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Countersteering

For the technique with a similar name used in automobiles, see Countersteering (Automobile).

Countersteering is used by single-track vehicle operators, such as cyclists and motorcyclists, to initiate a turn toward a given direction by momentarily steering counter to the desired direction ("steer left to turn right"). To negotiate a turn successfully, the combined center of mass of the rider and the single-track vehicle must first be leaned in the direction of the turn, and steering briefly in the opposite direction causes that lean.[1] The rider's action of countersteering is sometimes referred to as "giving a steering command".[2][3]: 15 

The scientific literature does not provide a clear and comprehensive definition of countersteering. In fact, "a proper distinction between steer torque and steer angle ... is not always made."[4]

A hypothetical curve on dry asphalt
  1. ^ Sheldon Brown. "Countersteering". Retrieved 9 November 2012. "Countersteering" refers to the momentary motion of the handlebars in the opposite direction of the desired turn.
  2. ^ "Curriculum for driving licenses A1, A2 and A"/"Læreplan Førerkortklasse A1, A2 and A" (PDF). Norwegian Public Roads Administration. 2013. p. 55.
  3. ^ Leif Klyve; Henry Enoksen; Gunnar Kubberød. Full Kontroll (PDF). Norwegian Motorcycle Union. p. 15. ISBN 82-92276-00-9. Archived from the original (PDF) on 8 October 2008.
  4. ^ Sharp, R. S. (2008). "On the stability and control of the bicycle". Applied Mechanics Reviews. 61 (6): 1–24. Bibcode:2008ApMRv..61f0803S. doi:10.1115/1.2983014. A positive right-hand torque leads to negative steer and roll angles, corresponding to a left turn. This behavior is often called countersteering, and it appears that it was known in the very early days of cycling, although a proper distinction between steer torque and steer angle forcing is not always made.