Busier Traffic How to Filter?

[MacB]

Some delays getting going this morning and my peaceful commute turned into a bit of a mare after about 9 miles. School traffic, one accident and 2 sets of temporary lights slowed my time across Wokingham dramatically. My big problem is I ended up queing along with the cars as I couldn't see any way to get down either side. I noticed a lot of cars that will go past you before a queue and then cut right into the gutter to stop you re-passing them. But then there are a lot that sit out high thus forcing you to the other side of the road to pass on the outside.

Obviously the inside route isn't an option, I'm not prepared to cycle in the gutter etc. But for the outside route is it just a case of filtering along and then cutting back in when appropriate? I'm only thinking long queues here, less than 10 cars and I'll just wait in line.....thanks....Al

 

[gbb]

I will filter on the outside, but extreme caution is required.
Several problems arise...
You are of course much close to oncoming traffic.
Drivers you are overtaking may not rexpect you to be there.
If the line of traffic starts to mover when you're overtaking, you can get stuck in no mans land.

I frequently do it, but try to make sure most of all, that you dont get stuck in no mans land when the traffic starts to move.

If i'm not sure...i wont do it.

 

[Origamist]

I zig-zag depending on whether the inside or outside is clear. If I can't make progess (which is unusual), I wait. If I'm undertaking, I do it slower than when I'm overtaking.

10 cars? I filter if there is less than that as the phasing on some lights is very quick...

 

[magnatom]

I go down the outside in similar situations (or down the middle on dual carriage ways.

You need to be keeping a close eye on the cars further ahead. If you see that they are starting to move that is the point where you need to start looking for a gap to filter into. Sometimes that means slotting gently back into the traffic as they pull off, or if necessary slotting in further back where the cars have yet to move.

Obviously if single lane you need to be keeping an aye out for oncoming traffic. If in doubt pull in, but looking ahead is important.

 

[beanzontoast]

I will filter on the outside, but extreme caution is required.
Several problems arise...
You are of course much close to oncoming traffic.
Drivers you are overtaking may not rexpect you to be there.
If the line of traffic starts to mover when you're overtaking, you can get stuck in no mans land.

I frequently do it, but try to make sure most of all, that you dont get stuck in no mans land when the traffic starts to move.

If i'm not sure...i wont do it.

Too true. Some drivers use stationary queues as an excuse to deposit passengers, invariably a hurried process as they don't want to be caught out when the traffic starts to move again. Left and right doors can suddenly be flung open and you don't get much warning.

 

[magnatom]

+1

 

[magnatom]

Why are you so surprised?! Filtering is all about looking ahead and reading traffic.

Just joking about the fact that you agreed with me Lee!

 

[thomas]

I always do it on the outside, unless it is safe on the inside and I can't on the outside. I like to go onto the other side of the road and then pull in when cars start to come. You have to be aware of where gaps are, and if you can make it to gaps...and where you can go if cars move.

I suppose you could always get off and push on the pavement (if that's possible)?

 

[HLaB]

I always do it on the outside, unless it is safe on the inside and I can't on the outside. I like to go onto the other side of the road and then pull in when cars start to come. You have to be aware of where gaps are, and if you can make it to gaps...and where you can go if cars move.

I like to do similar anticipating when the vehicle queue is going to move and slotting back in. This is of course easier to do when the road is completely grid locked.

 

[leoc]

Okay a few tips that I hope help

When filtering on the outside / overtaking always have a look back before you pull out of the line of traffic for other vehicles which may already be filtering along the outside. Also, make sure you have room to get back in if necessary for pinch points / pedestrian refuges.

Beware of any large spaces that open up as this is an indicator that someone may be about to cross your lane from the other side of the traffic.

Keep an eye out for peds using stationary traffic to cross, especially around buses.

People (same direction / oncoming) sometimes even make space for you, so I try and make sure I nod or wave thanks.

 

[Downward]

Always give a glance back if filtering on outside if you want to pull back into the traffic in a gap so the driver behind knows your gonna pull in.

 

[purplepolly]

I noticed a lot of cars that will go past you before a queue and then cut right into the gutter to stop you re-passing them.

AAARRgh that's so annoying Sometimes if they do this right before the queue I get off, wheel the bike along the pavement and get back on just in front of them. But if the traffic's heavy in the other direction, I try to stop them by moving further out on the approach to the queue.

If it's a small queue I don't bother filtering but there's one on my way home that goes on and on and on very very slowly. The drivers always seem to keep to the far right of the lane though and there's always a big gap on the left so I go down it carefullly with my main front light pointed a bit to the right. I think from their positioning that they're deliberately leaving room for cyclists (or me, having just overtaken me) because it's not a position a driver would normally take in the lane.

 

[Origamist]

If you're filtering towards the front of traffic on the approach to a RaB or junction - slot in before the front. Drivers at the head of a queue are going to be focussed on finding a gap and pulling away; they're unlikely to be looking for cyclists in the their mirrors.

If there is a very long queue, and traffic is clear in the opposing lane, watch out for U-turning vehicles searching for alternative routes.

Vehicles that are not indicating will still turn into side roads and drivers will force they're way out from minor roads, so watch out...

Pedestrians will appear from behind cars - I sometimes ring my bell as a warning.

 

[HJ]

...I noticed a lot of cars that will go past you before a queue and then cut right into the gutter to stop you re-passing them. But then there are a lot that sit out high thus forcing you to the other side of the road to pass on the outside.

I tend to zigzag round them, if it is safe to do so, but there are time when it is easier to get off walk to the front and get back on again. Especially where you can see that it will be a long wait and a car has passed you before a queue and then cut right into the gutter to stop you re-passing them. Sometime you can even hear their teeth grinding in frustration

 

[threefingerjoe]

Ok, you folks seem to be discussing this so seriously, that I MUST ask. Is "filtering" LEGAL over there? I'm serious. Can you LEGALLY just pass motorists who are waiting their turn at traffic lights?

Over here, a bicycle is considered a vehicle, and, as such, is required to obey ALL traffic laws. One car to a lane. One way that is sure to piss off motorists is to cut the queue. I want to personally STRANGLE cyclists who do that crap, because I know that they are pissing off the motorists, who then will take out their agression by running ME into the curb!