Abused when filtering. [Archive] - SV650.org

MONOLITH

14-10-10, 12:56 PM

I'm fairly new to the biking world and have just built up enough confidence to start filtering through city traffic. When I was out today I was filtering through some stationary traffic on a fairly wide road. There were broken hatchings in the middle of the road to space the traffic apart on either side so I decided to use these, which as far as I'm aware, is legal to filter through. However on the approach to Transit van, he obviously saw me and decided to move over on the hatchings to make my life difficult. I could still easily get by but as I passed he wound down his window and started shouting expletives at me.

I was just wondering if this is a common occurrence for bikers that filter? I've heard about people moving out to block you but not so much about people actually shouting at you.

speedplay

14-10-10, 01:07 PM

I was just wondering if this is a common occurrence for bikers that filter? I've heard about people moving out to block you but not so much about people actually shouting at you.

Get used to it.

BMW drivers usually pull over to the middle to stop you getting by too....:rolleyes:

Specialone

14-10-10, 01:18 PM

Yep, had a few people move out to stop me getting through gaps and when you stop by them its amazing how many wont look at you then.

On the way back from the AR heading towards worcester, had a guy in a ford focus wait until i was overtaking level with him on a narrow, busy, straight road, then close the gap so tight i couldnt get back in, he got some evils, he then spent the next 5 miles or so trying to catch up so he could overtake me and when i 'let him' he didnt even look my way, nobhead.

Had a guy try nearly knock me off driving a 4x4 when i was out witha few off here, we was filtering and the guy was pulling out from a side street, seen me and stopped so i carried on past the traffic and he then carries on almost into the side of me, i run up the curb to avoid him.

Sid Squid

14-10-10, 01:25 PM

I was just wondering if this is a common occurrence for bikers that filter? I've heard about people moving out to block you but not so much about people actually shouting at you.
Nowhere near as common as it used to be, today people actually move out of the way for you most often! Which to me is still surprising.

I wouldn't say 'get used to it' as it really isn't that common, but if you get the chance to reply try something along the lines of:
'If you don't like being overtaken, don't drive - or get a bike'

On the rare occasion that someone pulls out/changes lane etc. in front of you and you get the chance to speak try this:

'Did you not look or did you just not care?'

Or just smile sweetly and blow a kiss - this will enrage a knobber like that more than anything you could shout back.

Berlin

14-10-10, 01:25 PM

If they do this, stop, move the mirror angle in the wing mirror, fold the wing mirror forward and lift his windscreen wiper then ride off :)

Usually satisfies the vengeance gland :)

C

Specialone

14-10-10, 01:26 PM

Blizted Biker

14-10-10, 01:28 PM

Once had a van open their door on me however, whether they decided to on purpose or not it still didnt go down well with the rest of the riders behind me.

However its happened alot less now I have changed my exhaust.

Reeder

14-10-10, 01:29 PM

Agree with specialone. I'm not a big person by all means, and I'm definitely not scarey. But when I'm on my loud black bike, with black leathers, black helmet and black visor people seem very intimidated by me. It's nice staring at them when you know they can't see you :D

Specialone

14-10-10, 01:31 PM

Owenski

14-10-10, 01:32 PM

Or just smile sweetly and blow a kiss - this will enrage a knobber like that more than anything you could shout back.

about 60% of my journey too and from work is spent filtering and its doesnt happen all that often (around here). I agree with Squid, generally people make more room for me to filter safely to which they get a thumbs up. On the occasions that they do get abusive I tried yelling back but as I ride with earphone I cant really hear them so my responses prob didnt make much sense. Moved on to the above blowing a kiss or just starring blankly back at them (with iridium visor down works best). Both of those seem to get more of a reaction and after all, 2secs later and your clear of tehm and on your way again they however are still stuck in traffic.

Reeder

14-10-10, 01:32 PM

I would **** myself :)

warrenhewitt10

14-10-10, 01:39 PM

i think most people on the whole will move over for the bikes if they see us, I filter through traffic for a good bit of my journey, and the ones that move over I would normally wave to to say thanks, hoping it will encourage them to do it again.

But yes there are some people that move away out, but i really wish I understand why, i no way is that going to slow my journey down, I will just move over a bit also.

But at the end of the day, its ok......because they are sitting in traffic, and you arnt

yorkie_chris

14-10-10, 01:41 PM

If they do this, stop, move the mirror angle in the wing mirror, fold the wing mirror forward and lift his windscreen wiper then ride off :)

Usually satisfies the vengeance gland :)

C

Open the boot... works a treat :)

MONOLITH

14-10-10, 01:43 PM

Or just smile sweetly and blow a kiss - this will enrage a knobber like that more than anything you could shout back.

