Filtering.

[Kwikasfuki]

I probably filter most days. Over time I've come up with a set of rules:

1. Filter between the 2nd and fast lane.
2. If a gap appears slow down. Some car driver will have seen it as well and will go for it
3. Don't filter when traffic is above 35
4. Filter according to conditions e.g. Rain, fog etc
5. Watch the front wheel of cars
6. At motorway junctions, be prepared for cars switching lanes
7. Be visible. My bike is distinct at the front and rear, plus I generally wear a high vis jacket.
8. Use the noise from the exhaust to alert dozy drivers
9. Be wary of filtering between trucks
10. Some drivers will be cocks and deliberately obstruct. Be patient and don't get aggressive.
11. Narrow lanes = no filtering
12. You will make mistakes. Learn from them
13. There maybe other bikes filtering. If you're the lead bike and the bike behind is being aggressive, pull in and let them lead. You'll find that they'll create filtering space for you.
14. Acknowledge cars that move over.

[Mogster]

yup thems rules sound about the same as mine  8) ... I also tend to flick me hazards on when coming through stationary traffic. tis sumit that we picked up when riding in Europe.


Obviously the best way to gain a drivers attention is to have a 'Wig-Wam'  switch fitted... but that's illegal and we wouldn't do that would we... *snigger*  ::)

[mecki]

Good rules. Especially employing rule 5 is very important.
The front wheel is always the first thing to show you that a car is about to move into your path.

If you ever have the misfortune having to drive through Antwerp (just avoid it!!!) you may encounter several lanes filled with trucks trying to get to the port for miles and miles moving at snail's pace.
I have to say that was one of the scariest filtering I've ever done and why I strongly recommend to avoid getting anywhere near that place.

[Ziderman]

What you mean filtering at Motor way Junctions..as you go onto M way or on the M way...surely that's a big no no , full stop. Only if very heavy slow moving traffic , surely?
Be wary of filtering between trucks...be wary of filtering between all traffic surely ?

Not being funny , but all in your comprehensive list is a lot to take in is it not. It really all comes into your general awareness & riding plan does it not & as we all should know , that changes all the time.
In my opinion & it's my opinion only ! list are flawed..It reads like a Braking Distance chart.. & who the F**k is going to take notice of the  Braking Distance & speed  while there hurtling towards car in-front.  Never goes through your mind..~All your concerned about is that you are far enough behind to stop safely if you have too. You don't start thinking 30 m at 40mph etc so I am safe, do you?
But all said & done it's a good list & if it works for you & helps others , fine.

[Kwikasfuki]

when on motorway I tend to be cautious filtering near  junctions and that is only when the traffic is slow.

the list is a list of things that happen instinctively. I don't manually check everything in my head! As you say, it forms part of your riding plan.

[Ziderman]

Sure...good... I just have a big hate of lists..comes from two Marriages....do this do that....You know what I mean.
Mind I was cross few years ago when I did IAM & Devon lot were insistent that you memorized Braking distances for Test as Examiner was a Stickler for them. Then because of my post Code being somerset at the time I got Somerset Examiner who not once mentioned them, much too my delight, not that could not remember them , just did not much see the point.

Guess this is the good thing about Forums..loads of really good stuff put into the Think Tank. Nice to think some will go away with info on here & be much safer & indeed help save a life may be..
I dont ever think any one person is right , but if you all chuck your thoughts in the pot then great sense & wisdom comes up in the Brew...+ the us-hall silliness to keep us amused. Long may it last...!

[mecki]

Real life is not an exam because if you flunk it you're dead!

Just look at the list and ask yourself, 'do I do that too?'
And if you find a point where your answer is No you should ask yourself, 'wouldn't it be better if I did that as well?'
Nobody expects you to print it and pin it on your screen like a pilot's check list.
And if you have other points you think should be on that list too then let us know.

Well, and as far as braking distances go, I guess you'll find out that you're gut feeling was either right or wrong when it comes to the real thing.

[Lonewolf]

I've never been able to remember braking or thinking distances, does that make me a bad person?  :-\

[mecki]

I've never been able to remember braking or thinking distances, does that make me a bad person?  :-\

Only a fool breaks the two second rule!

[Rehabilitated36]

Hi all, just joined the website, just bought GTR,  interesting subjects under discussion, but a little concerned about some of the questions being asked, surely some of these are basic issues?

For those who have not furthered their training since gaining their license i would suggest the answers are within the RoSPA training, "Use the force" (Police Force that is!)
I have been riding for 20 years Commuting, Touring, Track Days, Off Road, you name it i still do it, i commute to the city every day (passing 44 cameras everyday) and a while back during period of sleep deprivation (Dads out there know what i mean!) i managed to clock up 17 points in 3 months! long story short, found an amazing solicitor, a number of mitigating circumstances, crown conditions and completion of RoSPA training (my own omission as a gesture of good will) i managed to keep my license.

