Filter this!!!!

[Cam_73]

Had a chance to get out for 2 weeks continuous.............commuting :O

Along with a few weekends and evenings over our warm & dry spell there.

Still not 100% comfortable with the filtering on the old motorway at rush hour so I

was looking for some hints/ tips, advice even the basic do's and don'ts from the

more "experienced" folks here.

Did notice some car drivers hate you for it, pull right over onto the lane dividing

line and spit fire at you if you even suggest you might just ease on past them.

At the moment, in almost stationary traffic, I keep the spped at roughly 20mph.

What lane discipline applies when filtering, at the moment I just follow the other

two wheelers, generally that's been left side of outside lane?

Thanks in advance.

[Red ones]

at the moment I just follow the other

two wheelers, generally that's been left side of outside lane?

That's probably rule #1 sorted
Rule #2 is don't bother following couriers - they are nutters
Rule #3 is look up and look ahead
Rule #4 is "If you feel uncomfortable it is probably getting dodgy"

[Stig]

at the moment I just follow the other

two wheelers, generally that's been left side of outside lane?

That's probably rule #1 sorted
Rule #2 is don't bother following couriers - they are nutters
Rule #3 is look up and look ahead
Rule #4 is "If you feel uncomfortable it is probably getting dodgy"

Really :shock: I find they get in my way and wont, no matter how obvious it is that you want to get past, move out of the way. :roll:

[Cam_73]

Thanks Red.

Yeah, usually scanning ahead for the usual signs of queue boredom.

Wheels turning, hands moving, I never expect to see an indicator.

So far I haven't been surprised.

I know I am not the fastest filter, when I've had other bikes appear, when

possible, I move to the first gap, if there's not enough space, to let them through.

Hope that's the correct ettiquette.

"Strangely" the most recent evening of utter lunacy was the England/ Trinidad game, can't think why :O

3-4 miles on M8 through Glasgow. Decided to tuck in and wait half way through,

too many lane jumpers and wanderers.

[Big Bad Al]

I think your wise to do the 20mph filtering - some will have you beleive it is safe to hack along much quicker, but that's asking for trouble IMO. Maybe not this year, or next year, but sometime. I get couriers, scooter kids etc ripping past me all the time. I pretty much filter from Uxbridge to Ealing along the A40 every day and have done so for the past 6 years. 20mph when traffic is gridlocked. I've seen a few off's in that time but thankfully haven't been involved myself. I also wear a bright yellow vest and full cordura protective suit even on the hottest days.
Not particuarly trendy looking, and not the quickest SV rider that ever lived, but that's the way I've chosen to do it.

Just my views! Safe riding!

Al

[Cam_73]

Thanks guys.

Yeah, it was 22-23 degrees last week.

Slow moving in traffic in a full HG Celtic suit.

Lets just say it was kind a warm and moist. :shock:

[Balky001]

at the moment I just follow the other

two wheelers, generally that's been left side of outside lane?

That's probably rule #1 sorted
Rule #2 is don't bother following couriers - they are nutters
Rule #3 is look up and look ahead
Rule #4 is "If you feel uncomfortable it is probably getting dodgy"

Really :shock: I find they get in my way and wont, no matter how obvious it is that you want to get past, move out of the way. :roll:

Cam_73, if you see someone on one wheel overtaking couriers, well I'd hold back a bit :wink: :lol:

[Sid Squid]

Rule #2 is don't bother following couriers - they are nutters"
Err...no, they're just better than you - think about it, you spend eight or ten hours a day doing something you get quite polished at it.

PS. Don't follow me through town - you're not going to like it.

[rictus01]

PS. Don't follow me through town - you're not going to like it.


:lol: :lol: :lol:



One rule and one rule only,

Observational speed, don't exceed your own and don't travel at someones elses.

Cheers Mark.

[Kate]

I did a few days extra training a few months back and asked about filtering, the advice given was no more than 15-20mph past stationery traffic.

