To "lay the bike down" in motorcycle riding refers to a maneuver where the rider intentionally lays their motorcycle on its side while in motion. This action is typically done as a last resort in an attempt to avoid a collision or mitigate the impact of a potential crash.
When a rider decides to lay the bike down, it usually means they believe it's safer to let the bike slide on its side rather than hitting an obstacle or another vehicle head-on. By doing so, they reduce the risk of being ejected forcefully from the motorcycle or being impacted by a collision at high speed.
While this maneuver might sound like a viable strategy in theory, it's important to note that it's generally not recommended or taught as a standard technique in modern motorcycle safety training. Instead, riders are advised to focus on proper braking techniques, evasive maneuvers, and maintaining control of the motorcycle to avoid crashes altogether. These skills are considered more effective in most real-life situations.