Motorcyclists down on CS7

[gaz]

Not one of us per say, but they share similar issues we do on the road. so i feel like this is worth posting as it is a lesson to any cyclist that filters.

Today is tube strike day, so lots and lots of traffic on the roads and many impatient drivers.
Coming up the blue section from Tooting bec towards Balham and a motorcyclist is filtering down the outside of traffic, a car pulls out from a side road, through two lanes of traffic and the motorcyclist goes straight into bonnet and is thrown to the other side of the road.

I didn't see the incident happen, just the aftermath and the motorcylist was lying on the road not moving. several people already helping him, taking control of the scene and ringing the ambulance so i didn't hang around.

This could happen to anyone so just remember to take care when filtering, no matter which side you go down!

 

[shunter]

Safe filtering on a motorcycle ( and bicycle as well ) requires 100% of your observational skills. You should always expect traffic to cut across your path from any direction at any time and therefore should always be prepared to brake and able to come to a stop within a very short distance. That's the main reason I keep my speed way down. Having said all that it also gives a sense of excitement being that involved in riding two wheels

 

[fossyant]

Similar happened to colleague on her motorbike a week or so ago - snapped brake lever and new helmet, and a sore shoulder. Driver admitted fault.

 

[pshore]

It's so common, Jonny added this added to the "The essential guide for new commuters" PDF.

“One thing I would say is that whenever I read about a filtering accident
it is almost always one of two types:

1. Car stopped to let other car in/out of side road.
2. Car did a u-turn without looking.

PDF here -> http://www.cyclechat...-new-commuters/

 

[gbs]

Safe filtering on a motorcycle ( and bicycle as well ) requires 100% of your observational skills. You should always expect traffic to cut across your path from any direction at any time and therefore should always be prepared to brake and able to come to a stop within a very short distance. That's the main reason I keep my speed way down. Having said all that it also gives a sense of excitement being that involved in riding two wheels

IMO, and based on limited experience here in London, all the above is v true. Partly out of timidity and partly being satisfied with making some progress past stationary cars etc I travel at v low speeds when filtering on the right and so I think I could stop on the proverbial sixpence. That feels safe to me but I will be receptive to comment.

Filtering on the left or between lanes is v dangerous in my view.

 

[jdrussell]

hope he/she is ok, cheers for the tip as always