Busier Traffic How to Filter?

[BentMikey]

That's right - not just legal, but accepted normal practice for both cyclists and motorcyclists. I get the impression that this is different in the US, with some states allowing it, and some not.

To be honest - any motorist or other road user who got pissed off with a filtering cyclist and responded by trying to teach a lesson ought to have their whatsits removed. Permanent sterilisation.

 

[HJ]

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!

Some on road cycle lanes and ASL have the effect of encouraging filtering (see HC rule 178), this is not always a good thing, but it is perfectly legal. The Highway Code also tells drivers "be aware of other road users, especially cycles and motorcycles who may be filtering through the traffic. These are more difficult to see than larger vehicles and their riders are particularly vulnerable. Give them plenty of room" (rule 160), unfortunately a lot of them never seem to have read the Highway Code even though it is compulsory to learn it before taking a driving test...

 

[purplepolly]

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!

Mostly the motorists who are waiting their turn at traffic lights have just overtaken the cyclist knowing full well they're approaching a queue and will be forcing the cyclist further back in the queue. Taken to its conclusion, if I didn't take steps against this kind of anti-social behaviour, I would never get home in the evenings because I would always be dropping further back. It' a bit hypocritical of motorists to get annoyed when they filter past cyclists, queue jump and cause all the congestion in the first place.

 

[MacB]

well no probs on the way home tonight, in point of fact the drivers seemed extra courteous. Reckon this morning was just a bad time for me to commute, the conditions and delays had obviously got everyone a bit more tense. Reckon I'll stick to my earlier time and miss this sort of traffic.

Appreciate the advice on filtering, think the outside filter will need to wait until my skills and confidence grow. Hadn't actually thought of just pushing along the pavement and back on.....doh...think I might give that a go if it arises again.

As a driver I have always tried to make space for a cyclist or motorbike, no skin off my nose. So hadn't really expected the cutting off the inside option from drivers. It actually took me a while to twig what was going on....thanks.....Al

 

[BentMikey]

Here's something Nutty wrote about it:

http://www.nuttycyclist.co.uk/cycling/filtering-1.htm

Who remembers Nutty from C+?

 

[BentMikey]

I think he means he only almost comes to a halt if he's mistimed the light cycle, otherwise he'd be flowing along.

There's no danger of being "stuck in no man's land" - Nutty covers what to do quite well. It does take confidence as it seems that many inexperienced cyclists are terrified of being on the offside, but it's actually a very safe and easy technique.

 

[Origamist]

I think he means he only almost comes to a halt if he's mistimed the light cycle, otherwise he'd be flowing along.

There's no danger of being "stuck in no man's land" - Nutty covers what to do quite well. It does take confidence as it seems that many inexperienced cyclists are terrified of being on the offside, but it's actually a very safe and easy technique.

I don't think filtering on the offside is "very safe" - none of my motorcycle or cycle friends think that either. It is a compromise between risk and progress and we do what we can to mitigate the dangers.

Is it safer than nearside filtering, definitely.

 

[BentMikey]

I don't think filtering on the offside is "very safe" - none of my motorcycle or cycle friends think that either. It is a compromise between risk and progress and we do what we can to mitigate the dangers.

Is it safer than nearside filtering, definitely.

I mostly agree with you, but done properly, it's still safe by the standards of other things we do in life. Done badly, like by many of the powered two wheelers I see, and then I'd accept the risk rises significantly. Mainly this comes down to filtering way too fast.

(Unless you class walking as dangerous, and you might given the risk of injury. Beans obviously does).

 

[Origamist]

I mostly agree with you, but done properly, it's still safe by the standards of other things we do in life. Done badly, like by many of the powered two wheelers I see, and then I'd accept the risk rises significantly. Mainly this comes down to filtering way too fast.

(Unless you class walking as dangerous, and you might given the risk of injury. Beans obviously does).

I was not thinking of the bigger picture with regard to risk, merely that waiting in line is safer than filtering on the offside or inside. Most of us accept this increased risk in order to take advantage of riding a bike, but I disagree that it is a "very safe" cycling practice.

 

[BentMikey]

So you're just splitting hairs, really?

 

[Origamist]

So you're just splitting hairs, really?

No. I just don't agree with your risk analysis that filtering is "very safe".

 

[magnatom]

It's all about relative risk, and the relative risks of cycling and walking are similar. Of course walking and cycling have risks associated with them, but then, so does putting your trousers on. I can think of at least two ways of doing yourself a mischief during that activity!

 

[BentMikey]

No. I just don't agree with your risk analysis that filtering is "very safe".

If you're talking about filtering like this, then you'd be right:
http://www.digave.com/videos/mxhwy-digave_com.mpg

Sensible filtering with good cyclecraft, then you'd be wrong.

 

[magnatom]

Hmm. If i get a chance I might post up a vid of my filtering. Yes I know no matter how good it is I am likely to get pelters , but if it helps further the debate then I am willing.

The traffic has been heavy at the moment so I've had plenty of chances to filter!

 

[Origamist]

If you're talking about filtering like this, then you'd be right:
http://www.digave.com/videos/mxhwy-digave_com.mpg

Sensible filtering with good cyclecraft, then you'd be wrong.

Filtering has inherent dangers, whether you are sensible or not.

I've never heard anyone, apart from you, suggest that the practice of filtering is "very safe".