Motorcycle Forums

filter

Filtering/overtaking is very dangerous for us riders because there is only one loser,if there is a queue at traffic lights where i could not go through at the next change i would filter up towards the front to get through at the next change.I try to nudge in front of a h.g.v. driver because they understand.Bus lanes are for buses only unless it states that motor cycles can use them. Ignore other bikers who persist to be on the front of the starting grid.

Never say Never

yes filtering can be inheerantly dangerous but it can be completed without conflict or putting yourself at risk.

the problem with giving a general rule is that every road, queue, situation is different.

so what you need to learn is how to make the decision whilst riding as to wether or not to filter in any given situation.

if you decide to filter then;

keep your speed down less than 10mph passing stationary traffic.

filtering through moving traffic really is another kettle of fish

if it's 6 cars as you say then you want to be sure you can get to the front before the traffic moves off otherwise it's not worth the hassle.

as said if you need to use the opposite carraigeway to filter then ensure you have somwere to go should a vehicle come toward you

if your at the front don't cross the white line but be ready to get away befor the car next to you but don't jump the amber as you could find someone else has done this on the road crossing yours.

as you merge back into the traffic give the driver behind a thankyou wave.

filtering in some circumstances can be essential, on a motorway of fast dual carraigeway as i wouldn't want to be sat at the back of stationary traffic with vehicles approaching your rear at high speed.

Filtering

I only tend to filter when traffic is queuing on dual carriageways and motorways. In town, unless I can see a big gap up ahead, I usually don't bother because its bumper to bumper traffic and as you'll technically be overtaking, its harder to get back into your lane. Having said that, I have aimed for a big gap only for the driver causing the gap to close it as quickly as possible as soon as they see me. As for merging, all well and good assuming the driver you just overtook isn't going to try and stop you, or as has happened to me, undertake you to get one back, forcing you into the wrong side of the road.

The biggest threat to filtering motorcycles in my opinion is people who think you shouldn't be doing it and try and stop you, aka road rage.

In most cases if you take caution you can be prepared for the person who turns across you through not seeing you, but there is always going to be a risk no-matter how much caution you take.

It's always best to go slow though. Whenever I filter on the motorway there is nearly always a motorcyclist behind who is faster than me, so I just let them through and continue behind. I can't keep up though, because if there is a collision, I'd rather it be a light knock than flying over the bonnet of a car! Hi-vis might help if you know you're going to be doing it, but even Police motorcyclists get knocked off in all their livery, so assess the risk for yourself and hope there aren't any bike haters ahead!

Cheers

Thanks for the replies guys much appreciated.

What happened to me was like Downshift has mentioned, someone didnt take too kindly to me filtering and sped up to undertake me, forcing me on the outside of the road which wasnt the nicest position ive ever been in.

I think from now on im just going to filter when i feel its safe and if its worth it, as i have got to admit lately ive been filtering basically just because i can.

Cheers about the bus lane info too, talk about a noob question eh :-)

get it filtered

I think you have to do what you are comfortable with.