Back on a bike after 2 years, refresh my memory on filtering . . .

[AtomicBanana]

So, I'm finally back on a bike, which is fantastic of course. However, it's been 2 + years since I've ridden, and even then it was a little 125 that I didn't use that much, and didin't do much filtering with.

On my test, as filtering is not tested, I just never did any. Now I'm on a bike that I'll be using much more, I want to filter correctly. Now of course I can google for the hard and fast rules, but I'm wondering if you guys can provide any general handy tips/advice for a nub trying not to get themselves killed

I think the main thing that has cropped up is positiong and round abouts. I can't decide where I should be once I reach the front of the queue (going in any direction).

Educate me!

 

[Maccapacca]

When filtering to a roundabout if you end up at the front you have put yourself in a dangerous position, I try and cut back in one or two cars before the front and treat it as normal.

 

[Ghosteh]

At junctions, generally I'll get straight to the front, and act like I was at the front anyway. But as above, if I'm coming to a roundabout, I'll only filter to a few away from the front, and get in to a proper position prior to getting to the entry point on the roundabout, just gives me that extra bit of a safety margin.

 

[AtomicBanana]

When filtering to a roundabout if you end up at the front you have put yourself in a dangerous position, I try and cut back in one or two cars before the front and treat it as normal.

Yes, that's actually what I did, but I wasn't sure if that's what I should've done or not. Sounds like I wasn't to far off the mark

 

[PieEater]

Be careful filtering past long queues of traffic, I've been knocked off before by White Van Man doing a U-Turn because he got fed up of waiting in line. Beware of the boy racer mobiles being driven by Chavs who will feel emasculated by you overtaking them and will block your entry back into the traffic lane if they can. Be considerate when choosing your position to filter back into the traffic lane so you don't cut up and annoy anyone, a thank-you wave is always appreciated. And the general bikers rule - always expect the unexpected.

Filtering past stationary and slow moving traffic is usually viewed as OK, once traffic gets up to speed and you continue filtering you're into muddy waters when it comes to PC Copper's rulebook.

 

[Maccapacca]

I find once I have filtered to the front of a London traffic jam and sit in the front of the traffic with all the otyher bikers the car behind has to try and prove a point even though the other side of the junction is the tail end of a queue, they roar past the slam on the anchors as I sail past in the bus lane