That sounds like an awesome idea! I'm definitely going to have to give that one a go. I'm also liking the idea of a tinted visor.

The majority of people were fine as you guys have mentioned but it is just sad in a way that people get so irate about something like this. It is really satisfying to ride past a whole load of cars who are just stuck there. I'm glad it seems from people's experience that this t*** was in the minority though :)

Owenski

14-10-10, 01:46 PM

Open the boot... works a treat :)

yet to try that.

Blizted Biker

14-10-10, 01:49 PM

I once saw a car run a red light because he mouthed off at a biker in front of me until the biker just got of his bike.....that was quite the entertainment at the traffic lights

Viney

14-10-10, 01:51 PM

Or just smile sweetly and blow a kiss - this will enrage a knobber like that more than anything you could shout back.My fav that is. However, by the time they have got the window down, im half mile up the road. as for vans that block your path, kick em.

Viney

14-10-10, 01:52 PM

Open the boot... works a treat :):lol:

timwilky

14-10-10, 02:16 PM

Careful with the idiots though when filtering

Years ago I was in the car coming up past Russell Square (Yes you southern pooftas I did work in your grotty city once). There were road works and traffic was hell.

About 3 cars in front of me was a transit van. As a courier filtered past, out came an arm with a lump of wood and smacked the courier off. I could here the argument from my open window

Why did you do that
I have had enough of you lot riding past, you can stay in the queue like everone else

Thats why we ride bikes, so we don't have to queue

Yes you do there is no overtaking

You don't know what you are talking about. I want your details for the insurance

Feck off

Get out

van doors are locked driver won't get out. Courier grabs a lenth of gas pipe from the road works and lays into the van.

Plod comes along. drags both off and we wait until plod decide to shift the van

Jimmy2Feet

14-10-10, 03:42 PM

Or do what Ralph said the other day, wear a really dark visor and sit at the side of the car and stare into their side window for ages :p

It was funny on saturday, he noticed while we was out that a old guy hadnt shut his door properly, so he opens it fully and shouts, ' your doors open' :)

Bloke shat his self.

I was on the ride into work yesterday filtering through the town traffic, when i noticed a focus, with the driver a 19ish looking blond girl (not that has anything to do with the story :p) with her mobile phone to her head.

I pulled up along side her and started looking into the window at her (I obviously have a tinted visor) she was so engrossed in the conversation and not what was going on around her i waited next to her until the traffic stopped. still didn't acknowledge me. so i revved the bike up to the red line.....that grabbed her attention and when i shouted ''PUT THE F**IN PHONE DOWN'' and used a bit of international sign language she soon got the picture.

She looked petrified! but as far as i'm concerned that's a good thing. it is that sort of person that caused accidents.

A good mate of mine has had two people go straight up the back of him, once on bike once in car because of the stupid tw*t on the phone behind!!

But in all honesty when filtering we all need to keep our wits about us, you could have the most bike aware driver in the car in front....but mistakes still happen!

SoulKiss

14-10-10, 03:49 PM

so i revved the bike up to the red line.....that grabbed her attention and when i shouted ''PUT THE F**IN PHONE DOWN'' and used a bit of international sign language she soon got the picture.

She looked petrified! but as far as i'm concerned that's a good thing. it is that sort of person that caused accidents.

My variation, just put, and leave, the thumb on the horn while sitting next to them.

Doesn't hurt that I have the Stock Kwak horn, a Stebel Nautilus and a Stebel Magnum wired up...

andrewsmith

14-10-10, 04:03 PM

I was on the ride into work yesterday filtering through the town traffic, when i noticed a focus, with the driver a 19ish looking blond girl (not that has anything to do with the story :p) with her mobile phone to her head.

A lot easier trick is pull the clutch in and rev to about 7k means they end-up hanging up

sinbad

14-10-10, 04:05 PM

I think people assume it's illegal.

Don't give a toss if people shout stuff, I'll only respond if they endanger me.

speedplay

14-10-10, 04:05 PM

I saw davepreston get road raged on a peaks rideout.
The guy thought he was great until he had about 10 of us all round his car on bikes:D

davepreston

14-10-10, 04:07 PM

i still am waiting for that video :)

andrewsmith

14-10-10, 04:07 PM

I think people assume it's illegal.

Don't give a toss if people shout stuff, I'll only respond if they endanger me.

It is only illegal if ride like a total tool (i.e 80mph filtering) and get caught.

I'm sure its 11 points, fine, ban and prison (potentially) if you're done

speedplay

14-10-10, 04:10 PM

i still am waiting for that video :)

Lost it mate, HD died and lost everything, even the photos and vids I had of dad :(

collis

14-10-10, 04:14 PM

I think people assume it's illegal.

