Safety Doesn't Happen By Accident - Safe Cornering
Brian Lynne | Published on 6/29/2026
Many Bike North members enjoy cruising and think little of the technique of Safe Cornering. Modern cars do so much to assist us when driving but these advanced electronics are not available on our bike so we must be ready to manager corners safely.
The most demanding are descending left hand bends, where the speed of the bike can increase and often visibility is limited. Whether you are cruising or going for a PB on Bobbin Head, every cyclist can benefit by knowing and practicing this Safe Cornering technique.
Position your bike to the right-hand side of your lane. This increases visibility around the corner so you can see if it tightens or if there's water or other hazards.
Brake early using both brakes, with the front doing the majority of the work. You should not brake in the corner, when the bike is not upright. More experienced riders may use a small amount of rear brake to assist cornering.
Position yourself for the corner. Move your weight back slightly on the saddle and place the outside pedal at the bottom of the stroke, lowering the centre of gravity and increasing tyre traction. You should never corner with the inside pedal down as it could strike the road and, before you know it, you'll be in an ambulance.
It sounds silly but watch where you want to go. Look around the corner and the bike will take you there. If there is a hazard, look where you want to go to avoid it rather than looking at the hazard. It is recommended that you practice "late apexing", where you aim to be closest to the inside of the curve beyond the 50% point as shown below.
The following diagram shows late apexing for a car negotiating a right hand bend and is also valid for a cyclist.
Late apexing has a number of benefits. You can brake later as the bike is upright longer as you approach the corner. You can see further around the corner, which could tighten or have bumps. The bumpiest part of a corner is generally on the inside and best avoided. By late apexing, if you hit a bump, your bike is facing down the road, not across to oncoming traffic. You can also start pedalling earlier as you exit the corner.
Lean your bike into the corner, keeping your body relatively upright. Pressure on the inside hand controls the cornering. Some riders say to keep the inside elbow locked but it is always good to have a small amount of bent elbow to cushion unexpected bumps. Keep your upper body relaxed and slightly point your inside knee just like the Moto GP riders do. This also assists in lowering the centre of gravity and increasing control.
Don't try to corner at someone else's speed. Keep your pace to a point where you are comfortable.
SUMMARY.
Keep on your side of the road.
Brake on approach, not in the corner. Use both brakes, favouring the front.
Position your body to the rear of the saddle and weight on the outside pedal at "6 o'clock". Some riders will actually lift themselves slightly off the saddle.
Watch where you want to go and plan to "late apex". Be aware of bumps or water and slow accordingly.
Control the corner with your inside hand and stay relaxed to absorb any bumps.
Continue to look down the road and prepare for the next corner.
Safety doesn't happen by accident so practicing this cornering technique will help you safely enjoy your ride.