Discussion
I’m going to start using my bike to commute on. A significant section of my route to work is a dual carriageway. As with most dual carriageways in the UK, as soon as there are more than a few cars about everyone sits glued to the outside lane in anticipation of overtaking that lorry 4 miles in front of them.
Obviously I would never dream of undertaking dozing commuters in the car… Is there a general consensus on whetherundertaking filtering at speed is ever acceptable/ safe on a bike?
Obviously I would never dream of undertaking dozing commuters in the car… Is there a general consensus on whether
Not safe at all.
Drivers will not look for filtering bikes in their nearside mirror when moving at speed. If the lane is clear they'll move, sometimes quickly and without warning.
If you want to stay safe I'm afraid you're stuck in the outside lane with the rest of us until the car 20 places ahead pulls back in and we can all speed up again!
Drivers will not look for filtering bikes in their nearside mirror when moving at speed. If the lane is clear they'll move, sometimes quickly and without warning.
If you want to stay safe I'm afraid you're stuck in the outside lane with the rest of us until the car 20 places ahead pulls back in and we can all speed up again!
Filtering is perfectly legal but you just have to take care.
Most drivers aren't a problem but some do take objection and may try to block you.
You just have to be very aware of what's around you and don't filter much faster than the traffic that you're filtering between - in case you suddenly have to alter your plan.
Most drivers aren't a problem but some do take objection and may try to block you.
You just have to be very aware of what's around you and don't filter much faster than the traffic that you're filtering between - in case you suddenly have to alter your plan.
I commute 30 miles each way daily and 2/3 of that is on motorway/DC. What I don't do is weave through rapidly, 20-30mph faster than the traffic is moving, when the traffic is already at the speed limit. Plenty of people do, but they're often riding sportsbikes and wearing trainers/trackies/hoodies (take your pick).
What I do do is maintain progress, particularly when the traffic slows down. I'm wary (although I do it) of filtering between, say, lane 2 and lane 3, simply because there is always someone ready to swap lanes without looking. Be careful, cautious even.
What I do do is maintain progress, particularly when the traffic slows down. I'm wary (although I do it) of filtering between, say, lane 2 and lane 3, simply because there is always someone ready to swap lanes without looking. Be careful, cautious even.
I think the reason many people stay in the outside lane when a bike is behind them is they are concerned they will move to lane 1 just as the bike undertakes (may be overestimating drivers attention span here).
From my own experience...
1/ If you want to remove any ambiguity then sit in the middle or outside of the lane behind them, not towards the line between the two lanes.
2/ Give the person 1-2 chances to get out of the way when a gap in lane 1 appears, if they don't they are probably staying out out of habit as opposed to you being there.
3/ Pass on the inside as quickly as possible, I stay towards the inside of lane 1 to give as much time/space as possible if they do start coming across.
4/ Once past point at camera fixed to helmet and mime YT for Youtube (it is like the actions to YMCA, but making a "T" instead of the "MCA" part.
If it is a long line then skip to 3 and ignore 4. Alex's point of passing each one by one is a good one, keep an eye out for suggestions they may be coming into lane 1. Maybe stating the obvious but avoid when passing an exit.
Ultimately if you aren't going to do it you may as well have taken the car.
From my own experience...
1/ If you want to remove any ambiguity then sit in the middle or outside of the lane behind them, not towards the line between the two lanes.
2/ Give the person 1-2 chances to get out of the way when a gap in lane 1 appears, if they don't they are probably staying out out of habit as opposed to you being there.
3/ Pass on the inside as quickly as possible, I stay towards the inside of lane 1 to give as much time/space as possible if they do start coming across.
4/ Once past point at camera fixed to helmet and mime YT for Youtube (it is like the actions to YMCA, but making a "T" instead of the "MCA" part.
If it is a long line then skip to 3 and ignore 4. Alex's point of passing each one by one is a good one, keep an eye out for suggestions they may be coming into lane 1. Maybe stating the obvious but avoid when passing an exit.
Ultimately if you aren't going to do it you may as well have taken the car.
When I first started commuting into London I used to be very reluctant to "undertake" but I quickly learned I had two choices:
1. Remain in the outside lane with all the cars and make no further progress.
2. "Undertake" as safely as I could.
Sitting behind a number of outside lane users where the lane to the left of them was pretty much empty and the lane in front of them was clear, only to have them switch their right hand indicator on and remain firmly planted helped me decide.