Don't give a toss if people shout stuff, I'll only respond if they endanger me.

Well in that case, tell it to the plod from south wales police that i was following comming out of newport last week, funny enough people got out of our way very quickly...
Might have something to do with the police bike though, i'm not sure.

SoulKiss

14-10-10, 04:14 PM

One point thats been missed.

If you can hear the abuse you were obviously filtering too slowly...

andrewsmith

14-10-10, 04:15 PM

One point thats been missed.

If you can hear the abuse you were obviously filtering too slowly...

:winner:

collis

14-10-10, 04:23 PM

One point thats been missed.

If you can hear the abuse you were obviously filtering too slowly...
Or your can is too quiet... Like Mine is untill I peddle some wares and get enough money to buy a new one.

TBH, if they start shouting abuse at you just ignore them, or make a note of the reg and report them, Road Rage IS an offence.
Alternately, OPEN the drivers door and invite them to tell that to your face, they'll probably shut up seeing as a quick headbut with a helmet will leave them on the floor for a few hours till the ambulance can get there

Jayneflakes

14-10-10, 04:27 PM

I am too busy having fun to notice it! :D

On my new morning commute, I am finding that I can sail past fairly easily, but a lot of people will suddenly change lane without indicating or a mirror check. I don't like that very much! :-(

yorkie_chris

14-10-10, 04:46 PM

After a while you will develop a bit of a 6th sense... picking up on slight differences in lane position and driver behaviour which warn you of the kn*b who doesn't know what lane he's supposed to be in

Wideboy

14-10-10, 05:00 PM

seeing as its winter and i've put my clear visor back in im stealing TON's idea and getting a balaclava with a skulls face on it....... intimidate the crap out of filter haters

andrewsmith

14-10-10, 05:13 PM

that is an idea WB you got that pic to hand mate?

Wideboy

14-10-10, 05:16 PM

TON has on his FB page, don't want to post the pic up encase he is ghey and realises other people find his face repulsive

andrewsmith

14-10-10, 05:17 PM

haha just seen it gav.

at least he aint loitering much atm

Jayneflakes

14-10-10, 05:22 PM

I find that I do not yet have the skill to be able to filter with confidence and wave a thank you to people who pull over for me, I hope they understand that that slight wobble as my hand comes up is a thank you wave! :cheers:

TON has on his FB page, don't want to post the pic up encase he is ghey and realises other people find his face repulsive

haha just seen it gav.

at least he aint loitering much atm

Awww, you leave that poor boy alone! :smt083

sinbad

14-10-10, 05:45 PM

It is only illegal if ride like a total tool (i.e 80mph filtering) and get caught.

I'm sure its 11 points, fine, ban and prison (potentially) if you're done
I generally consider that to be lane-splitting rather than filtering, and although there's no clearly defined line in the highway code it's pretty obvious when someone is riding dangerously. If the traffic is slow, filter, if not, don't.

Well in that case, tell it to the plod from south wales police that i was following comming out of newport last week, funny enough people got out of our way very quickly...
Might have something to do with the police bike though, i'm not sure.

A lot of people will get out of the way, they're reasonable and know that by letting you past they are not adding a second to their own journey time. That doesn't mean they all think you're legally entitled to do it though, and they're certainly not legally entitled to move over. The minority that think it's illegal and seem to resent us riding past queues are the ones we all have these altercations with. They think they're in the right to actively stop us doing (as seen in some of the anecdotal evidence above).

yorkie_chris

14-10-10, 05:56 PM

I find that I do not yet have the skill to be able to filter with confidence and wave a thank you to people who pull over for me, I hope they understand that that slight wobble as my hand comes up is a thank you wave! :cheers:

If you wibble when you take a hand off the bars it's a sign you're leaning on them and not gripping with your legs enough.

-Ralph-

14-10-10, 06:07 PM

Ralph... It was funny on saturday, he noticed while we was out that a old guy hadnt shut his door properly, so he opens it fully and shouts, ' your doors open' :)

Bloke shat his self.

Was just trying to be a good helpful citizen. Don't want him damaging his car door now do we. :D

The other one that boils my blood is truck drivers who think it's their job to ensure nobody queue jumps, so they straddle two lanes or crawl along at the speed of the queue with a mile of empty lane in front of them. I've been known on the odd occasion to filter past them, pull right in front of the cab, put the bike on it's sidestand, get off, walk up to the windows "And who the **** do you think you are? The Minister of Transport?" before pointing at the big yellow sign that says "Use both lanes, merge in turn", then sit in front of him stationary for five minutes while waving cars past him and back into the lane he was blocking.

