Filtering - the law

[spicy mchaggis]

They'll have to run the moped tests at the same time on the same route!

, yeah thats one way!!

[transapled the alps]

Just because something is legal doesn't mean its safe on my usual commute through Sheffield i very often see bikers getting into places you really shouldn't be. One of my favourites was a chap going in between 2 lorries when the 1 on his right was indicating right. 1 thing that most riders don't seem to acknowledge is gaps in traffic there might not be a side road but could be someone reversing out a drive or a pedestrian walking out. The best way to filter is give plenty of room eg at traffic lights that are on red use the other side of the road (providing there is no side road on the right) this gives you a lot better view remember though at pedestrian crossings you cant overtake the lead car (law highway code) also why filter to the front when you are only moving 1 car forward its not going to get you there quicker! If you don't feel safe filtering then don't do it as stats will show this is when we are most vulnerable.

[Steve C]

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Funky Avatar

[pxlpig]

could this be the longest filter ever......Years ago I filtered through stationery/slow moving traffic all the way through essex to the dartford bridge when I was travelling back from Peterborough.

I think it is ok as long as it is safe to do so and educated observations are made on traffic movements etc etc

[Xander]

Yesterday there was a bike cop pulling bikers who were filtering on the A38 Birmingham and the traffic was at a complete stop for miles.. He had at least 5 bikes over when i crawled past I dont know if they got a talking to or booked or what.. i happen to see him flash a guy a few in front of me so i stopped filtering and waited till i was passed him... I only saw one guy that was pulled doing "crazy" stuff.. the rest seemed fine to me. Only the one was going fast as the traffic was too dense to do much more...

[YEN_POWELL]

The boys in blue had a campaign a little while ago to stop bikes going the wrong side of central refuge islands (3 penalty points if it's got a keep left bollard on it) because of a number of deaths on The Highway in east London. Maybe they were stopped for that. Normal filtering doesn't usually seem to bother them, even when they are stuck for ages in traffic.

[Yeti]

I filter everywhere I can. If I can get a fag paper either side of my panniers its fair game!

Passed plod numerous times on my way to and from newcastle over the last year and never even raised an eyebrow.

In my experience the traffic plod are looking for crooks and idiots (not to say their aren't exceptions!)

I never ride with a huge speed differential between myself and the traffic I am passing. I have had plenty of (daily!) near misses but think passing speed is key to reacting in time.

I have to admit I have had a few paddys in my time and consequently removed a few wingmirrors and indicator lenses but now I just wait patiently for another considerate motorist to make extra space to show up the idiot driving obstructively.

Had plod seen my paddys I would have expected a ticket, but I think keeping control of the red mist and carrying on regardless is not something they will pull you for.