Ask April - Target Fixation Explained
What is and isn’t target fixation?
Target fixation is when a rider stares at an object or distraction (usually something like a pothole on the road) that they wish to avoid, and inherently, they begin to move toward it instead of away from it.
For example, if you see an object in your path and you stare at it while you’re walking, you will automatically begin to walk toward it. The same applies on a bike. If you see a knee slider on the track, and you continue to stare at it, (a.k.a you “fixate” on your “target”) you will inevitably hit it. One of the most important things we teach riders at the track is that where you look, is where you go.
Scenarios of target fixation and not target fixation:
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Making the decision to move in the opposite direction around an object ... and then the object collides into you? NOT target fixation.
In this instance, as you can clearly see in this video, the obstacle is a crashed bike lowsiding off to the left. Not being able to see the crash was unfortunately at play here due to riders in front, followed by a quick manoeuvre to get away from the bike as it spun out on the left. As the bike spun, an oggy knob has caught on the camber up the hill (there is an incline here) and shot the bike directly in the path of the rider who went right to avoid it and approximately four other riders who took the same evasive action by veering right.
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Seeing a corner coming up and staring at it until you go directly off the road and over a cliff? IS target fixation.
In this instance, as you can clearly see in this video, the fixation is the upcoming corner and needing to navigate it.
As the rider approaches the left hander, they fixate on the corner itself rather than where they need to look to go through the corner. As such, they stare directly at the corner and thus... that’s where they go. Into the corner, and off a cliff.
So, how do we avoid target fixation?
Ultimately, there are plenty of videos on the internet that will tell you exactly what to do and how. What they don’t tell you is that it’s a conscious decision that every rider has to make as they ride – whether that’s track or road – to recognise the signs of target fixating, and make an effort to correct them. Oftentimes in split second decisions.
Which is why keeping small habits and quick quotes in your head can also help in quick moments. For example, remembering the phrases: “where you look is where you’ll go” or “look through the corner” will sometimes help you remember what to do in stressful situations where a decision has to be made. Again, every man and his dog has an opinion on what is or isn’t a case of target fixation... though you’re the only one behind your eyes, and you’ll know if you’re heading towards danger or it’s heading toward you!
Remember: where you look is where you’ll go. 😊
-April, Track Start Training
Want to take your riding to the next level? April offers both in-person and online coaching tailored to riders of all experience levels. As Queensland's only female Level 2 Motorcycling Australia accredited Road Race Coach, she provides personalised 1:1 coaching designed to build confidence, improve technique, and help you achieve your riding goals - whether you're preparing for your first track day or looking to improve your lap times. For coaching enquiries, visit her website or connect with her on Instagram.