Davies

14-10-10, 06:07 PM

Or just smile sweetly and blow a kiss - this will enrage a knobber like that more than anything you could shout back.

I've found that a :smt023 works a treat too :smt055

sunshine

14-10-10, 08:20 PM

Today one the way to work i was at traffic lights to turn right, there was long ques of traffic heading towards town as i head out, a bike was filtering towards town, and a van driver (not passenger) open his door in standstill traffic and knocked a guy off his bike then shut the door and crept forward and blames the bike for going into him. lucky i ran the red and block the road off and went to help the biker up and waited for the police.

The van driver started to get violent with me and the other guy, saying he was breaking the law, maybe i should of warned him i was a trained security guard, soon kept the guy quiet almost breaking his arm too, police came and i was able to give a statement and get to work ontime still and luckily the guy was ok and there was no trouble with the van driver after him trying to punch me.

Yes theres some horror stories with filtering, but i have been doing it for four years now, and never had a problem, other than people not moving out your way, some people are just ********s. i have more trouble with being rear-ended while i brake for traffic lights and the police failing to investigate.

hongman

14-10-10, 08:32 PM

Not had anyone get funny with me yet but not to say it wont happen...

maviczap

14-10-10, 08:34 PM

On a similar vein, On Monday I was driving along in our van when I saw some knobhead texting as he drove

Tooted my horn, he flipped me the finger. Tosser

So beware little Red Mazda's on the A2 just near Whitfield, nr Dover

I need one of those electronic devices to disable his phone, or zapp it into oblivion

keith_d

14-10-10, 08:37 PM

There's been occasions where I've been tempted to be the one doing the abusing. Something along the lines of, "Which two parts of mirror, signal, manoeuvre do you not understand to$$pot??"

I'm also liking the look of Rictus' HID conversion for those drivers that just don't look before they pull out in front of me.

Holdup

14-10-10, 08:57 PM

Only problems ive really ever had is the people moving into me, but i then park along side them and stare into their car, witnessed some one on a bike get cut up once, car pulled into our lane, no idication, didnt check mirrors, once the other biker saw the smallest space to get past the car it was left fist out, punch mirror (they didnt need it any way) and ride off at warp 9 as said mirror bounced along floor towards me

minimorecambe

14-10-10, 09:48 PM

http://i55.photobucket.com/albums/g137/littlehelen_2006/70380235.jpg

hongman

14-10-10, 09:55 PM

lol.

Problem is with the drivers who are in a world of their own, listening to music loud enuogh for me to feel on my bike. Cant hear ****, apparently cant see **** either.

You know, the stereotypical hooligan with a sub in their boot and a sound system that costs more than the car.

I know, I used to be one of them!

Stig

15-10-10, 07:15 AM

Or just smile sweetly and blow a kiss - this will enrage a knobber like that more than anything you could shout back.

This is the sort of thing I tend to do. Makes me giggle. They have got annoyed at you for daring to filter past them in the first place. To give a nice wave and wink as you past is even funnier. An added bonus is if they flash their headlights at you as you drive on up the road. :lol:

Viney

15-10-10, 07:22 AM

I got shouted at by a cyclist this morning. I came up the bus lane and flicked onto the outside of the lorry. Now this was about a lorry length before i was anywhere near the Lycra lout. Anyway, he shouted at me for scaring him!! :lol: I was 40ft away(at least), so i just thought, good skills. Bizzare :lol:

STRAMASHER

15-10-10, 07:37 AM

I recently had a suit and tie guy give me the STOP! sign as I had stopped filtering cos of the gap and was peering through his passenger window.

He flicked a switch in his Merc and folded his mirror in! Big smile and thumbs up from me. Use it or lose it, poshos.;):mrgreen:

I concur, turning the screw on abusers is much more fun and satisfying. Pointing forward and shouting, "ONWARD!" is a fave.

-Ralph-

15-10-10, 08:37 AM

Pointing forward and shouting, "ONWARD!" is a fave.

Excellent. Shall have to use that one.

Owenski

15-10-10, 08:55 AM

STRAMASHER

15-10-10, 09:00 AM

Not that I've got the skills, but I'd pay to see that inc a wheelie much like in the movies where they're horseback in to battle.

Believe me, you don't need skill. An angry throttle hand and a squared back tyre.:-D

And a cutlass would drag on left handers.......

-Ralph-

15-10-10, 09:01 AM

I was thinking more about Price Charming in the opening scene of Shrek III

philbut

15-10-10, 09:39 AM

I find that I do not yet have the skill to be able to filter with confidence and wave a thank you to people who pull over for me, I hope they understand that that slight wobble as my hand comes up is a thank you wave! :cheers:

You can use yer foot too - easier when using clutch and throttle to filter through tight spots.

