How to deal with these situations?

[Jody]

Does anyone know if you are legally allowed to filter on the left of traffic or is it only allowed down the middle?

 

[LCpl Boiled Egg]

MGIF = Must Get In Front

 

[Fab Foodie]

Jody, you need to read Cyclecraft by Franklin published by HMSO books. This and more experience will really help. Definitely read the book though.

 

[Jody]

MGIF = Must Get In Front

Thanks. Makes sense now.

 

[MisterStan]

Jody, you need to read Cyclecraft by Franklin published by HMSO books. This and more experience will really help. Definitely read the book though.

Good advice - @Jody there's also some good pointers here

 

[GrumpyGregry]

Does anyone know if you are legally allowed to filter on the left of traffic or is it only allowed down the middle?

Legal. The highway code even warns drivers turning right and coming the other way to watch out for cyclists/motorcyclists doing it.

Primary and secondary are still fairly new phrases to me. I try to use them but don’t want to antagonise people.

forget about how other people (drivers) feel and look after you own safety by riding more assertively.

I find a lot of what poor drivers do to be intensely antagonistic btw, but they don't seem to give a stuff about how I feel whether I'm on two wheels or four.

 

[annedonnelly]

It may be bad practice but I overtook an articulated lorry that was crawling down a hill at about 10mph with the driver staring downwards. There was nothing in front of him and no side junctions so I went for it. As I got to the tractor unit he spotted me in the mirror and accelerated, in which time I was round him. As I went past the cab I noticed he had his elbows on the wheel and texting

I'd rather not be in front on any driver who's not looking where he's going. I'd rather pootle along behind him at 10 mph than be squashed under his bonnet - and that's whether I'm cycling or driving!!

 

[Pat "5mph"]

Jody, you need to read Cyclecraft by Franklin published by HMSO books. This and more experience will really help. Definitely read the book though.

Agree it helps a lot - read the book, done the bikability course, much more confident now.
Sadly, @Jody, there will always be numpties in cars. The other morning I was in primary (middle of the lane) of a lane going straight. Was overtaken simultaneously on both sides by cars in the only left/only right lanes ... on an empty junction, no other traffic to be seen!
We can only try our best.

 

[mb_333]

Need some guidance for a couple of issues I came across this morning while riding to work. Tried looking back in this part of the forum but not found much. What ideally would you regular commuters do?

I have commuted into work for just over a month now. From trial and error i now have a better understanding of when to filter etc than when i started. Part of it is just experience, i know i still have a long way to go

 

[PlymSlimCyclist]

A lot of it is experience and learning to read the road ahead and anticipate what other drivers will / won't do.
Just tonight I had a moronic motorcyclist in front of me, braking and then zooming off, braking and zooming off, so in the end, the last time he braked, I overtook him (on his right) and then resumed the primary position. Whether he gave up on the idea or realised how moronic he was being, he left me alone and let me sit where I was.
As we caught up to the traffic, I stayed primary and didn't filter (it's a pain in that segment of my commute) and again, he left me alone. Probably even took my lead and didn't bother filtering himself.

Due to our height (sorry 'bent riders) on DF's, we can see what's happening ahead. When you see the brakes coming on ahead, slow down, you're reacting to what will eventually happen. Position yourself and hold that position.

Personally, ignore the other people on the road, and focus on your journey, making sure you're safe, and that your ride home isn't the last one. That's all you can do.

 

[jonny jeez]

I would hope they are not stressed with cyclists. You see very few commuting round here.

There lies the problem, lack of riders promotes lack of cycle awareness.

You Need to Move to London.

Problem solved

Next!