Motorbikes

[Willow Tree]

Are motorbikes allowed to ride between the lanes when cars are in a traffic jam?

Thanks

[bednobs]

yes

[Ethel]

Yes - it is called 'filtering' and is perfectly legal as long as it is done properly.

A biker has won a landmark case in court after being injured whilst filtering.

The traffic has to be slow moving; you most not travel more than 10 mph faster than the traffic you are overtaking; you must be in proper control and able to stop sharply and safely if a door suddenly opens or a vehicle does a u turn in front you.

[Richard1966]

Ethel,

Can you point me to the reference for the 10mph rule.

I ride and on the biker forums that occasionally discuss filtering they talk of a 20/40 rule. Never pass traffic at more than 20 mph and never filter when the traffic is moving at more than 40.

Knowing your encyclopedic knowledge of the law if their is a reference i could pass it it would be very helpful.

Cheers

[Toureman]

I always filter slowly past slow moving traffic on my m/c but I have never heard of the 10mph rule, is there one Ethel? please give us a link to it.

Even filtering past at 10mph can be dangerous at times.

[kempie]

Using the phrase "legal" gives the wrong impression. There is no specific law which details safe filtering therefore it is more accurate to say the manoeuvre is "not illegal".

Different bodies have differing advice/definitions in regard of the safe speed for filtering and that described in Ethel's post appears to mirror Motorcycle Roadcraft (the police rider's handbook).

[gouldc]

I had someone ''filter'' past me in 20mph traffic on the motorway the other day. When I say filter, I mean I was indicating to pull into the outside lane, when this guy zipped straight from the slip road and up my side when I was already across the white line - going to be my fault because the organ donor dangerously overtook and the law is an ass - I know, because I deal with these claims all the time

[R1Geezer]

ethel said 10mph FASTER than the traffic being filtered past. But I would question that, I mean I don't think as a biker myself I'd go down the white line at 70 when the rest are doing 60.

Anyway yes filtering is legal and one very good reason to ride a bike.

[kempie]

"10 mph faster... than slow moving traffic"

Passing at 60 or 70 mph is not filtering.

[kempie]

Sorry, my last should read

Passing at 60 or 70 mph is not safe filtering.

Filtering when not safe to do so can be prosecuted as a traffic offence such as inconsiderate or dangerous driving.