Owenski

15-10-10, 09:46 AM

You can use yer foot too - easier when using clutch and throttle to filter through tight spots.

See, I've seen this been done and the only people who seem to know wtf it means are the people doing it.

First time I saw someone do it, it looked more like they were trying to kick cars as they passed. A signal only works if the person viewing it can correctly interprit it. Most car drivers will see a foot stuck out and just think you're streatching IMO. It wasnt until someone posted similar to yours previously that I realised that the guy must have been thanking people.

Thats why I use a thumbs up (cos a flat hand can be seen as an appology by some people) but everyone knows a thumbs up is a sign of approval.
Even when filtering its easy enough to reach across to your right using your left hand to give someone a thumbs up with out meaning you need to relieve your throttle hand.

Not meant to sound like a preach, it just may not have occured to some people that not everyone knows what the signal means.

yorkie_chris

15-10-10, 09:48 AM

See, I've seen this been done and the only people who seem to know wtf it means are the people doing it.

+1

matt_rehm_hext

15-10-10, 10:07 AM

This sounds about normal, car drivers not giving a toss about bikers. Be very very careful when filtering. What I seem to do, is assume everyone is out there to kill me. Then I usually end up not getting in many bad situations on the road.

Reeder

15-10-10, 10:10 AM

I do the complete opposite. Assume everyone is really kind and will let you through :)

Owenski

15-10-10, 10:11 AM

I do the complete opposite. Assume everyone is really kind and will let you through :)

This will only end bad for you.

When the emergency services refer to a "car v's motorcycle" they generally find the car has won. The bigger boys unfortunatly do own the road, test them at your peril.

Jimmy2Feet

15-10-10, 10:15 AM

benji106

15-10-10, 10:22 AM

I do get the odd car that doesnt want to let me past, I normally just laugh at them because ultimately it is an exercise in futility, I will get past sooner or later so screw em. like the people who are miffed that you have got to the front of the lights and start creeping forward determined that they will beat you off the line, obviously no idea how much quicker a bike can accelerate than their heap of ****. Pop a little wheelie and laugh as they get stuck at the next set.

Owenski

15-10-10, 10:24 AM

I am shocked with how many......'on my way in this morning / last night on the way home i.....' story's there are on this thread!

I could count on one hand how many times i have had issues filtering in the last 4 years, and still have digits spare!

It is a lot more common than i realised!

It depends on your perspective of an incident doesnt it, I imagine the newer bikers would be concerned by the sorts of things the seasoned rider wouldnt blink at.
I'd say once a fortnight I have a *sigh* at a poor display of driving/lane changing, to me its nothing out of the ordinary to me.
but to a none frequent commuter they may see those very same incidents as a "near miss"

In the 3years I've been riding daily into Leeds I can think of only 3 pant soiling incidents,
1: A bloke ran a red light approching from my right on to a giratory, god knows how no contact was made, I know I couldnt tell u cos my eyes were shut.
2: Witnessed by our very own YC, while filtering a car changed lanes didnt indicate and left his back end hanging out, near miricle I didnt bin it as my reaction almost made me highside.
3: Bloke in a green fiesta on his mobile changed lanes right in front of me again no indications damn near stood the bike up in a stoppy avoiding him, he now has a size 9 suvenier dent in his rear wing which I've seen a few times since.

I collected a saxo's wing mirror at some point too but I cant remember why that was.

The rest as they say "is just a consequence of been a biker"

-Ralph-

15-10-10, 10:31 AM

benji106

15-10-10, 10:33 AM

Its probably fairly regional as well, im sure you would find more incidents of road rage in some places than others.

Jimmy2Feet

15-10-10, 11:06 AM

It depends on your perspective of an incident doesnt it, I imagine the newer bikers would be concerned by the sorts of things the seasoned rider wouldnt blink at.
I'd say once a fortnight I have a *sigh* at a poor display of driving/lane changing, to me its nothing out of the ordinary to me.
but to a none frequent commuter they may see those very same incidents as a "near miss"

In the 3years I've been riding daily into Leeds I can think of only 3 pant soiling incidents,
1: A bloke ran a red light approching from my right on to a giratory, god knows how no contact was made, I know I couldnt tell u cos my eyes were shut.
2: Witnessed by our very own YC, while filtering a car changed lanes didnt indicate and left his back end hanging out, near miricle I didnt bin it as my reaction almost made me highside.
3: Bloke in a green fiesta on his mobile changed lanes right in front of me again no indications damn near stood the bike up in a stoppy avoiding him, he now has a size 9 suvenier dent in his rear wing which I've seen a few times since.

