane) to make a left turn, not realising that you are about to cut back over to the left to go straight on. This would only really be a big issue if the other person was one of the said 'BMW brigade', 'boy racer' division or a fast motorcyclist who would attempt the turn at speed. But your position on the roundabout could determine what decision they make as to their approach. Just something to be aware of.

@Back2TheBike

3 жыл бұрын

Fair point! I think it depends on how fast they're moving too, but the point is to take the smoothest, straightest path if that's a reasonable option.

@Petej728

3 жыл бұрын

@@Back2TheBike May I ask a question? It's been 3 years or so, since you made this series of videos. I have just reached the end of 'IAM Advanced Rider Training - Observed Ride #6' and have just seen your 'moment' at 28:25. Just looking at your speedometer, I could instantly see what had happened to cause the issue you had. You were (even by your own admission) clearly hesitant and lacking in confidence at the time of recording and I wondered if you have now overcome those issues as I have 2 small pieces of advice that would have instantly helped you out in that situation. And I really am NOT meaning to be critical and don't want to sound patronising, so if you don't have those issues any more, I will shut up and just say thank you for the effort and honesty you put into all of your videos.

@Back2TheBike

3 жыл бұрын

@@Petej728 Hi Pete, yes, problem solved as you'll see if you check out the video on the Metzeler tyre change. The front tyre had worn quite unevenly, spotted by IAM John. That issue, and my poor technique, resulted in the problem which I'm now happy to say is solved!

@Petej728

3 жыл бұрын

@@Back2TheBike Hi. Have just watched video #7. In that video (just reminding you so you don't have to go through it to remember which one it was), the observer was coaching you on using the throttle in the corner. When I said previously that I could see one of the issues that caused the feeling of you running out of road, being off the throttle was one of them. The other was counter steering. As you approached the corner and all the way through the corner to the 'moment' you had, I saw your speed was constantly decreasing. Basically, being off the throttle throughout the turn. The main reasons that most bikers to run out of road (without any external influence) is being off the throttle, or using the brakes during the turn, because they believe they are carrying too much corner speed. In this situation, the very best thing you can do is crack the throttle open (not accelerate, but just take the load off the front wheel) and then gently push down on the inner handle-bar (right for right-hand turns, left for left etc) and lean into the corner. This has the effect that the bike will now dip lower into the corner, but with the load now being taken off the front wheel, you make a tighter turn. This is basic principle of counter steering. It is difficult to see whether you counter steer in the video, but I can definitely see the throttle control issue as I can see the speedo. It is a very difficult thing to learn to counter steering, but once you have the principle and keep practising it, you gain much more confidence turning into corners. This is a video clip from Keith Code's 'Twist of the wrist 2' video which explains counter steering a lot better than me. kzread.info/dash/bejne/apNpvJWjqbKYoKQ.html Again, I am not criticising, I am just suggesting things that, after 2 or 3 years since the making of your video, you may already know but will add to your safety.

Absolutely right, it is a lot about your perceptions and attitude to other road users. If he/she wants to drive like that? What effect does that have on me? Let them get on with it and distance yourself from them if possible. Remove yourself from that situation, foresee it early if possible!

@Back2TheBike

Ай бұрын

.

LMFAO about BMW/Audi drivers :) So true... Note that for me, I never ride in the Kerb, unless being in formation (in -between) other bikes. Being right in front of a car driver's position will make sure you are better seen, as well as incoming traficc will not also try to overtake because you are a small motorcycle and they would fit.

That going straight over the round about because it's shorter work work very well in an insurance claim what a stupid thing for a trainer to say yes it's shorter faster but it's stupid enjoy the bend not many in the town's

@HAIRYBIKER777

4 жыл бұрын

I had a police class 1 riding instructor say the exact same thing to me - his point being that a straight line unsettles the bike less, and because you're not cornering so much then you have more grip available for deceleration / acceleration if needed. If an IAM observer and a police instructor recommend it, it's good enough for me.

@robertarmstrong1245

4 жыл бұрын

@@HAIRYBIKER777 I don't like that I think it's stupid if that was case why can we not cut across round abouts on our tests?

@HAIRYBIKER777

4 жыл бұрын

@@robertarmstrong1245 Because on your test, you'll be in traffic and so it's not safe to do it. Passing your test is all about showing you understand and can follow the rules of the road. Advanced riding is a completely different thing, with different objectives.

@robertarmstrong1245

4 жыл бұрын

@@HAIRYBIKER777 not every round about has traffic when on a test so you pass your test as the the high way code says to ride then you do advanced riding by cutting though round abouts I liked you're video agreed with a lot, I do cut round abouts myself I won't lie it is safer but I would never advise someone to do so