Why Take, Use, Give Matters

Within advanced riding, gathering information is only part of the process. What truly makes a difference is what you do with that information and how clearly your actions are communicated to others. This is where the Take, Use, Give (TUG) model becomes valuable.

TUG sits naturally within the Information phase of IPSGA and can be thought of as the engine that drives it. It provides a simple but effective way of understanding how riders interact with their environment, moving from observation through to action in a structured and purposeful way.

Many riders are capable of taking in large amounts of information, yet still find themselves reacting late or making rushed decisions. Often, this is not because they have not seen what is happening, but because they have not fully processed or used that information in time. TUG helps bring everything together and bridge the gaps.

Using a System, Not Just Seeing the Road

Riding well is not simply about noticing what is around you. It is about interpreting it, planning for it and acting in a way that is clear and predictable to others.

Without a system, riders may rely on instinct or habit, which can work in familiar situations but becomes less reliable when conditions change. TUG provides structure, helping you move from simply observing the road to actively managing it.

It encourages a more deliberate approach, where each piece of information has a purpose and contributes to the overall plan, rather than being noticed and then forgotten.

Understanding Take, Use and Give

TAKE on board Information

The first stage is to take information from the environment. This includes everything that can influence your ride, such as road layout, traffic behaviour, weather conditions and changes in surface or visibility.

Effective observation and scanning are essential here. The more accurate and timely your vision and seeing information, the more opportunity you have to plan. This is where distance vision, awareness of developing hazards and continuous observation all play an important role.

Taking information is not a passive process. It requires attention, intent and a willingness to look beyond the immediate path of the motorcycle.

USE the Information that you gather

The second stage is where information becomes valuable. Using information means applying what you have seen to shape your decisions.

This may involve adjusting your speed, refining your position, preparing the correct gear or reconsidering your approach to a developing hazard. The key point is that information should influence your behaviour early enough to improve the outcome.

A common issue for developing riders is that they take information but do not use it effectively. They may see a hazard, yet still arrive too quickly or too close, which then forces a reactive response rather than a planned one.

Good use of information allows you to stay ahead of events rather than catching up with them. The plan you start creating must be flexible and you have to be ready to pivot and change the original plan.

GIVE Information to others

The final stage is to give information back to the environment through your actions.

This is how other road users understand what you intend to do. It includes the use of signals, brake lights if necessary but also extends to road position, changes in speed and the general behaviour of the motorcycle.

A clear and well-timed “give” helps create a more predictable environment. Other road users are more likely to respond positively when your intentions are obvious and your actions are consistent and deliberate

Giving information is not just about compliance. It is about communication and making sure all other road users around you know what your intention is.

Information Without Action Is Wasted

One of the most important ideas within TUG is that information on its own has limited value unless it leads to appropriate action.

It is possible to observe a developing situation clearly, yet still arrive in a position where options are reduced because nothing was done with that information early enough. This is often where riders feel rushed or pressured, even though the signs were visible well in advance.

The real benefit of TUG comes from linking observation to action. When information is taken, used and then reflected in your riding, the result is a smoother, more controlled and more confident approach.

This is where advanced riding begins to feel less reactive and more deliberate.

Linking TUG with LADA

Alongside TUG, another useful way of understanding rider thinking is LADA, which stands for Look, Assess, Decide and Act.

While TUG describes the flow of information between the rider and the environment, LADA describes the internal process that takes place within the rider. You look at the situation, assess what it means, decide on a course of action and then act accordingly.

Used together, these concepts complement each other. TUG helps structure what you are doing, while LADA helps explain how you are thinking.

There is no need to overcomplicate this, but a basic understanding of both can help deepen your approach and reinforce the idea that good riding is based on structured thinking rather than chance.

Common Faults Riders Make

There are several common faults that can limit the effectiveness of TUG when applied in practice.

Taking Information but Not Acting on It

Many riders see hazards developing but delay their response. This often leads to late braking, rushed positioning or reactive decision making, such as swearing around a road surface hazard.

Reacting Instead of Planning

Without a structured approach, riders may deal with situations as they happen rather than anticipating them. This can make the ride feel hurried and less controlled, it is more likely to happen when you are not observing far enough ahead.

Giving Unclear or Late Information

If your actions are not clear or are delivered too late, other road users may not understand your intentions. This can lead to hesitation, confusion or conflict.

TUG as Part of a Structured Approach

TUG should not be seen as an isolated concept. It works as part of the wider framework of advanced riding and supports the structured approach provided by IPSGA.

When used consistently, it helps bring clarity to the riding process. Information is gathered with purpose, decisions are made with intent and actions are communicated effectively.

Like all aspects of advanced riding, its value increases with understanding and practice.

Focus for Your Next Ride

On your next ride, begin to reflect on how you interact with the road and ask yourself:

1. Am I actively taking in useful information?
2. Am I using that information early enough to influence my decisions?
3. Am I giving clear signals through my position, speed and actions?
4. Am I riding in a way that feels planned and structured, or am I reacting to situations as they unfold?

Developing this type of awareness will help turn observation into action and action into effective advanced riding.