I collected a saxo's wing mirror at some point too but I cant remember why that was.

The rest as they say "is just a consequence of been a biker"

Very true, I would not call myself an experienced rider by any stretch, but i so think that i am a very aware rider and driver. and i would agree that on bike, or in car i 'tut' at people and the silly things they do on an almost daily basis!

and perhaps these things may be construed as a near miss! also depends on peoples riding styles i suppose, if you are going hell for leather and something happens 250m down the road, it wont take long to be part of that problem.

However if you are taking a nice easy ride then you have more time to think what you are doing/ware you are in road etc.

Jimmy2Feet

15-10-10, 11:07 AM

Its probably fairly regional as well, im sure you would find more incidents of road rage in some places than others.

very true also.

Stig

15-10-10, 11:27 AM

I was travelling into work the other day on the bike and the dustbin men were out. One chap at the rear of the bin truck waved me round the reversing truck. Just as I was passing the trucks rear end, the driver decided to swing out in the road. I swerved just missing the chap who had waved me on. As I passed the drivers cab he beeped his horn and started hurling swear words at me and flashed his headlights at me as I carried on up the road. Nice to know they are working in unison with each other. :roll:

benji106

15-10-10, 11:33 AM

Nice to know they are working in unison with each other. :roll:

They were - Its a conspiracy.

monkey

15-10-10, 11:38 AM

...Years ago I was in the car coming up past Russell Square (Yes you southern pooftas I did work in your grotty city once)...

You are such a delightful person and a credit to humankind.

Don't worry Monolith the morons who do these things are very much in the minority. There are a few more drivers who are just simple and sit wherever they want.

jumjum_0214

15-10-10, 11:40 AM

"Or just smile sweetly and blow a kiss - this will enrage a knobber like that more than anything you could shout back" :winner:

Ha ha brilliant must remember this one :mrgreen: :winner:

MONOLITH

15-10-10, 11:55 AM

On the run in today it was much better, and as you lot have mentioned most of the drivers are pretty decent and don't work up a fuss.

Judging by all the posts though I can see that this kind of thing has affected nearly everyone. It has made for a great read so cheers for all the replies :)

sunshine

15-10-10, 08:40 PM

When the emergency services refer to a "car v's motorcycle" they generally find the car has won. The bigger boys unfortunatly do own the road, test them at your peril.

Today on the way home, i slowed down for some lights, it was raining lightly, going round the ring road island in wolvo where the metro goes through it, a set of lights on the island was red and some massive black guy pulled up to me all gangsta screaming abuse at my riding, but when i got off the bike and reached into the car to grab he was trying to jump out the other window. It had been a bad day, i wanted to hit someone and he gave me reason to. I dont know what he said to me my exhaust was too loud to hear him.

So the bigger boys dont always win!

-Ralph-

15-10-10, 09:39 PM

Today one the way to work.

Today on the way home

Two days in a row Sunshine? You're a f*****g legend. :rolleyes:

benji106

15-10-10, 10:05 PM

I dont know what he said to me my exhaust was too loud to hear him.

Maybe he was saying 'I say old boy, thats a mighty fine motorcycle you have there, I do envy that exhaust tone, Spiffing' or the gangsta lingo equivelant, next thing you come flying through his window, no wonder he shat himself.

EssexDave

16-10-10, 12:44 AM

never had a problem, other than people not moving out your way, some people are just ********s.

I realise I've taken the above out of the context it was put in but believe it shows a certain attitude (nothing against you sunshine) and think you need to look at it from other road users points of view.

The majority of bike riders are confident road users.

Not all car drivers are in the same boat. As such, some of them are nervous/scared when bikes filter.

As far as I'm concerned if you are filtering, it is your job to make sure there is enough room. Clearly the slower the speed the traffic is doing, the smaller gap you need. (eg stationary traffic, if my mirrors fit through, then it's easily game)

The ones that get angry/violent at peopl filtering, personally, just let them be and ride off. What's the point of getting aggro when they see your bike parked up and kick it over/whatever in the oil etc

Gene genie

16-10-10, 07:14 AM

16-10-10, 08:44 AM

Today on the way home, i slowed down for some lights, it was raining lightly, going round the ring road island in wolvo where the metro goes through it

Hey I know that island, it's horrible, nobody has any lane discipline, you take your life in your hands there:(

I've never been blocked when filtering. I think people are a bit more relaxed out here in the sticks. As for verbal, I'm part deaf and wear earplugs and I probably wouldn't hear it anyway.

missyburd

16-10-10, 08:59 AM

I am too busy having fun to notice it! :D

Same for me! :D Although I do find that although a fair few cars move over for me (for which I thank them) I think others are somewhat put out that they are being overtaken by a bike with L plates on :rolleyes: Must damage their macho egos or something...

