Countersteering is used by single-track vehicle operators, such as cyclists and motorcyclists, to initiate a turn toward a given direction by momentarily steering counter to the desired direction ("steer left to turn right"). To negotiate a turn successfully, the combined center of mass of the rider and the single-track vehicle must first be leaned in the direction of the turn, and steering briefly in the opposite direction causes that lean.[1] The rider's action of countersteering is sometimes referred to as "giving a steering command".[2][3]: 15
The scientific literature does not provide a clear and comprehensive definition of countersteering. In fact, "a proper distinction between steer torque and steer angle ... is not always made."[4]
"Countersteering" refers to the momentary motion of the handlebars in the opposite direction of the desired turn.
A positive right-hand torque leads to negative steer and roll angles, corresponding to a left turn. This behavior is often called countersteering, and it appears that it was known in the very early days of cycling, although a proper distinction between steer torque and steer angle forcing is not always made.