Rant: filtering

**Gone Burger** · 5th February 2010, 10:38

So yes, I'm definately new to filtering. Have been riding 6 months and did it for the first time in Wellington traffic the other day. I was waiting for a comfortable moment. Thankfully, the bike infront of me was a large touring bike, and when he decided there was enough room for him, I zipped in behind him with my tiny wee bike. I was pretty stoaked actually.

I am always very aware of other riders who want to filter, even if I don't. Plenty of room to get past me. But I have realsied that in rush hour traffic crawling on the highway with a cold bike, stop start absolutely sucks! So quite keen to gain more confidence with the whole filtering skill.

What I would like to know though... is it legal? I know that "technically" you are supposed to only overtake on the right hand side of the lane, but theres near impossible with where people place their cars. I went passed an unmarked poilce car through the middle, ad could see him frowning at me greatly. Can they ticket you for doing this, even though so many people do? Sorry, I'm still learning.

Thanks for your help.

**Berries** · 5th February 2010, 12:17

There are quite a few threads on the legality, here's a recent one - http://www.kiwibiker.co.nz/forums/sh...ting-road-rule

Just take it easy when following someone else. Because the bike in front will restrict your view you may not see the reason why they suddenly have to hit the brakes.

**R-Soul** · 5th February 2010, 12:31

Originally Posted by DangerousBastard

If you don't think it's safe, then it probably isn't. Don't go. If you feel impatient and frustrated about that, then fucking deal with it.

This comes up on KB all the time. "Noob, get the fuck outa my way while I'm filtering."

Well its not their problem, it's yours.

Steve

Yes I acknowledge it is my problem, but what is man if not a problem solver?
But its my problem because they are inconsiderate/unsure of proper biker etiquette. And it is exactly because I am cautious that it is my problem- I could just zoom through without caution, and probably scare them and maybe miss any possible dangers, with me becoming a danger to all. Instead I sit for ages behind them, revving hard and cautiously hooting, until I am absolutely sure that they have seen me.

But I should not have to. Its something that can be solved by eductaion of riders and especially noobs. HENCE: Here I am, ranting to all and sundry.

Its all about education, so get off my case.

**R-Soul** · 5th February 2010, 12:40

Originally Posted by Katiepie

So yes, I'm definately new to filtering. Have been riding 6 months and did it for the first time in Wellington traffic the other day. I was waiting for a comfortable moment. Thankfully, the bike infront of me was a large touring bike, and when he decided there was enough room for him, I zipped in behind him with my tiny wee bike. I was pretty stoaked actually.

I am always very aware of other riders who want to filter, even if I don't. Plenty of room to get past me. But I have realsied that in rush hour traffic crawling on the highway with a cold bike, stop start absolutely sucks! So quite keen to gain more confidence with the whole filtering skill.

What I would like to know though... is it legal? I know that "technically" you are supposed to only overtake on the right hand side of the lane, but theres near impossible with where people place their cars. I went passed an unmarked poilce car through the middle, ad could see him frowning at me greatly. Can they ticket you for doing this, even though so many people do? Sorry, I'm still learning.

Thanks for your help.

The thing to remember about filtering is that when cars are going fast, they can change direction very quickly. When they are stationary, they can also do it quickly, but tend not to. they usually edge out first, giving you some warning.

Thats why I prefer filtering really slowly through faster (i.e. 80kph) moving cars (about 10kph more than them to be able to scrub off speed quickly if they change lanes in front of you). And maybe slightly faster through stationary cars (but not much - maybe 20kph faster).

**R-Soul** · 5th February 2010, 12:41

As to teh legality, cops I have actually asked about filtering have said that I can do it "as long as I keep things safe".

The basic rule of thumb here is that if you do reckless things and cause admin for cops, then they will cause admin for you.

**CookMySock** · 5th February 2010, 13:09

Originally Posted by R Sole

But I should not have to. Its something that can be solved by eductaion of riders and especially noobs.

Thats stiff titty. If you dont like it, TOO BAD. You are not in a position to force, er, educate, any person to do anything, just as you rightly insist I may not do it to you.

There are lots of things in my life I wish I could change by pushing someone else around until they see it my way, but the reality is, that is pure fantasy.

Give it up. You can't DO anything about it except change yourself, so the sooner you start, the better.

Steve

**R-Soul** · 5th February 2010, 13:18

Originally Posted by DangerousBastard

Give it up. You can't DO anything about it except change yourself, so the sooner you start, the better.
Steve

Actually, that is where you are wrong- I AM doing something about it as we speak...

And I have no compunctions about you trying to "educate" me (even though your point seem to be largely to be obtuse). I am always willing to listen to a point. It does not mean that I will take it to heart. And actually I do see a glimmer of a point in that not expecting anything form others will result in me being less frustrated. But it does not make a strong enough point to stop me from trying to educate others anyway.