I have a real bee in my bonnet about people on phones though. I usually see if the driver is on the phone in a queue of traffic reflected in their mirror, I haven't yet come up with a way of showing my disapproval...if I was on a bigger bike I might be more confident as then I know I could get away quicker!

Pedestrians crossing roads on their phones annoy me too, some eejit just yesterday crossed one side of the road then my side without even pausing, and only looked one way (and not in my direction!). I slowed down enough but a few expletives left my mouth on doing so. My road rage only lasts a few seconds though, I always feel better after the expletives are out of my system then I carry on :lol:

simesb

16-10-10, 10:11 AM

anyone that obstructs a biker making progress by filtering should've been drowned at birth. we have to put up with heavy rain, freezing temps, cross winds and heavily rutted roads, why on earth should we then not take full advantage of what we ride and sit in traffic queues.

There are loads of rude people on the roads - iPedestrians, cages obstructing bikes and cycles. A number of car users think bikes are rude; no matter what the truth is, they perceive that a bike filtering through is not playing fair and that they will be held up by them at some point.

Regardless of the rights and wrongs, we all choose our transport. You choose the heavy rain and freezing temps because of the other benefits - don't use it as an excuse against other road users.

Woz

16-10-10, 10:39 AM

we have to put up with heavy rain, freezing temps, cross winds and heavily rutted roads

We don't HAVE to put up with anything, we choose to.

Gene genie

16-10-10, 12:45 PM

Regardless of the rights and wrongs, we all choose our transport. You choose the heavy rain and freezing temps because of the other benefits - don't use it as an excuse against other road users.
i never said that i use it as an excuse, just pointing out the pro's and con's.

Gene genie

16-10-10, 12:48 PM

We don't HAVE to put up with anything, we choose to.
was talking generally, as i said WE.
i commute everyday, i have no choice. no matter what the weather is i still arrive at work smiling.

Sid Squid

16-10-10, 05:29 PM

It is a lot more common than i realised.
I actually doubt this, for starters there are hundreds of people using this forum thus the distillation of our combined experiences will seem somewhat more common.
Add to this that many people attribute their experiences to a deliberate decsison by someone driving to commit an action against them - very often the poor driving I see is simply careless, not the deliberate slight that many riders feel must have been aimed at them personally.

This is, in part at least, part of the siege mentality that so many of our fellow riders exhibit, consciously or otherwise.

sunshine

16-10-10, 05:57 PM

I believe Wolverhampton is getting worst for traffic and filtering, or because of my change in job & its location, im having to go through the city centre, instead of going round which was quicker before, so between sept last year until June this year i didnt have a single problem, commuting everyday filtering on the way to work having a blast on the way home with no traffic, all weather including the snow and no problems other than the sv wanting to slide up the road but i can blame the cars for that.

In reguards to not all car drivers are confident, they shouldnt have a driving licence. I was taught to be confident but never get cocky in a car or on a bike, being cocky can kill you, confidence will save your life, why should people be the roads if there not confident, i allow extra time and space when over taking a learn because of there lack of experiance and confidence. As well as people who display "P" Plates because there showing there lack of experiance/confidence.

simesb

16-10-10, 06:10 PM

In reguards to not all car drivers are confident, they shouldnt have a driving licence.

I'd rather they were competent and not confident, than confident and incompetent.

Face it, there are a large number of road user on all vehicles that are rude, selfish, and verging on the incompetent. Retesting is the way forward ;)

Gene genie

16-10-10, 06:57 PM

Retesting is the way forward ;)
re-testing, i'd prefer the re-training philosophy. no pass or fail, as it's cost motorists enough already to get their licences.

simesb

16-10-10, 07:10 PM

re-testing, i'd prefer the re-training philosophy. no pass or fail, as it's cost motorists enough already to get their licences.

Retraining is useless without retesting otherwise why are you tested to begin with? Why not just trained? If somebodies driving is now below the minimum standard for passing a test, why should they be allowed to retain their license?

Nobody has been able to put forward an argument against it which is not based upon cost. Having a license is not a right.

Gene genie

16-10-10, 07:22 PM

Having a license is not a right.
you now sound like my old man, and i totally agree.
but to take someones license away from them just because they are a little out of date having passed their test 30 yrs ago and driving without incident since seems harsh to me.
i have a colleague at work that was caught speeding. he opted for the training just to avoid blotting his clean license. having completed the course he reallised just how much times have changed. he has just enroled on the skills for life programme with the I.A.M.
i am not saying that someone who's obviously a danger on the road shouldn't have their license taken. no matter how much training or retesting will ever change that.

