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How To Prevent Motion Camouflage And Be Seen When Riding Your Motorcycle

Last Update: 8 October 2023

How To Prevent Motion Camouflage And Be Seen When Riding Your Motorcycle

Motion camouflage often leads to motorcycles and their riders seemingly becoming invisible to car drivers in specific situations. Visibility goes beyond wearing reflective gear or having loud exhaust pipes. You may not have been previously informed about the risks associated with something known as “motion camouflage.”  It is crucial for motorcycle riders to understand this phenomenon, not only in terms of being noticed by others but also in terms of recognising potential hazards ahead of them.

WHAT IS MOTION CAMOUFLAGE?

Motion camouflage is a dynamic (dynamic =  a force that stimulates change or progress within a system or process) type of camouflage by which an object, in this case, you the motorcyclist can approach a target – automobile – while appearing to remain stationary from the perspective of the target. The way it works is while the approaching object (you) remains on the same line of travel between the target (vehicle) and some landmark point ; it seems to stay near the landmark point from the target’s perspective. The only visible evidence that the object (you) is moving would be your angle and your “looming” change in size as you approach the vehicle.

Motion camouflage is a dynamic (dynamic =  a force that stimulates change or progress within a system or process) form of camouflage wherein an object, such as a motorcyclist, can approach a target like an automobile while giving the illusion of staying still from the target’s viewpoint. This effect occurs when the approaching object (the motorcyclist) maintains a constant trajectory between the target (the vehicle) and a fixed reference point, causing it to appear as though it is stationary relative to the reference point from the target’s perspective. The primary indicators of movement in this scenario are changes in the object’s angle and its increasing size as it approaches the vehicle.

A moving object will draw the attention of a driver versus a stationary object. But if you’re riding towards another driver/ vehicle you’ll be out of sight and seemingly “disappear” because you remain on the same spot their field of vision remains. This is “motion camouflage” – camouflage by movement.

MOTION CAMOUFLAGE CAN DISGUISE MOVEMENT

Motion camouflage can disguise the movement of an approaching object. In the animal kingdom this phenomenon is used by predators to sneak up on prey.
Recently biologists confirmed dragonflies use it in their predatory flight paths. When hunting,  the dragonfly keeps on a line between a fixed point in the landscape and its prey. If the prey moves, the dragonfly moves with it, keeping the fixed point directly behind it al all times – effectively hiding it from the prey. This works because the outline of the dragonfly remains in the same place against its background, making it hard for the prey to detect its movement. At some point close to the prey, the dragonfly “looms”  into view. But it’s too late for the prey by then. Looming – the only visible evidence that the attacker is moving is its “looming”, the change in size as the attacker approaches. Motion is also used in a variety of other camouflage strategies, including swaying to mimic plant movements in the wind or ocean currents.

Motion camouflage serves as a means to conceal the movement of an approaching object, a phenomenon observed not only in the human world but also in the animal kingdom. Predators often employ this tactic to stealthily approach their prey.  Biologists have recently confirmed that dragonflies utilise motion camouflage in their predatory flight patterns. During the hunt, a dragonfly maintains a trajectory between a fixed point in the environment and its prey. Should the prey change position, the dragonfly adjusts its movement to keep the fixed point consistently aligned behind it. This effectively conceals the dragonfly’s motion from the prey, as its outline remains stable against the background, making it challenging for the prey to detect any movement. As the dragonfly approaches the prey, it suddenly “looms” into view, but by then, it’s too late for the prey to react. “Looming,” characterised by a change in size as the attacker nears, is the only visible sign of movement. Motion camouflage is also employed in various other camouflage strategies, such as mimicking the swaying of plants in the wind or the motion of ocean currents.

METHODS TO INCREASE YOUR VISIBILITY

This is the reason why motorcyclists often encounter situations where drivers or vehicles unexpectedly pull out onto the road and then abruptly come to a stop, seemingly frozen in place. These drivers didn’t initially notice the motorcyclist, and when they finally do, it can be a shock. The abrupt change in size as the motorcycle approaches is what captures the driver’s attention. Unfortunately, for the motorcycle rider, this “uncloaking effect” known as looming occurs only when the moving object (the motorcycle) is very close to its target, which in this case is the vehicle that didn’t see the motorcycle approaching.

How To Prevent Motion Camouflage And Be Seen When Riding Your Motorcycle
Motion Camouflage in Action

The diagram above provides an excellent illustration of motion camouflage in practice. Despite the red person in the diagram actually moving in the background, from the perspective of the blue person, the path taken by the blue person creates the illusion that the red person remains stationary.

Motorcyclists can utilize this scientific concept to reduce the risk of being unnoticed or “preyed upon” by other drivers or vehicles. There are several effective strategies to enhance your visibility, including:

  1. Lane Positioning: Adjusting your position within your lane can help. For instance, you can shift from the left tire track to the right tire track within your lane.
  2. Lane Changes: On two-laned roads, consider making lane changes when appropriate. This movement from one lane to another tends to draw the attention of other drivers.
  3. Subtle Manoeuvres: Employ subtle manoeuvres, such as slight swerves, within your lane. These movements can mimic the effect of motion and make you more noticeable to others. It’s akin to navigating around small obstacles like man-hole covers, which can also help keep your steering and emergency avoidance skills sharp.

Notably, these position changes involve relatively quick movements from one side of your lane to the other, and they can effectively capture the attention of fellow road users, enhancing your overall visibility as a motorcyclist.