Due to my age and experience i believed there was nothing more to learn, and to be fair there wasn't really much more but the ability to be constructively self critical and that riding attitude is key to the delivery of your riding skills, plus a refresher on the rules of the road goes a long way, i enjoyed the training, it was as exciting as taking my test for the first time.

For me the most satisfying element of traffic riding now is knowing your right, not believing and being flexible to give way to others right or wrong.

Court cases are in progress all the time and do affect the laws in place, but these individual cases are solicitors manipulation of the perception of facts and don't directly translate to the road, just because someone else has done something doesn't mean you can.

Ok Preeching over, this i know from experience,  Filtering is moving through stationary traffic, anything else is under/ overtaking, the person a head travelling in the same direction has right of way, on coming traffic has right of way, yes you can filter and it is tollerated to a degree, but measured by Traffic Officers personal judgement by the effect you have on other road users, if your actions cause others to act or be put a risk your in the wrong its as simple as that.

Cars turning right? the oldest and most common one in the book i think?

GTR 1400 best bike in the world for RoSPA training and the odd fling!

[Mogster]

GTR 1400 best bike in the world for RoSPA training and the odd fling!

Bloody hell does your mrs know!!!  :o ;D ;D ;D

[Rehabilitated36]

I am fortunate enough to have one that doesn't give a s#!t, as long she has her chelsea tractor and so called mates, im happy!

[Ziderman]

Hi all, just joined the website, just bought GTR,  interesting subjects under discussion, but a little concerned about some of the questions being asked, surely some of these are basic issues?

Pray tell me/us what questions you are concerned about exactly. Reading through all looks like were all singing from the same Hym sheet are we not?
Most of us have had some or lots of Advanced training , so we are aware of such things.....!

I personally did not like ROSPA & chose IAM..that's my choice. Not that impressed with them either , but that's another story....

Like I said...no one person is necessarily right , but put all the ideas in the Pot & good will Brew...

So...be not concerned....!

For the record I am a matter of weeks away from being 50...I have had Bikes since I was 14....so got fair bit experience under my belt..not that much can fit under my Belt now that is....

[Rehabilitated36]

Hi Good to meet you Ziderman!

Thought my comments might spark some interest, i like a good debate! may be "concerned" is the wrong choice of word, but Turning Right, Undertaking, basics im sure you cannot deny, and not questions you'd expect to be made by experienced riders, something i believed the GTR market would be?

More to the point new/ unknowledgeable riders will take specific comments from the more experienced literally with view to self improvement and in offering that advice lies some due dilegence as an experienced rider.

RoSPA Vs IAM - i think the RoSPA is far more reasonable and comprehensive than the IAM, but alas the quality of training is with the instructor as much as the pupil, coming from a long background of what i now call ASBO riding i found the RoSPA riding course good therapy and believe in furthering knowledge and application of skills, RoSPA and IAM are the only official ways to do it with measured accreditation.

I don't think the advanced course are designed to impress, but to be embraced as it is a good system, as you know there are no magic tricks or special skills but personal thought and attitude,  it works for the Police and in majority do lead by example, im sure many may have the odd falter, but no ones perfect.

Id avoid discouraging others from further Training, more knowledge and practise has to be worth while, as reformed smokers are the worst anti smoking preachers, im the same with training, especially with the amount of accidents i see in and around London that should of been avoided is frustrating.

Id like to know what your likes and dislikes are with the RoSPA and IAM Training?

I may sound it, but im not entirely pro RoSPA/ IAM but other than self experience what else is there between the initial test training and further training to enlighten riders to improve themselves?

Thoughts?

[mecki]

but Turning Right, Undertaking, basics im sure you cannot deny, and not questions you'd expect to be made by experienced riders, something i believed the GTR market would be?

Now, because I was the one who asked these stupid questions, I want to set the record straight.
I just couldn't believe it when I read on this forum that a "filtering" biker had the right of way and another motorist who is indicating and turning right and gets hit by this biker would be in the wrong.
I am not British and have only been living in the UK for close to 4 years and am again and again surprised what goes for law around here.
I asked about "undertaking" because I thought if a country has such stupid rules about what in every other country is considered to be illegal overtaking or dangerous driving they may have similar stupid rules when it comes to that.
And since there are quite a lot of members here who are the law I thought I better ask.
Now whom am I to believe?
The seasoned policeman or the newbie who managed to collect 17 points in 3 months? ??? :P :-X