Satisfaction of a well executed right filter

[alp1950]

I don't normally need to cycle down congested roads, but today's commute took me through rush hour traffic down one of the main commuter runs into the centre of Glasgow. I hate to drive this road at peak times as it is so slow, traffic averaging 5 mph with frequent stops at traffic lights. However cycling it is another matter.

Can't find the link, but a previous post here linked to instructions on how to execute the perfect right filter past stationary traffic waiting at lights. When I first read this I couldn't quite see how to execute the manoeuvre by which you merge back into the traffic as it moves off by matching speed to neighbouring car and then sliding into the (inevitable) gap behind it. However it is easier to perform in real life than to describe, and I had the immense satisfaction of performing this manoeuvre successfully through at least 5 sets of lights today. On each occasion I was well back from the lights, so little chance of being squeezed by traffic island in middle of road, and it was made easier by the fact that there was little traffic coming in the opposite direction.

Great feeling to leave so many cars trailing far behind.

 

[BentMikey]

The link was to Nutty's website, I'm sure quite a few folks on here will remember Nutty from the old days on C+. Here you go, there's four pages of it:
http://www.nuttycyclist.co.uk/cycling/filtering-1.htm

Good stuff, just be careful of the vehicle on your nearside speeding up and leaving you in no mans land.

It's not a problem, if one driver won't let you in, you can take a different gap either ahead of or behind him. It works so well and so easily that I'm quite comfortable negotiating back across two lanes of traffic. "No man's land" is a bit of FUD really.

 

[BentMikey]

Clearly you rarely filter on the right in the manner described, else you wouldn't be propagating the FUD. Most drivers I come across are great, they are far more unkind to other motorists.

 

[BentMikey]

Nothing needs to be taken for granted. It's all about negotiation, if a particular driver is being arsy, then you can simply pick another driver in the queue to negotiate with, either ahead or behind. Which you pick would depend on the particular situation.

WTF would you want to speed up to get in front a car that is moving this is just plain stupid.

Why would that be stupid? Bicycles are usually faster than motor traffic in London, and in many other places too.

As for the rest of your post, I reckon that's just the chip on your shoulder. If you let it get any bigger you'll be walking with a gangster limp.

 

[BentMikey]

Ahahahahahaaaahaaa!

 

[BentMikey]

If you say so. OK, I have a challenge for you. Let's meet up for a ride and I'll follow you and video your cycling. We'll post it on youtube and discuss here. I'm available most weekdays anywhere in the greater London area.

I bet you won't have the courage of your convictions. Just like Tstegers with his red light jumping didn't come through on this for those who remember the epic on C+ back then.

 

[beancounter]

Besides I'm busy at the moment studying for some accountancy exams to be taken in December

Best of luck with those

bc aca

 

[BentMikey]

Good luck on the exams, Lee. I'm confused though, are you willing to meet for a filming session, or not?

 

[domtyler]

I would volunteer Mikey but you would not be able to keep up I fear!

 

[BentMikey]

LOL, definitely not at the moment, I'm still suffering from lurgy and even when I'm well I'm far from the quickest cyclist around. I'd love to do some filming with you sometime, though this is more about Lee's cycling and strong comments.

 

[BentMikey]

Noone's perfect, everyone here makes mistakes. OK, I'll put in a reminder in my calendar for 9th December.

You sure you can't spare a half hour for a ride earlier than that? Exercise makes the mind sharper for study after all. Or is it just a way of saying no? I think after those strongly worded comments you ought to show whether you can also walk the talk.

 

[Origamist]

The link was to Nutty's website, I'm sure quite a few folks on here will remember Nutty from the old days on C+. Here you go, there's four pages of it:
http://www.nuttycyclist.co.uk/cycling/filtering-1.htm

Last time, I gave up after only the third introductory paragraph of Nutty's filtering advice (where he made the crazy claim that his guidance offered a "100% safety to the rider"). This time, I got as far as Step 1:

"Long queue (20+ cars) of traffic at a red light, I check over my shoulder to make sure it's clear, then pull out around the back of the queue and filter down the centre white line to near the front of the queue"

If there's no approaching traffic why cycle on the white lane (which is slippery when wet and more than likely in the door zone) if the opposing road ahead is clear. I use a secondary or primary position in opposing lane (like motorcycles) as you're more visible to oncoming traffic. In addition, you also have a larger buffer and greater reaction time if a vehicle wants to suddenly pull a u-turn or a door opens or a ped is cutting through the traffic. If oncoming vehicles approach, you can then adopt Nutty's centre-line guidance - but even then I'd avoid the lane markings if possible.

 

[BentMikey]

I think it's a bit of a stretch to assume that Nutty means riding on the actual line itself rather than near it but not actually on it. As for the position, whilst you're right, it's very rare that there isn't oncoming traffic. Perhaps it could have been worded a little better though?

Why don't you contact Nutty and point this out, or are you just going to do nothing?

btw, I'm not sure why I clicked show this post, as you're on my ignore list. Seems like your posting habits haven't changed, so you can stay there.

 

[Origamist]

I think it's a bit of a stretch to assume that Nutty means riding on the actual line itself rather than near it but not actually on it. As for the position, whilst you're right, it's very rare that there isn't oncoming traffic. Perhaps it could have been worded a little better though?

If your pal is going to offer filtering guidance it is important to avoid ambiguity - particularly as filtering is one of the most dangerous things you can do whilst cycling.

There can often be no or very little oncoming traffic as lights, ped crossings, etc stop the flow of traffic and give you a clear road from time to time. When there is oncoming traffic you need to be far more circumspect about filtering.

Where do you stand on the 100% safety claim, BTW?

Why don't you contact Nutty and point this out, or are you just going to do nothing?

Why don't you point him to my post - or are you going to do nothing? It is you who is recommending his poorly worded, but well meaning advice to all and sundry on an internet forum.

btw, I'm not sure why I clicked show this post, as you're on my ignore list. Seems like your posting habits haven't changed, so you can stay there.

That's right, my posting habits are consistent. If I disagree with something or I feel that the offered advice may be unclear, dubious or dangerous, I'll say so. I'm sorry if you don't like that.