ADJUST YOUR DIRECTION OF TRAVEL

An alternative strategy to consider when approaching a vehicle, instead of riding directly toward it, is to adjust your direction of travel. This approach offers two key advantages:

  1. Enhanced Angle: By altering your direction of travel, you can achieve a larger angle in relation to the approaching vehicle. This ensures that your motorcycle is more prominently presented to the other driver or vehicle. As a result, there’s a greater visible surface area on the front side of the motorcycle, providing the other driver with more “ground” to see it.
  2. Altered Path: Changing your direction of travel slightly from that of the approaching vehicle means that you cross their field of vision or line of sight, rather than riding directly alongside them on the right. This can be more effective in catching the attention of the other driver, reducing the chances of going unnoticed.

By making these adjustments, you increase your visibility and decrease the likelihood of being overlooked by other vehicles when approaching them on the road.

THE BETTER LINE OF TRAVEL

The green directional arrow represents the preferred line of travel, as it maximises your visibility to approaching vehicles. Conversely, the red directional arrow indicates the direction in which you were previously out of sight from the approaching vehicle.

As a general guideline, if there is an approaching vehicle on your left, it is advisable to shift from left to right within your lane. Conversely, if an approaching vehicle is on your right-hand side, consider moving from right to left within your lane. These adjustments in your positioning can significantly enhance your visibility to other road users, reducing the risk of going unnoticed and improving overall safety while riding a motorcycle.

Motion Camouflage on MOTORESS
Combating Motion Camouflage While Riding Your Motorcycle

DIAGRAM 1Illustrates that the optimal direction for the rider is achieved by shifting from the right to the left of the lane. The green line indicates a path that takes the rider further away from the yellow car positioned in the top right corner, while the red line points more toward the yellow car. The green line is advantageous because it helps mitigate the effects of motion camouflage and offers a larger profile of both the rider and the motorcycle.

By following the green line, there is more space created at the junction point between the rider and the yellow vehicle. This increased separation enhances visibility and reduces the likelihood of motion camouflage, making it a safer and more effective approach when encountering other vehicles on the road.

DIAGRAM 2This illustrates a change in direction when an approaching vehicle is situated on the left-hand side of your path. In this scenario, the green line indicates a path that veers away from the red car, while the red line points more directly toward the vehicle. The green path, which leads away from the red car, offers several advantages:

  • Increased Separation: By following the green path, you create more distance between yourself and the red vehicle’s position. This added separation provides you with extra time and space to react if the red vehicle were to make a left turn in front of you.
  • Enhanced Visibility: The green path also enhances your visibility to the red car, reducing the risk of motion camouflage and making it more likely for the other driver to notice your presence.

Overall, the green path in this scenario not only improves safety but also allows for better reaction time and awareness when encountering a vehicle positioned on the left-hand side of your path.

DIAGRAM 3: In a situation where the direction of travel aligns with Diagram 2 but an approaching green vehicle is on the left, it’s advisable to select the green path, just as in Diagram 2. This choice allows for greater distance between you and the green car and provides additional space at the intersection. By following the green path, you enhance safety by increasing separation from the green vehicle and ensuring more room for manoeuvring in case the green car makes a move at the intersection. This approach prioritises safety and reaction time when encountering vehicles positioned on the left side of your path.

Note that you’ll be able to do the move in your direction of travel subtly. Remember however, that often this will have no effect on avoiding motion camouflage as the driver may not be paying attention at all!
However, the best defence is being aware of the benefits and that the use of movement may be used to draw attention to yourself!  You’ll be able to achieve visibility in a positive way, within safe reason in addition to all other factors that increase your visibility.

SCAN AHEAD

It’s crucial for motorcyclists to develop the skill of avoiding items camouflaged by motion. One way to achieve this is through a technique taught during rider training courses called scanning, which involves keeping your head and eyes in constant motion.

Let me introduce you to Duncan MacKillop, a riding instructor who has related the concept of motion camouflage to motorcycling. He suggests that diverging from the direct line of sight can disrupt motion camouflage and attract the observer’s attention.
Here’s an example to illustrate this concept:

Imagine a driver stopped at a cross-street to your right. This driver is likely looking left at a slight angle to the path of the road they intend to cross. If you, as a motorcyclist, stay to the left of your lane, you will diverge from their line of sight, making yourself more noticeable to them. However, if you veer to the right, such as when changing lanes from the left to the right, you’ll be moving along the crossing driver’s line of sight. This movement could potentially hide your motion against the background, making it more challenging for the driver to perceive your presence.

Incorporating this awareness and divergence from the line of sight can be a valuable skill for motorcyclists to enhance their visibility and safety on the road. (See Diagram 2)

MacKillop the recommends: “I observed a smooth, gentle, single, zig-zag motion, at any point along the line, created a rapid edge movement against the background and destroyed the motion camouflage. Drivers’ eyes snapped towards me and they froze the movement I swept left to right and back again.”

OPTICAL ILLUSIONS & VISUAL PHENOMENA

Motorcycle Rider Guide to Motion Camouflage - MOTORESS By Vicki Gray
OPTICAL ILLUSIONS & VISUAL PHENOMENA

Check out this amazing great example of how motion induced blindness works. This is provided by Prof. Michael Bach PhD, Ophthalmology, University of Freiburg, Germany, from his collection of Optical Illusions & Visual Phenomena!

 


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