Filter this!!!!

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]

Originally Posted by BillyC

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.

Jo

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

RoB

[BillyC]

Originally Posted by Rockin' Rob

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

RoB

Well of course, that goes without saying!

Originally Posted by 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.

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>

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.

Originally Posted by Ping

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

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

[Balky001]

Originally Posted by Ping

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

Originally Posted by Balky001

you need to sonic boom them with your special powers

I'm tempted by an air horn!

[fizzwheel]

Originally Posted by Ping

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.