Personally I find taking regular breaks help, especially when you are starting to feel uncomfortable. I do find there are days when all cage drivers seem to be infected with the same irratic madness and have just given up on a lot of filtering as its not worth it.

Go at the speed you feel comfortable and keep an eye out for other bikers coming up behind you, when you get a chance, move in and let them through.

I tend to avoid the herds of bikers if possible, it seems that it brings out the worst in riders and it can get a bit competitive.

[Viney]

PS. Don't follow me through town - you're not going to like it. I'll play D

My rule...always have an escape route

[timwilky]

at the moment I just follow the other

two wheelers, generally that's been left side of outside lane?

That's probably rule #1 sorted
Rule #2 is don't bother following couriers - they are nutters
Rule #3 is look up and look ahead
Rule #4 is "If you feel uncomfortable it is probably getting dodgy"

#3 needs extending, it is a different observation.

Firstly as you are higher than the cagers you get far better visibility ahead, but still not enough. To me the important part of filter observation is also to watch for any prior indication of lane swapping. Drivers looking into the adjacent lanes, front wheels turned .

Filtering is an art. at first it can be intimidating and I don't do it enough to be competent, my personal rule is not to filter at greater than 40mph often less and only when the traffic is running at 20 or less.

Yes some drivers do take the view that you should wait in line with them. But to be honest I think they are usually scared that when stuck in line they do not tend to use their mirrors and suddenly a bike whizzes past. WTF did that come from and it is a panic reaction on their part.

Many cars do tend to move over and make life easy for you. The benifit of a loud can. I acknowledge those who make my life easier.

Don't push your luck, If you don't think you can get through. Don't try, squeeze in and leave the gap for the nutters

[SVeeedy Gonzales]

Don't stick with a decision if things change - it's easy to start filtering whent he traffic is stopped or slow, then it speeds up and you find yourself filtering at 90.

Well I have. :oops:

[wyrdness]

Rule #2 is don't bother following couriers - they are nutters


Really :shock: I find they get in my way and wont, no matter how obvious it is that you want to get past, move out of the way. :roll:

I guess that 'nutter' is relative :D

[Jabba]

Rule #6 (or whatever): Be extra vigilant filtering at junctions

[DanAbnormal]

Filtering is a hazardous and potentially lethal excercise. That said I do it for two hours every day. It's easy to filter and as the traffic progresses you start going faster until you realise you are filtering at 70 mph which in my book is asking for trouble. Also it is ever so easy to get a bike behind you or follow a bike and want to prove that you can filter fast. Don't! All it takes is on car driver to pull out while not looking and you'll be under the wheels of a truck. I have a rule that I TRY to follow. If the speed of the traffic is less then 50 then I filter cautiously. If it goes above this I try to just sit there and follow along. When traffic is stationary then I filter at no more than 30mph but mostly slower than this. Look as far ahead as possible and be prepared to stop at all times. If you see a car up ahead indicating don't carry on. Slow down and wait for them to either complete their manouvre or they will see you cancel the manouvre and you can continue past carefully. In bad weather I use full beams IF I filter. Most of the time when it's adverse weather I will not filter unless the traffic is stationary. One last thing, don't be afraid to use your horn. That's what it is there for. Car drivers use the horn as an extension of their middle finger but it is meant as a warning to let people know you are there. If you feel that someone may pull out on you or is wandering into your path beep them.

Safe riding.

EDIT: Filtering at junctions or past garages is not worth it unless the traffic is moving VERY slow or stationary. If you have to makes sure nothing is coming out and be aware of your road position. Many a time I have watched a bike filter past traffic by a garage but there is an oncoming car wanting to turn into the garage and the bike has had to slam on the anchors as they are now in the oncoming lane. Just be more vigilant and careful at junctions and only filter if you are 100% sure you can complete the manouvre and get by safely, don't chance it and gun the throttle as cars can appear from no-where and wipe you out.

[rictus01]

Rule #2 is don't bother following couriers - they are nutters


Really :shock: I find they get in my way and wont, no matter how obvious it is that you want to get past, move out of the way. :roll:

I guess that 'nutter' is relative :D


You've met BigDog then :wink:
BigApes relative, although perhaps a little strange to some I think "Nutter" is abit strong

:lol: :lol: :lol:

Cheers Mark.