Being in whichever lane allows me to make progress is now something I do all the time. You have to be aware of the possibility of movement across the lanes but I don’t think any lack of observation from lane changers is better or worse if they are moving left or right.
I’ve had a few "deep breath" moments but not anymore or any less than I would have expected had I only ever passed in lanes to the right but, I’ve got to work/home a damn sight quicker!
1. Remain in the outside lane with all the cars and make no further progress.
2. "Undertake" as safely as I could.
Sitting behind a number of outside lane users where the lane to the left of them was pretty much empty and the lane in front of them was clear, only to have them switch their right hand indicator on and remain firmly planted helped me decide.
Being in whichever lane allows me to make progress is now something I do all the time. You have to be aware of the possibility of movement across the lanes but I don’t think any lack of observation from lane changers is better or worse if they are moving left or right.
I’ve had a few "deep breath" moments but not anymore or any less than I would have expected had I only ever passed in lanes to the right but, I’ve got to work/home a damn sight quicker!
http://www.markthompsonlaw.com/motorcycle-filterin...
Its in not leagle but you will get away with it most of the time (see above).
Its in not leagle but you will get away with it most of the time (see above).
People drive on autopilot during rush hour, so you will find cars in the outside lane and the lanes next to them completely clear, it's your call how you deal with it.
You can sit behind and wait or you filter / undertake. If youundertake filter, as suggested above, do it one car at a time to give yourself a chance to react if the car moves unexpectedly.
You can sit behind and wait or you filter / undertake. If you
You're not asking if it's legal, only safe, which is a decision you have to make at the time.
On a bike I do way more undertaking than I do on four wheels as being able to get in front of all the other vehicles is a main factor in choosing to ride in the first place.
My take is if it's safe and you won't get caught then do it if you feel like it.
On a bike I do way more undertaking than I do on four wheels as being able to get in front of all the other vehicles is a main factor in choosing to ride in the first place.
My take is if it's safe and you won't get caught then do it if you feel like it.
The trafpol biker I did my RoSPA assessment with last time gave some basic guidelines:
filtering is moving slowly in between stationary or sub 10mph traffic
Anything else is overtaking and all the rules of the road apply
Saying that, if the inside lane is moving more quickly than the outside lane (because everyone is jumping in the outside lane) then you can sit at or below the speed limit on the inside lane. If you are doing 40mph in a 40mph and the outside lane is bumper to bumper, thats fine, you are going with the flow of the traffic, not your fault the outside lane is slower....
What you will get pulled for is weaving in and out of lanes at 80mph in a 60mph undertaking then overtaking. If you stay around the speed limit or less, make it look smooth and planned as you work your way in between the lanes then it should be fine. This is where you have to use your judgement, and keep speed differential down. Its a good idea for your own safety not to be doing traffic speed +40mph weaving in and out of lanes fast
filtering is moving slowly in between stationary or sub 10mph traffic
Anything else is overtaking and all the rules of the road apply
Saying that, if the inside lane is moving more quickly than the outside lane (because everyone is jumping in the outside lane) then you can sit at or below the speed limit on the inside lane. If you are doing 40mph in a 40mph and the outside lane is bumper to bumper, thats fine, you are going with the flow of the traffic, not your fault the outside lane is slower....
What you will get pulled for is weaving in and out of lanes at 80mph in a 60mph undertaking then overtaking. If you stay around the speed limit or less, make it look smooth and planned as you work your way in between the lanes then it should be fine. This is where you have to use your judgement, and keep speed differential down. Its a good idea for your own safety not to be doing traffic speed +40mph weaving in and out of lanes fast
mgv8 said:
http://www.markthompsonlaw.com/motorcycle-filterin...
Its in not leagle but you will get away with it most of the time (see above).
Sorry but rubbishIts in not leagle but you will get away with it most of the time (see above).
It is perfectly legal according 'The Highway Code' Page 28 Rules for motorcyclists section 88
Recently completed a ROSPA Bikers course and it is positively encouraged provided it is done carefully and sensibly
Edited by Davel on Thursday 25th August 19:06
Well I often turn these situation into my version of Luke Skywalker on his speederbike through the forest of Endor (surely I have earned some geek points by now for that reference).
However I do suss out if the driver has seen me verses oblivious auto pilot.
Anyway... I am slowing it down.
However I do suss out if the driver has seen me verses oblivious auto pilot.
Anyway... I am slowing it down.
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