28 replies to this topic

[DukeDan]

What about undertaking as a form of filtering. Is that illegal?

E.g. you are approaching lights and there are 2 lanes. Left for left and straight ahead and right for right. If the middle lane is obstructed for example, can a motorcyclist undertake on the left lane if they want to turn left or go straight on? Or do you have to stay in the middle (either in the left lane or in the inbetween the left and right lane)?

Edit: Another question! What about coming up to a T-junction as there's queue of say, 3-4 cars. You can see that none of the cars are signalling right and you can also see that the end of the carriageway is only big enough for one car, so any vehicles turning right won't pull out to form a new queue. Is it safe to filter along the right and pull up in between the first and second car?

Edited by DukeDan, 08 March 2012 - 01:47 AM.

[brand b]

Only if they actually contributed to the accident - filtering past junctions, at excessive speeds or in a position where they've obscured themselves from view (approaching junctions alongside a high-sided vehicle, for example).

For the typical 'turn in front of, or into the side of' type accidents where the m/c is adopting a sensible speed, the motorist is at fault. Indeed, rule 211 of the Highway Code cautions the driver to be careful of filtering motorcycles when performing manouvers. In this instance, the only contributing factor is the fact that they were there to be hit!

Filtering or overtaking slow traffic is the same, the balance on who was to 'blame' or commits an offence, if any, a driver has the ptential to say the m/c was in the blind spot and s didn;t see the approaching m/c. Thats not an option for the m/c. Our OP was not looking at lane changes. As for thse occasions when the car turn right intoa junction as the m/c is passing - in many instances, there would have been sufficient signals to at least have given some warnings to the observant m/c
As earlier, filtering is fine but it is not without its hazards.

[richr]

Frankly you're a lot of an idiot if you over-take a vehicle that is signalling right, as you're bound to disappear in their blind spot: whenever I see that happening, I either wait or pass them on the inside.

I'm not saying that filtering past a signalling vehicle is without risks - I wouldn't do it, for the most part, but the suggestion that the motorist can say 'well, that's not my fault' is not right. The fact that the blind spot exists is exactly why, prior to committing to a turn, the prudent driver does a shoulder check to ensure that the blind spot is clear. It won't help the rider travelling at warp speed (but that's your contributing factor right there), but it will ensure that you don't nudge the fellah who's either not seen or misread your intentions.

A sensible rider will be up the handy gap the turning vehicle has created on the inside anyway

Filtering or overtaking slow traffic is the same, the balance on who was to 'blame' or commits an offence, if any, a driver has the ptential to say the m/c was in the blind spot and s didn;t see the approaching m/c. .

My earlier point still stands - there are some perfectly reasonable physiological explanations as to why a driver does not see a motorcyclist in some circumstances, but any argument that starts with "they were in my blind spot" is simple lack of observation. I was taught shoulder checks when I learnt to drive some fifteen years ago, I'm sure they're still taught today.

Yes, a prudent rider makes sure he doesn't find himself in conflict with other traffic, takes a pragmatic view and assumes everyone else is out to kill him. That doesn't mean other road users can abdicate their responsibilty to carry out simple observations prior to making a turn!

[securitas88]

Rule 170 of the Highway Code:

Take extra care at junctions. You should...watch out for cyclists, motorcyclists, powered wheelchairs/mobility scooters and pedestrians as they are not always easy to see. Be aware that they may not have seen or heard you if you are approaching from behind.

Rule 211 of the Highway Code:

It is often difficult to see motorcyclists and cyclists, especially when they are coming up from behind, coming out of junctions, at roundabouts, overtaking you or filtering through traffic. Always look out for them before you emerge from a junction; they could be approaching faster than you think. When turning right across a line of slow-moving or stationary traffic, look out for cyclists or motorcyclists on the inside of the traffic you are crossing. Be especially careful when turning, and when changing direction or lane. Be sure to check mirrors and blind spots carefully.

The Highway Code places great emphasis on drivers looking out for motorcyclists, so in many cases, the car driver will be held liable in an accident if they have not checked for filtering bikers.