You can't predict the future. But you can get pretty good at spotting what's about to happen.

Every ride is full of clues.

A car waiting at a junction. A van blocking your view. A pedestrian looking over their shoulder. Brake lights appearing further up the road.

None of these things is necessarily dangerous on its own. But they can give you clues about what might happen next.

That's hazard perception.

It's not about having lightning-fast reactions. It's about spotting potential hazards early, giving yourself more time and making better decisions.

What should you look for?

When you're riding, keep asking yourself:

What might happen next?

Look for changes in:

• Other road users – are they slowing, moving or looking somewhere else?
• Your view – could something be hidden behind a vehicle, hedge or building?
• The road – are there potholes, gravel, wet leaves or other changes in the surface?
• The traffic around you – could someone pull out, change lane or move into your path?

The earlier you spot a clue, the more time you have to respond.

Sometimes that might mean easing off the throttle. Sometimes changing your road position, increasing your space or deciding not to filter.