Stig

16-10-10, 07:56 PM

I actually doubt this, for starters there are hundreds of people using this forum thus the distillation of our combined experiences will seem somewhat more common.
Add to this that many people attribute their experiences to a deliberate decsison by someone driving to commit an action against them - very often the poor driving I see is simply careless, not the deliberate slight that many riders feel must have been aimed at them personally.

This is, in part at least, part of the siege mentality that so many of our fellow riders exhibit, consciously or otherwise.

I've experienced it twice in over 25 years of riding motorcycles. The 1st time was when a car deliberately pulled out of his lane to block my path at a set of traffic lights. He let me know quite verbally that he was 'annoyed' at the fact I had the cheek to overtake and get to the front of the queue unfairly. The second was some 15 years later when trying to filter in London, I passed a car as he sat stationary at the traffic lights. He creeped forward until his front wheel ran over my foot so I couldn't move. We both sat there when the lights changed. He couldn't move forward because he would have literally needed to run me over to carry on forward. I couldn't move forward because his front wheel was on my foot. Needless to say after a couple of seconds stalemate he saw reason and reversed slightly so we could both progress. :roll:

It's not these type of drivers that annoy me. It's the ones that do these sort of things unknowingly. They are the dangers we have to look out for.

dawn07

17-10-10, 03:32 PM

Happened to me the first time this summer and really riled me.
The best advice I got was to smile sweetly, blow him a kiss, and carry on merrily on my way!:cool:

Gene genie

17-10-10, 07:32 PM

Happened to me the first time this summer and really riled me.
The best advice I got was to smile sweetly, blow him a kiss, and carry on merrily on my way!:cool:
if your going to blow kisses then i'm affraid all your doing is encouraging such behaviour.:thumbsup::kiss:

Lozzo

17-10-10, 07:53 PM

Well, as I have now managed to scuff both my panniers, it'll be slightly more aggressive filtering from now on when I find someone deliberately blocking my path through the traffic. I don't particularly care if their cars leave some paint on the boxes now, and I don't really care if I leave them a dented wing or door in exchange.

mcgrimes

17-10-10, 08:14 PM

I actually caught someones mirror once on a white van while walking the bike through a tight gap. I only touched it a bit, a pretty much negligible amount so just zoomed off. He caught up to me at the lights though and we actually ended up having a pretty good laugh about the whole thing and chatting about biking in general.

Now, i know for a fact that if that was the wrong person if a pretty ****ty mood that there would of been more than a friendly exchange of words.

Just shows that not everyone is a scummy low life motorcycle hating SOB.

yorkie_chris

17-10-10, 08:36 PM

I'd rather they were competent and not confident, than confident and incompetent.

Face it, there are a large number of road user on all vehicles that are rude, selfish, and verging on the incompetent. Retesting is the way forward ;)

I passed my test fine... I was rude and selfish before it, and I was rude and selfish after it.
Behaved like Mother Teresa on the test though... counts for f*** all!!

Would be nice to sort the incompetence though. Also be great to introduce some motorway testing/training to cure the middle lane morons.

maxinc

17-10-10, 08:41 PM

Worst thing that happened to me was an ice cream thrown out of a white van. Most of it ended up on the screen but some landed on my shoulder. The idiots in the van were having a huge laugh and I was seriously ****ed but I somehow managed to keep on riding and get over it. Because enduring wind and rain wasn't hard enough.

yorkie_chris

17-10-10, 08:43 PM

he reallised just how much times have changed.

Hmmm.
I think if I ever had the same train of thought I'd be having a serious word with myself for not watching where the f*** I was going or the actions of other road users for the past 30 years!! :-P

Retraining is useless without retesting otherwise why are you tested to begin with? Why not just trained? If somebodies driving is now below the minimum standard for passing a test, why should they be allowed to retain their license?

Nobody has been able to put forward an argument against it which is not based upon cost. Having a license is not a right.

I would actually argue that a training course is actually better than a test. As you'd have to successfully complete a course, rather than just get lucky for 20 minutes... the examiner/trainer would be more likely seen as friend than enemy and you might actually learn something.

I think cost is a perfectly valid reason against it, it's not IMO fair to restrict the roads to the use of the rich. Freedom of movement is a basic right whether that be by foot or anything else. It's dear enough having any sort of transport anyway, you'd soon complain if you couldn't afford it.

My aversion to it, is that it would be a pain in the *rse... and I'm fairly averse to killing myself anyway, and doing some test that's got 3/5ths of fook all relevance to not getting killed... is not going to change or improve that in the slightest.

Road crashes are expensive... training would reduce those and save money. Why is it not free?