Bunched traffic

Have just got back from mid Wales. The road from Newtown to Welshpool is a nice bit of tarmac, and at the Welshpool end it's fairly straight but with some sharp bends and a few double whites. Problem was, there was a line of bunched traffic. At the top was a Morrisons artic, then a 4X4, then a 7.5 tonner, then a hi-top Tranny, then several cars. They were all so close together that even on a gentle right hand bend I couldn't spot any obvious gaps. So I held back until I was on the Welshpool bypass (wide single carriageway road) where the traffic had fragmented a bit.

Question is - what strategies can you use to get past a line of solidly bunched traffic? If you car hop, what happens if you can't find a gap? Force one? Is that too dangerous? Sail past the lot and hope for the best?

I held back as I thought that was the only prudent thing to do, but I'd like to hear how others deal with this.

That's a really good question. It's Usually the case that there is a gap 2 or 3 cars in front, so wait till it's safe and move up. I know what you mean it can be frustrating. If I want to make progress I tend to position myself to the right of the car near the white lines and wait until they have spotted me in the mirror. Then they will either move to the left slightly or at least they know your there and then move through.

I guess the main thing is just to wait until it's safe as it's not worth dying to save maybe 30secs. At traffic lights etc is where you save most time.

[Biker Biggles]

Treat it like any other overtake.Is it clear safe and is there a plan?And an alternative plan?

In that situation, I just sit tight and rest. I wont chance it, I don't want to die!

Until there is an obvious space that is deemed safe*, don't go for it Ed. Normally a car will move if you hop in and out, but don't take the risk unless you are confident. I tend to get too aggressive if I have to pull in, I will just pull in and make myself known. Use my first suggestion.

*By you.

[G]

To be fair I judge it differently on every situation, even to the point if I can see a smaller than average car in that que of bunched cars and a small car coming in the opposite direction, where a bike would comfortably sail between them on the white line.......then to me that is a gap.

Maybe alot people wouldnt agree with that?

Common sense & a keen sense of self preservation coupled with a desire to make progress. Self preservation being the primary. Pretty much the same approach as you took and everyone else who's posted has taken.

When traffic is moving (if even at that 2mph stop start crawl) you can generally find a little space

Oh, and always give a wave to the nice people who pull into the left

Yeah that's right never forget the wave! Just move on when you feel it's safe mate that's the main thing, don't take risks as it aint worth it.

I just do a couple of vehicles at a time until I'm past, what looks like no gap between cars from where you are at the back is usually a couple of car lengths in reality so plenty of room to duck in. I find car drivers all make room gladly where I am, they seem happy that someone is getting a move on at least!

[Stu]

no gap's too small