PS I am not "pushing" anyone around - just explaining bike etiquette.

**spajohn** · 5th February 2010, 13:25

Originally Posted by R Sole

"But its my problem because they are inconsiderate/unsure of proper biker etiquette."

"Instead I sit for ages behind them, revving hard and cautiously hooting, until I am absolutely sure that they have seen me."

I don't accept this logic. Lane splitting is done at your own risk...I see enough riders that do so with no consideration for other riders or cars, they are the ones being inconsiderate - most likely you are too by your revving and honking. If you don't like that you can't "filter" as much as you like...get over yourself. Leave your ego at home.

I'm not saying I don't lane split, but only when I can, and usually when traffic is stopped or only moving slowly.

As for as the questions on legality the Road Code on this says:
"don't ride between rows of traffic or try to squeeze past a stopped vehicle in the same lane."

Not sure if that mean's it is law though, as opposed to just advice, but I've never had a problem with the law over splitting.

**Berries** · 5th February 2010, 13:36

Originally Posted by spajohn

As for as the questions on legality the Road Code on this says:
"don't ride between rows of traffic or try to squeeze past a stopped vehicle in the same lane."

Not sure if that mean's it is law though.

No it doesn't, it is just a riding tip. The Road Code is a whole lot of tips for riding/driving, or as they put it a "user-friendly guide to New Zealand’s traffic law and safe driving practices."

Where it says "must" it is pretty likely to be backed up by a legislated Rule, but much of it isn't.

**R-Soul** · 5th February 2010, 13:38

So how am I being inconsiderate?

The thing is that they have clearly indicated that lane splitting is OK in principle (by doing it themselves) . So for them to turn around afterwards, and then turn into an obstacle in that lane for no good reason, making it impossible for others to use, is completely selfish and inconsidearate.

They are not overtaking, they are not lane splitting, and they will not be in any danger by moving over a bit to allow others to use what is clearly an acceptable format of riding to them.

Thats like a car driver driving slowly between passing lanes on country roads, but speeding up over the passing lanes so nobody can overtake them.

**R-Soul** · 5th February 2010, 13:42

Originally Posted by spajohn

they are the ones being inconsiderate - most likely you are too by your revving and honking.

The revving/honking is not constant and ongoing, or intended to scare of intimidate anybody - it is merely a way to ensure that the person has actually seen you. But once they have, and insist on being selfish, i dont go on about it. I just look for alternate ways around them.

And its got nothing to do with "ego". Its got to do with logic and consideration for others.

**spajohn** · 5th February 2010, 13:52

You clearly think you are a considerate rider...and maybe you are. As both a rider and a car driver I move to the left to let bikes etc past when I'm able...but if I had someone honking and revving behind me I would think you are a complete arse. As you say, you don't keep at it so maybe it's not the same thing.

All that said and done...you don't seem to have taken criticism from this forum too well either...

**The Pastor** · 5th February 2010, 13:57

Originally Posted by R Sole

*rant* Here is some advice for newbies and experienced riders: If you are not going to be filtering down teh middle of teh lanes betwene cars, then dont ride there!!! FFS if you dont want to filter, a rider behind you may still want to.

When you stay on or close to the middle line, it leaves the riders behind you in doubt, and they dont know if they can go past or not, or if you will pull out suddenly and start filtering. so be considerate, show some intent, and indicate and move over far to the left.

Q_Q som moar

**Pascal** · 5th February 2010, 13:57

Originally Posted by R Sole

The thing is that they have clearly indicated that lane splitting is OK in principle (by doing it themselves) . So for them to turn around afterwards, and then turn into an obstacle in that lane for no good reason, making it impossible for others to use, is completely selfish and inconsidearate.

I've been guilty of that. Whilst still in the early months of riding, I tended to follow more experienced riders when splitting through the commute. As my confidence built I tried it a few times myself, but one day caught myself in a position where I did not feel as if the gaps (In stationary traffic) were big enough for my skill on two wheels. With nowhere else to go I was forced to wait until the cars started moving again and could then slot into a gap.

Unfortunately that left a more experienced rider caught up behind me, but hopefully he had the patience to notice the big yellow L plate and understand that it was simply a novice learning and that they'd gone as far as they felt comfortable. These days I'm better at scanning ahead and spotting how large the spaces are ahead and where I might need to duck from the right of the lane to the left around a car that's left a big gap, etc. to make sure that I don't clutter up the bikers' highways.

Either way, yeah. I agree there is a certain amount of consideration in making sure you don't hold others up. Just as there is a certain amount of consideration in understanding that others won't always be able or willing to do what you will. It cuts both ways.