Topic: Filtering

[riz K5]

The main reason why I took my bike test was because I hate sitting in traffic jams!

I’m surprised about the amount of bikers that don’t filter and sit behind cars queuing. Why bother riding when you can do that in a nice warm car.

Now I know that filtering is the most dangerous thing to do on a bike, but I’m under the impression (let me know if I’m wrong) that it’s not illegal to filter, but we do so at our own risk, even if it means we are on the opposite side of the road.

Do you filter?

[MATTP]

I don't filter a lot as the way I travel for work has bus lanes which we can use '>  If not then loads '>

[Weaver]

I don't agree that it's the most dangerous thing you can do on a bike - i would say that the nutcase who did a wheelie while overtaking me on my bike then cut in front of me to turn left was being much more dangerous!

I do filter but only when it's safe and I don't filter if it means crossing double white lines, etc.  Nor do I filter at ridiculous speeds - that's asking for trouble!

[riz K5]

I try to use bus lanes too, as much as allowed that is.

You need to be careful when using bus lanes. Some you can, and some you can’t.

If I remember right, I think Andyblade got caught out in a bus lane not so long ago.

What ever happened with that Andy? Did you get off it or just pay?

[Terry]

I filter but I do believe that its one of times when your most likely to come to harm. Your more likely to have someone pull out on you after being fed up sitting in a jam.

I also dont go any more than 20mph when doing it in a long line nornally about 15mph as if you filter any faster your chances of stopping if someone pulls out are zero.

[Alba]

Quote (Weaver @ June 22 2007,15:34)

i would say that the nutcase who did a wheelie while overtaking me on my bike then cut in front of me to turn left was being much more dangerous!

Richard!!!!
 '>  '>

i spend 90% of my time filtering at reasonable speed.  as every pure breed italian i know, i cant stand traffic!

[Solid]

Yeah, I filter a lot. My work takes me into the city and south of the river at least once a week. No way could I do it without cutting the queue's whenever possible.

I stay below 20mph (not much choice in london, though) and if I can, I use the opposite side of the road to give me better line-of-sight.

[Yogibear]

I filter most of the time on my bike and some on this site may say at times when its not really safe. I have never wheelied past pen, but I have wheelied two up by mistake once, blast where the whistling smilie gone.

Its risk assesment and we have to do that all the time not only when flitering but when riding normally when filtering we appear more suddenly to the inattentive then we do when riding normally.

[Matt zx9]

Close your eyes. Hope for the best. Normally works.

[CaptMoto]

Quote (riz K5 @ June 22 2007,15:24)

The main reason why I took my bike test was because I hate sitting in traffic jams! I’m surprised about the amount of bikers that don’t filter and sit behind cars queuing. Why bother riding when you can do that in a nice warm car. Now I know that filtering is the most dangerous thing to do on a bike, but I’m under the impression (let me know if I’m wrong) that it’s not illegal to filter, but we do so at our own risk, even if it means we are on the opposite side of the road. Do you filter?

What do you reckon Lee? '> '> do I filter?

[peckhamrose]

Quote (Weaver @ June 22 2007,15:34)

I do filter but only when it's safe and I don't filter if it means crossing double white lines, etc.  Nor do I filter at ridiculous speeds - that's asking for trouble!

That'd be why you're nick's "Weaver".  I wholeheartedly concur.  Yesterday coming home from Maaaaaaarrgit on the A2 in roadworks with a 50mph limit, I was being very good and not overtaking anything but various young guys in cars were indeed weaving in and out at great speed and when one nearly got me and I beeped him, the inevitable middle finger from all four inhabitants of the car could be seen.  Ten mins later, caught them up in a queue without trying, had the company card in my hand, very slowly ambled up to open window, made sure I had my "out" clear, and caaasssually flicked my business card in the man's window.

Ho hum.

[riz K5]

Quote (CaptMoto @ June 22 2007,16:46)

What do you reckon Lee? '> '> do I filter?

'>  '>

Is the Pope catholic Fran?   '>

[simon78]

I always make sure I keep my speed down, keep an eye out for cars in front that have stopped to let someone turn right out of a side road and always pass on the right of the car/van. That way I'm sure that the driver  will have had a least an opp. to see me. It amazes me when I see bikes passing on the left.

[riz K5]

Quote (peckhamrose @ June 22 2007,16:47)

had the company card in my hand, and caaasssually flicked my business card in the man's window.

PMSL.. I bet that made them think. '>  '>

I want some!

[Alba]

Quote (riz K5 @ June 22 2007,16:50)

Quote (CaptMoto @ June 22 2007,16:46) What do you reckon Lee? '> '> do I filter? '>  '> Is the Pope catholic Fran?   '>

is this another poll?
 '>

[trouty]

i never exceed the speed limit by more than 20mph when i'm filtering.

[Alba]

you mean if the limit is 20 you filter at 40mph?
'>

[peckhamrose]

Quote (riz K5 @ June 22 2007,16:52)

Quote (peckhamrose @ June 22 2007,16:47) had the company card in my hand, and caaasssually flicked my business card in the man's window. PMSL.. I bet that made them think. '>  '> I want some!

Yeah, this is an interesting point. It's technically not recommended but if it makes just one person think about what they're doing, and stop driving dangerously, then it's a good idea. I'll discuss it with my boss. He's a great boss and I don't want to upset him.  But if he agrees, sure I'd give some business cards to those of you who feel it's a good idea too.

It really is about time I got me a distasteful yet interesting and thought provoking avatar.

[Weaver]

Quote (Alba @ June 22 2007,15:44)

Quote (Weaver @ June 22 2007,15:34) i would say that the nutcase who did a wheelie while overtaking me on my bike then cut in front of me to turn left was being much more dangerous! Richard!!!!  '>  '>

Come ot think of it, it was a rather tall young fella!   '>

I filter to and from work and if I didnt then I may aswell sit in a car.
Good point about speed and filtering on the left.  The amount of times Ive ambled up on the right then another bike has sped past on the left forcing the car driver to swerve over in my direction - no common sense on the bikers part there   '>
I think that it can be hazardous etc however done at the right speed and distance etc for the situation, I think it also enhances our defensive skills which can only be a good thing  '>
ooh and it provides you with a great opportunity to tell someone they drive like a prat '>

[ifizzy]

I filter when I can and when theres an exit strategy if someone in a cage decides to pulls a stunt.
Furk I even filter in my car  

[Spill]

I still have my 'Filtering at speed' T shirt '>

[ifizzy]

Quote (peckhamrose @ June 22 2007,17:02)

It really is about time I got me a distasteful yet interesting and thought provoking avatar.

I thought you were the one with the whip in troutys  '>  '>

[riz K5]

As we’re on the subject of filtering, does anyone know the rules for filtering on zigzags?

[madscientist]

How can you ride in London and not filter? It's how I make a very boring journey far more interesting '>