What might cause a rider to experience target fixation?

Target fixation occurs when a rider's attention is drawn to an object or area, often resulting in a lack of awareness of their surroundings or an inability to react appropriately. When a rider does not focus on the road ahead, they may inadvertently fixate on an obstacle, such as a pothole or vehicle. This fixation can lead to an increased risk of collision because the rider's body and bike naturally tend to follow their line of sight.

Conversely, riding too closely to another rider, paying attention to surrounding traffic, or maintaining a safe following distance are behaviors that generally promote awareness and safety. These practices encourage a rider to keep their focus on the necessary information to navigate safely, reducing the risk of target fixation. In contrast, when a rider's attention is off the course and on distractions or obstacles, the likelihood of experiencing target fixation increases significantly.