[mysteryjimbo]

I filter everyday also.

Make sure you are visible to the cages (the ones that bother looking). Full beam or passing flasher works a treat. You usually get people moving over which in turn encourages others to do the same. Sometimes, people who arent looking for the two wheelers see the cars moving over and realise their mistake.

[BillyC]

Rule #2 is don't bother following couriers - they are nutters"
Err...no, they're just better than you - think about it, you spend eight or ten hours a day doing something you get quite polished at it.

PS. Don't follow me through town - you're not going to like it.

Ah yes... the Squidster 'Traffic? What traffic?' school of trans-urban riding. :lol:

[BillyC]

Two tips that I'd like to voice:

Filtering in slowly moving traffic is safer than filtering in stationary traffic. When traffic is moving, drivers are far more likely to check mirrors, blind spots, and generally pay attention when they intend to change direction. That said, filtering in stationary traffic is the most common situation - pay attention to front wheels turning on cars, it's usually followed by them pulling out into your path with the intention of changing lanes, or doing a u-turn.

[Warthog]

Two more things that I find help that haven't been mentioned:

1- look for gaps in lanes, cos its more likely that other cars try to quickly change lanes into a gap, and they are pretty easy to spot.
2 - I usually hover my foot over the rear brake, just incase. Not had to use it yet ;)

And don't be afraid to not filter! Sometimes you (or at least I) feel that you are "expected" to cos you are a biker and other bikers might be looking. Just slot in with the traffic if it all seems too hairy. I like Big Bad Al's philosophy, although I usually fliter at about 30 or so I think.

[JediGoat]

Two tips that I'd like to voice:

Filtering in slowly moving traffic is safer than filtering in stationary traffic.

Ahhh yes....stationary traffic...one of the main habitats of that increasing common creature - IPod Wearing Pedestrian. :evil: :evil:

Jo

[Rockin' Rob]

i find a 'fruity' can and/or riding in a low gear are always good for parting traffic a bit more :D

RoB

[BillyC]

i find a 'fruity' can and/or riding in a low gear are always good for parting traffic a bit more :D

RoB

Well of course, that goes without saying! :D

[wyrdness]

Filtering in slowly moving traffic is safer than filtering in stationary traffic. When traffic is moving, drivers are far more likely to check mirrors, blind spots, and generally pay attention when they intend to change direction.

I'd disagree with that. I've been filtering in London traffic for 13 years now and I've found cars will often switch lanes in slow moving traffic without looking or indicating. They're frustrated because the traffic is moving slowly, think that the lane next to them is going quicker (generally it isn't), spot a gap and just go for it. They can't usually do this when the traffic is stationary. You do have to watch for pedestrians crossing inbetween stationary traffic, but you have to do this all of the time in London anyway.

One of the biggest mistakes that experienced riders make is filtering too fast. Just because you can do it doesn't mean that it's safe to do so, as you've no time to react if a car does switch lanes suddenly without looking or indicating - and they do.

<rant>And why do London pedestrians seem to think that a red man at a crossing doesn't apply to them. I see that every day. Even had a mother with a pushchair cross in front of me yesterday - red man, green light and me approaching at 30mph. Why risk your child in that way?</rant>

[Ping]

One thing I tend to advise is STAY LOOSE.

You can react more easily to the plums that suddenly jump out at you. If you just start leaning forward and resting on ur wrists (boredom, sore back) or are tense u don't have full maneuverability.

I also tend to gently swerve around in between the lanes where it's wide enough, especially at night (commuted into/outof london on a13 last summer and during the first part of winter.) Cagers are more likely to notice something moving left/right or flickering in their mirrors rather than just a blob that slowly gets bigger.

:)

I'm somewhat dubious on the 'full beam' headlights approach though.

[mysteryjimbo]

I'm somewhat dubious on the 'full beam' headlights approach though.

