What does the "two-second rule" refer to in motorcycle riding?

The "two-second rule" is a safety guideline used by motorcyclists to ensure they maintain a safe following distance from the vehicle in front of them. This rule states that a rider should ideally have at least two seconds of time between their motorcycle and the vehicle they are following. This distance allows for better reaction time in case the vehicle ahead suddenly stops or encounters an obstacle.

To apply the two-second rule, a rider can choose a stationary object alongside the road, such as a sign or a tree. When the vehicle in front of them passes that object, the rider counts "one thousand one, one thousand two." If they reach the object before finishing the count, they are too close and should increase their distance. This practice helps reduce the risk of collisions and gives riders ample time to react, which is especially critical given the nature of motorcycle dynamics and braking distances.