Filtering through traffic?
Discussion
A question for the cyclists amongst us, probably more applicable to the commuters.
I've been commuting since November and over my 8 mile ride to work, I always hit traffic at certain points. Now normally, if there is room down the left side I will take that route, if not, I will overtake on the right, but thinking about it this morning, what should I actually be doing and what are other people doing with filtering?
If the traffic is slow moving I generally keep speed with the traffic and stay in the middle of the road, then overtake on the right once it's come to a stop again, with the view of moving back into the middle or left if the traffic is now faster than I am.
Couple of websites that I've read today seems to say people in cars are generally more aware if you're overtaking on the right, rather than the left, but thought I would see what others in my position would do?
I've been commuting since November and over my 8 mile ride to work, I always hit traffic at certain points. Now normally, if there is room down the left side I will take that route, if not, I will overtake on the right, but thinking about it this morning, what should I actually be doing and what are other people doing with filtering?
If the traffic is slow moving I generally keep speed with the traffic and stay in the middle of the road, then overtake on the right once it's come to a stop again, with the view of moving back into the middle or left if the traffic is now faster than I am.
Couple of websites that I've read today seems to say people in cars are generally more aware if you're overtaking on the right, rather than the left, but thought I would see what others in my position would do?
I always do right, and wait unless there is space. Some riders seem to "filter at all costs" like there is some desperate mad rush to get past slow moving cars, I would rather hold back and filter when safe. Then again I see no traffic on my commute! Just lots of sheep!
I don't filter on the left, too much chance of being squashed/no space/doors opening etc, plus technically its wrong
The above though is in Wiltshire, where roads are quieter and narrower
In bigger cities/London/other places there was a lot of space on the left, so it made a bit more sense to filter down there.
I don't filter on the left, too much chance of being squashed/no space/doors opening etc, plus technically its wrong
The above though is in Wiltshire, where roads are quieter and narrower
In bigger cities/London/other places there was a lot of space on the left, so it made a bit more sense to filter down there.
Wherever I can.
I ride through London daily, inside, middle, outside, wherever there is space.
Most roads will have a cycle lane and space on the left, but down embankment sometimes its thick traffic two wide each way and there is no cyclepath, so its just a matter of finding gaps, obviously you have to be confident in your ability to do this at speed, but I've not had any issues as people are barely moving so chances of being clipped are low, you're more likely to hit another rider doing the same who hasn't shoulder checked before making a move.
I ride through London daily, inside, middle, outside, wherever there is space.
Most roads will have a cycle lane and space on the left, but down embankment sometimes its thick traffic two wide each way and there is no cyclepath, so its just a matter of finding gaps, obviously you have to be confident in your ability to do this at speed, but I've not had any issues as people are barely moving so chances of being clipped are low, you're more likely to hit another rider doing the same who hasn't shoulder checked before making a move.
Generally filter where I can as long as the traffic is very slow moving with a couple of key caveats
1) Never ever down the inside of a bus
2) never down the inside of large truck
3) always "what's the bail out option?"
If you're going to go down the inside you need to be absolutely sure you're not going to get squeezed between the traffic and the edge of the road, generally I've found down the outside is a better option
1) Never ever down the inside of a bus
2) never down the inside of large truck
3) always "what's the bail out option?"
If you're going to go down the inside you need to be absolutely sure you're not going to get squeezed between the traffic and the edge of the road, generally I've found down the outside is a better option
Always on the right unless absolutely necessary, e.g. to get past someone who's turning right.
There are many advantages, including your much improved ability to merge with the flow of traffic again.
When driving, catch how many times you check your O/S mirror, and how many times you check the N/S. Despite best intentions, it will be unbalanced.
There are many advantages, including your much improved ability to merge with the flow of traffic again.
When driving, catch how many times you check your O/S mirror, and how many times you check the N/S. Despite best intentions, it will be unbalanced.
I prefer to filter on the right too, most drivers wont check their offside mirror before turning left as on most occassions, there will be nothing coming from behind so they get into the habit of just indicating and turning left. Its also harder for them to squeeze you too, most commuters seem to think its fun to spot you in the mirror then drift left forcing you to the kerb. Stick to the right but be careful with oncoming traffic and remember even if your wheel is on the left of the white line, your right shoulder may not, i've had a few oncoming vans miss my shoulder by the smallest of gaps, my fault but still not something i wish to repeat.
okgo said:
Wherever I can.
I ride through London daily, inside, middle, outside, wherever there is space.
Most roads will have a cycle lane and space on the left, but down embankment sometimes its thick traffic two wide each way and there is no cyclepath, so its just a matter of finding gaps, obviously you have to be confident in your ability to do this at speed, but I've not had any issues as people are barely moving so chances of being clipped are low, you're more likely to hit another rider doing the same who hasn't shoulder checked before making a move.
Generally this I ride through London daily, inside, middle, outside, wherever there is space.
Most roads will have a cycle lane and space on the left, but down embankment sometimes its thick traffic two wide each way and there is no cyclepath, so its just a matter of finding gaps, obviously you have to be confident in your ability to do this at speed, but I've not had any issues as people are barely moving so chances of being clipped are low, you're more likely to hit another rider doing the same who hasn't shoulder checked before making a move.
If there's an option I prefer middle because my biggest fear is being doored and people tend to open doors to the curb.
Always on the right. I dislike people filtering on the left. It's unsafe, legally very questionable and you can't be seen. I'm not talking about using a cycle lane, but riding in the gutter. You can be seen much better on the right and drivers prefer it. The things you need to watch for is cyclists weaving in and out and motorbike coming up behind you. And some cyclist seem to take offence (I have had a few tell me off) but cars seem to react much better. Probably because they are more likely to see you, less likely to be shocked and see it as a fair overtake rather than "pushing in".
Thing is, if you filter on the right and a motorbike is also filtering on the right in the other direction it doesn't really work does it?
Seen too many close calls for that to be the safe option. When bikers are overtaking/filtering they don't always adhere to speed limits from what I have seen.
Seen too many close calls for that to be the safe option. When bikers are overtaking/filtering they don't always adhere to speed limits from what I have seen.
Edited by 272BHP on Monday 11th May 21:48
Just takes a bit of common sense and politeness. In 10 odd years of riding a motorbike and many more riding a bicycle I can't say I have ever had a problem from oncoming bikes. I always try and give way to motorbikes as they are rather harder to pick up and squeeze in, but on a motorbike I always slow to give bicycles room to clear a car. The only ones I ever have issues with the odd scooter or cyclist that weaves in and out without looking. Just make sure you keep looking and thinking and be polite. If a motorbike is speeding whilst filtering it's not going to be long before a car swings right without looking and they go in to the side.
k my average right up :-PUsually on the right, unless there's a marked cycle lane. No problems yet with oncoming cyclists or motorcyclists, just avoid getting into a situation where you haven't got a gap to slot into. Also be wary of car doors on either side, I've had drivers blindly fling doors open in traffic to retrieve things from the boot.
This is what I mean. There are no rule worth following. You have to use judgement to the situation. People do stuff that isn't expected so you have to be able to adapt to that, riding by the book with no room for deviation will see you hit.
Anyway, a lot of folk will compare riding out in the sticks to London which is obviously quite different. I'd like to see anyone filter down the right on some of the roads I use, you'd be smashed in by a wing mirror or a scooter in no time.
Anyway, a lot of folk will compare riding out in the sticks to London which is obviously quite different. I'd like to see anyone filter down the right on some of the roads I use, you'd be smashed in by a wing mirror or a scooter in no time.
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