You obviously havent seen an SRAD's headlights... :wink:

[Balky001]

I'm somewhat dubious on the 'full beam' headlights approach though.


If the traffic is stationary then full beam will only be in the side mirrors and for a few seconds at most so should catch peripheral vision only, not blind them. I tend to do this when traffic is almost stopped and on dual carriage only!

I agree, if you move from side to side cagers will generally notice you more than straight lining through the traffic. Then again some don't notice an ambulance with blues and two's screaming right behind them so no manner of movement, full beam and a loud can will help - you need to sonic boom them with your special powers

[mysteryjimbo]

you need to sonic boom them with your special powers


I'm tempted by an air horn! :lol:

[fizzwheel]

I'm somewhat dubious on the 'full beam' headlights approach though.

Scoobs was behind me on the M1 on Friday, we were all filtering at one point and the traffic was heavy and we had a few people move over on us. I noticed at one point Scoobs had his main beam on. IMHO it made it much easier to spot him. The mirrors are'nt the best on the GSXR but I could see him really easily. If I could spot him then I reckon theres more chance that a cage driver will.

[Stig]

I'm somewhat dubious on the 'full beam' headlights approach though.

Scoobs was behind me on the M1 on Friday, we were all filtering at one point and the traffic was heavy and we had a few people move over on us. I noticed at one point Scoobs had his main beam on. IMHO it made it much easier to spot him. The mirrors are'nt the best on the GSXR but I could see him really easily. If I could spot him then I reckon theres more chance that a cage driver will.

I always use main beam when filtering through heavy traffic on the motorway. It DOES work, so I will continue to do so.

[BillyC]

Filtering in slowly moving traffic is safer than filtering in stationary traffic. When traffic is moving, drivers are far more likely to check mirrors, blind spots, and generally pay attention when they intend to change direction.

I'd disagree with that. I've been filtering in London traffic for 13 years now and I've found cars will often switch lanes in slow moving traffic without looking or indicating. They're frustrated because the traffic is moving slowly, think that the lane next to them is going quicker (generally it isn't), spot a gap and just go for it. They can't usually do this when the traffic is stationary. You do have to watch for pedestrians crossing inbetween stationary traffic, but you have to do this all of the time in London anyway.

I think London is one of the exceptions. London breeds a certain style of driving, which although it may be found in other inner cities, pretty much tipifies London. Drivers do just do generally what they want to - and other drivers expect them to, and accept that if they give an inch, someone will take a mile.

<rant>And why do London pedestrians seem to think that a red man at a crossing doesn't apply to them. I see that every day. Even had a mother with a pushchair cross in front of me yesterday - red man, green light and me approaching at 30mph. Why risk your child in that way?</rant>

Yup... many near misses for me at the end of Great Marlborough Street, and on Shaftesbury Avenue. But, that's what your horn (and exhaust) are for: pre-emptive warning.

[Grainger]

The "bubble" rule always seems to make sense to me. Leave a clear 1-2 metres around yourself at all times and even if the unexpected happens you have that safety margin to take action. It's really saved my life a few times I reckon particularly when I have been guilty of riding like a pr*ck myself!

Also if there's nothing in the oncoming lane I'll happily ride in the middle of it - Never can understand people who insist in hugging the traffic in their lane when they've got all that space to work with.

PS To the Londoners: If you ever find yourself on Tower Bridge take it easy - cars frequently have to pull out to let cyclists through on the inside. From some of the filtering I've seen done on it an accident is waiting to happen...

[BillyC]

The "bubble" rule always seems to make sense to me. Leave a clear 1-2 metres around yourself at all times and even if the unexpected happens you have that safety margin to take action. It's really saved my life a few times I reckon particularly when I have been guilty of riding like a pr*ck myself!

Now that you mention it, I've had this mentality while riding in traffic for some time now, and it works well. The bubble shouldn't just be affected by traffic, but road furniture, man hole covers and the like also get taken into account.

Also if there's nothing in the oncoming lane I'll happily ride in the middle of it - Never can understand people who insist in hugging the traffic in their lane when they've got all that space to work with.

