Be more careful than I was when filtering down the center.

[Graham Simmons]

As said in the video description and agreed with the motorist, we both could have done something to avoid this prang. Thankfully the driver and I were unhurt and our conveyances were undamaged, so everyone walked away happy. I'm not posting this to start a blame/fault discussion, just to make people aware that filtering past junctions is a very real danger to cyclists. Ride safe out there, everyone.

 

[HLaB]

Brown trouser moment
At least the driver was more calm than that first muppet!

 

[Graham Simmons]

Brown trouser moment
At least the driver was more calm than that first muppet!

I actually was pleasantly surprised by my own reaction time & actions upon reviewing the tape. I managed to get on the brakes quickly, bring the bike almost to a dead stop and uncleat both feet all in a fairly automatic sequence. Seems my brain didn't bother with the panic and just went straight into "this is what needs doing to stay alive" mode (shame it didn't think to turn the bars to the left and squeeze alongside - though I think the wide angle lense makes that appear more possible than it was in reality!).

 

[HLaB]

More often than not unless I have to be somewhere I do wait in line but of late the roads have been too congested and I've been too impatient There was a crash on the Parkway, the other week I didn't have time to sit in a 4 and 1/2 mile queue My speed probably dropped to sub 8mph especially at side roads.

 

[Graham Simmons]

Tell me about it! My urban average is 10mph, but on long solo rides it climbs up to 18-20! Southampton has an insane number of traffic lights; in fact if I check my tapes, very often waiting at traffic lights doubles the length of my commute!

 

[Hip Priest]

I feel the driver was more at fault, but you're right about taking extra care whilst filtering past junctions. Well done to you and the driver for discussing it like adults with zero hysteria. The less said about the witness the better!

 

[Linford]

Lucky there was no damage on either side. You would find you would have to share a portion of blame if either party sustained damage.



This is what the Highway code says on filtering on top of a junction

167

DO NOT overtake where you might come into conflict with other road users. For example

• approaching or at a road junction on either side of the road
• where the road narrows
• when approaching a school crossing patrol
• between the kerb and a bus or tram when it is at a stop
• where traffic is queuing at junctions or road works

• https://www.gov.uk/using-the-road-159-to-203/overtaking-162-to-169

Irrespective of the legal implications of it, you are going to end up in casualty if you hit it fast enough. You weren't exactly dawdling, and your vid would have been used against you to prove that if it went to court if you presented it as evidence. I would not filter that fast on a motorbike with that volume of slow moving traffic, in the dark, and into a junction. It is asking for trouble.
http://www.whitedalton.co.uk/motorb...g-andor-overtaking-and-claiming-for-injuries/

 

[Graham Simmons]

-snip-

Why are you posting this? Do you think I am not aware of it, or that I don't know that my filtering was faster than ideal for the conditions? Did you not read my first post, the comments in the video, or the video's description at all?

Your post does not contribute to a thread aimed at warning cyclists from doing as I did, and demonstrating better than your quote the possible danger of doing what I did. We all know the highway code already.

 

[Monkreadusuk]

As said above, if I was in that situation I would filter but I would do so as if I was on my motorbike. As I approach a junction I will slow down and try check the junction over/through the cars. Then when safe to do so I proceed, sometimes I even slow down and toot the horn to make my presence known.

Good job on slowing down so quick and glad nobodies hurt.

 

[Linford]

Sorry, my post comes from the comments you made to the driver who pulled out on you. I was stating the legal aspect which means that realistically, you would yourself end up with a significant legal bill if you were dragged into court by a drivers insurance company and it went 50/50 or worse.

I've been cycling since the early 70's, and motorbiking since the early 80's. All this info is good, and if your example (where happily there was no damage was done) could save someone from a huge amount of hassle, then it is a very worthy thread...for the sake of clarity.

 

[Monkreadusuk]

Why are you posting this? Do you think I am not aware of it, or that I don't know that my filtering was faster than ideal for the conditions? Did you not read my first post, the comments in the video, or the video's description at all?

Your post does not contribute to a thread aimed at warning cyclists from doing as I did, and demonstrating better than your quote the possible danger of doing what I did. We all know the highway code already.

Although I see your point, in the video alone (not everyone reads the comments) you state that the highway code says you can filter. Whilst this is true, I think that Linford was just trying to clarify the rules regarding it for others to see.

I know I found it useful as it meant I didn't have to google it myself to clarify my thoughts on the rules of filtering.

 

[Graham Simmons]

Lindford, I apologise for jumping down your throat about it, it's just that I've been repeating myself over and over in various places since this incident, despite it being obvious that a lesson like this lived is a lesson learned. Anyway I doubt I'd use the tape for evidence, I'd rather snag that cyclist as a witness as he's a regular on my commute! The motorist would be welcome to bring the mental orange Range Rover commander along, haha!

 

[400bhp]

As said in the video description and agreed with the motorist, we both could have done something to avoid this prang. Thankfully the driver and I were unhurt and our conveyances were undamaged, so everyone walked away happy. I'm not posting this to start a blame/fault discussion, just to make people aware that filtering past junctions is a very real danger to cyclists. Ride safe out there, everyone.

+1



Handled well by both to be honest.

 

[Linford]

[QUOTE 2289830, member: 45"]You missed rule 88[/quote]

I was quoting the legal aspect on this one for clarity, not 'best practice'

 

[Crankarm]

If the OP recognises where his riding fell short and that he was partly culpable why is he posting here?

However IMHO the driver was still 95% to blame as he emerged from a junction across and through traffic when his path was not clear. He may well have been looking at traffic approaching from his left as he pulled out, moving forward, then looked forward to see cyclist suddenly appear right in front of him.

All this suggests to me is that the OP should 1) Buy an Airzound 2) Buy an Exposure Max D front light 3) Cycle more cautiously in future 4) Take out life insurance if he doesn't already have any.

If all the above is too much, ride on the pavement. Road riding is dangerous.