Bunched traffic

As said, im an ex commuter so well used to getting into small gaps. But if i can't see a gap i can get into before i start the overtake, then i simply wont do it.

Not worth the possible accident should something come the other way and your trapped. Then if you try to push in, just putting bikers in a bad limelight with the riding style.

So if i see the gap, go. If I see no gap, I wait until one appears.

Originally Posted by Daimo

But if i can't see a gap i can get into before i start the overtake, then i simply wont do it.

+1

Treat the line as single cars, plan the overtakes well in advance.

That way, you can get up alongside the car/van etc that you're overtaking, kill the throttle & coast up a little. Once you're alongside you can also decide if you have the time/space to go for the next car. If you don't you should have the time to gently coast back into the line ready for the next overtake.

Generally, if you're gentle about moving back into the line, most car drivers will drop back a little. So when they do, I give a little wave.

[BillyC]

Originally Posted by Stu

no gap's too small

I'm with Stu on this... there's always a gap, it just depends on whether or not you're brave enough to use it.

Brave?

Or stupid, inconsiderate, and ignorent

Originally Posted by Daimo

Brave?

Or stupid, inconsiderate, and ignorent

Exactly! That's the way to get through the traffic - flashing lights, horn, etc.

Originally Posted by Daimo

Brave?

Or stupid, inconsiderate, and ignorent

Nah - "Location: Central London" - I suspect that's the real reason

Take opportunities when they arise, if they don't then you stay put, you can't force it.

I generally don't like to be in that "must overtake at every opportunity" state of mind, and if I'm not I do miss chances sometimes, especially on roads new to me, but it all depends on how badly you want to get past.

I had a newish Suzuki Vitara close the gap between himself and the car in front as I cruised gently past in a NSL at about 45mph about a month ago. Not something I expected him to do, bus coming the other way too. (Would have been a perfectly safe overtake if he hadn't held me out there, I didn't even need to gun it). I saw him shaking his head once I realised what he was doing and glanced at him. I had to hit the brakes and slot back in behind. I wasn't anywhere near the bus even then really, but needless to say I wasn't happy. You can't legislate for tossers doing stuff like that, always need to leave that safety margin.

Originally Posted by MiniMatt

Nah - "Location: Central London" - I suspect that's the real reason

In all honesty, when I was riding there every day, it was the only way to travel....

Thankfully im out of that hell hole now and my ridings much safer (well, not safer, theres a lot more roads to play on now, without fear of some twonk walking/pulling out on you ).

[STRAMASHER]

Originally Posted by Daimo

and ignorent