This is fine to a point, but it distinctly puts you in the blind spot of any driver who could swerve to the right and catch you out in a nasty way. Yes it's one tool for progressing through traffic... but should be used very cautiously.

PS To the Londoners: If you ever find yourself on Tower Bridge take it easy - cars frequently have to pull out to let cyclists through on the inside. From some of the filtering I've seen done on it an accident is waiting to happen...

I ignore this. My recommendation is simply not to filter on Tower Bridge. It is a 20mph SPECS zone, and a narrow road at that, with little room for error. It's only a couple of hundred yards long, and there's plenty of opportunity for progression on the roads either end. Save it.

[wyrdness]

[quote=wyrdness]<rant>And why do London pedestrians seem to think that a red man at a crossing doesn't apply to them. I see that every day. Even had a mother with a pushchair cross in front of me yesterday - red man, green light and me approaching at 30mph. Why risk your child in that way?</rant>

Yup... many near misses for me at the end of Great Marlborough Street, and on Shaftesbury Avenue. But, that's what your horn (and exhaust) are for: pre-emptive warning.

Ha! Using the horn doesn't always work. This morning, riding into work, I was stopped at a pedestrian crossing. The green man turned to red and the lights were about to change when I saw a middle-aged Sikh guy about to cross. I hit the horn. He looked at me and I shook my head (meaning NO!). So he runs across in front of me just as the lights turn green. I rev the Speed Triple hard and go, just missing him and shout something at him that can't be repeated here without fear of moderator reprisal. I'm all in black, with a dark visor, on a black Speed Triple. I'm supposed to look intimidating, right? :D Not please feel free to walk in front of my bike.

Sometimes you get herd mentality, where one person crosses in front of you and then others assume it's safe and follow. Hitting the horn can result in screams from young ladies :D

[tricky]

Before filtering I always way up "how much progress vs how much risk"
This pretty much means I only ever filter through stationary traffic where I can see its a long queue or there are realy big gaps.

On my way into work this morning, 60 mph limit, traffic is doing about 40mph.
In this situation I'm quite happy to go along with flow of traffic. Guy on a crosser filtering down the middle of the road at about 70mph. I really don't see the point of this, is anyone in that much of a hurry to get to work?

Maybe I'm over cautious, but I've lost count of the threads on here that start "I was filtering when a car pulled out on me and knocked me off" etc

Each to there own and all that, but I know from talking to quite a few friend & collegues (none motorcyclists) who really get wound up by aggressive filtering.
It only takes a moment of madness/road rage on the part of a frustrated driver and you're on your **** in the road (lost count of the times I've been (IMHO) deliberatly "blocked").

Ride however you want peeps, just be careful.

i'll get me coat now.

[Steve_God]

Loud exhaust !
It's amazing how many more people move over now compared to when I had the standard cans on.

That and weaving, it means that your light will get flicked from side to side and more likely to grab their attention.

Most important thing I go by... drive like you're invisible!
If someone sees you, you're lucky !
If you see a car coming close to another that if you weren't there would normally overtake, assume he/she is going to do so unless you see signs telling you otherwise !

[mitchbligh]

If you get cage rage, kick off their mirror and speed off. Look out for red trafic lights 10 foot ahead though!

[Cam_73]

Tower Bridge = Black Hack U-turn territory either end.

I have instigated this on a few occassions.

I do appologise for any inconvenience caused :wink:

As for the tourists who island hop at the ends, is there a point scoring system for

them :D

[Rider]

Hi - I filter every day up and down the A4 and quite enjoy it. I think it's one of those "blessed" A roads where motorists seem to be aware of bikers - no I'm not being complacent but compared to, say, A2, it's a dream. Only scary moments have been down to me being an idiot trying to keep up with other bikers filtering at higher speed.

My one big fear is to hit a pedestrian wandering through traffic when I hit town -esp around Green Park area - even if I'm filtering at 20 mph, it would hurt. I wonder what the legal stance on that would be :?: