Filtering? Can We?, Should We?, Do You?
How many of us do it. I would guess, at one time or another all of us have, or have considered it.
It has always been a bit of a grey area and the subject of much consultation between Lawers and Insurance Claims Advisors when things go wrong. As a Traffic Cop in Cardiff I attended many collisions involving bikes that were filtering.
In the most recent edition of the Highway Code, for the first time it mentions it in the ‘Rules for Motorcyclists’ section.
Previously it had only ever been mentioned it as a word of caution for ‘other motorists’, when it said ‘beware of motorcyclists who may be filtering through traffic…’ But it never explained what it actually was.
The latest edition in the paragraph entitled ‘Manoeuvering’ it states quite simply, “…Additionally, when filtering in slow-moving traffic take care and keep your speed low”.
Motorcycle Roadcraft, The Police Riders Handbook, for some time has mentioned filtering as a valid manoeuvre open to riders, but it must be remembered that Roadcraft is not a Road Traffic Law book and would always come off second best against the Highway Code in a Court of Law. Again the Highway Code is not ‘Law’ but is published as a set of guidelines which if not adhered to can be cited against an errant rider and used as supporting any prosecution.
The fact that it now does include filtering does tend to lean towards giving motorcyclists some protection when things go wrong.
But if things have gone wrong then the Highway Code won’t ease our pain, or repair our bike any quicker.
So how do we minimise the risks and ensure that things don’t go wrong in the first place.
So this is where Motorcycle Roadcraft does have a major value and it advises that we can use our maneuverability to filter through ‘stationary or slow moving traffic’
Good advice, if you decide to filter;
* Take Extreme Care.
* Keep your speed low. You need to be able to stop suddenly if circumstances change.
* Always identify a place where you can rejoin the traffic flow before you move out.
* Make yourself visible-consider using a dipped headlight.
* Be ready to brake and/or use the horn.
* Use the opportunity to make progress but be courteous and avoid conflict with other road users.
* Watch out for and anticipate;
* Pedestrians crossing between vehicles.
* Vehicles emerging from junctions.
* Vehicles changing lanes or U-turning without warning.
* Doors opening.
* Reflective paint and studs which could throw the bike off line.
* Traffic Islands.
* Other bikes also filtering.
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Nobody likes being stuck in a queue but overriding the need to make progress remember that SAFETY is paramount.
Be patient and courteous and plan you ride rather than just hoping a space will develop. Don’t just cut in without thought for how this may be interpreted by other road users, and the effect this might have.
Use good observation and proper planning.
Remember if it does go wrong, it doesn’t matter who is at fault it is us that will get hurt.