Filtering

[Origamist]

I think you're quite right.

I cycling parlance filtering is a term used by people who don't want to admit to undertaking.

Filtering is more commonly associated with overtaking. However, it is also used by some to describe undertaking.

I'd rather use "overtaking" and "undertaking" (as they are straightforward terms with less ambiguity) and reserve "filtering" for lane splitting.

 

[jimboalee]

Is 'Undertaking' here the same as 'passing on the kerbside', as the Yanks call it?

There is a case for passing on the kerbside when the line of traffic to your right is either stationary or moving slower due to congestion.

"Undertaking" in my dictionary is the process of legally humating or cremating the corpse of a deceased person.
Make sure the cyclist is NOT the one who is being 'undertaken'.

 

[Origamist]

Is 'Undertaking' here the same as 'passing on the kerbside', as the Yanks call it?

In short "yes", (assuming there is a kerb)...

"Undertaking" in my dictionary is the process of legally humating or cremating the corpse of a deceased person.
Make sure the cyclist is NOT the one who is being 'undertaken'.

Are you still using Samuel Johnson's Dictionary, Jim?!

"Filtering" has even made it into the latest version of the HC...

 

[Rhythm Thief]

Now, I've been thinking about this one.

For a right hand drive truck then, agreed, it's the left hand side (nearside) to avoid like the plague.

However, there are more foreign (LHD) trucks on the roads these days, would it be the right hand side (offside) of these with the big(ger) blind spots?

I wouldn't go down the inside (nearside) of any truck anyway.

Look out for the downward facing blind spot mirror above the side window of the cab. This is always on the passenger side of the truck. You can see it above the side window of my old truck (the one on the right).

Don't rely on the driver having seen you in it though, it's designed to give a view of the front corner of the cab when manoevring, rather than an all - encompassing view of the side of the cab.

 

[gaz]

With HGV's i always look at the mirror and make sure i can see the drivers face when overtaking it. hopefully i see him looking back at me.

 

[BentMikey]

I wouldn't say it's wrong to undertake, but it's usually less safe than overtaking (i.e. on the offside).

I also wouldn't be keen to filter with moving traffic, as then the risk of something going wrong goes up significantly. Look at Magnatom's latest video where he returns to primary as the vehicles start moving. Good practice there.

 

[Banjo]

Its not just HGV'S Busses and Vans to be wary of even a car can fail to spot you and if they suddenly start moving to the left as your filtering your in the pooh.

The real danger areas are where there is some obstruction like a wall or railing between the road and pavement (common in city centers).I dont ever filter between any vehicle and a solid obstruction like this as at a junction if the vehicle does move to the left you wont just get knocked off you will be crushed.

A vehicles rear wheels dont follow the same track as the front ones when cornering,they get closer to the curb on a left turn (in UK),the longer the vehicle the more this is noticeable.

Filtering is both legal and safe if your wideawake to the dangers.

 

[swee'pea99]

As others have said, fine, with caution. As with so many other aspects of cycling, anticipation, anticipation, anticipation.

One tip...things get a lot more iffy when vehicles are moving...if you're trying to gauge whether a vehicle has started moving or not, it can help to quickly shift focus from vehicle to its wheel. It can be hard to judge whether a car's actually started moving - a glance at the wheels can help.

 

[ttcycle]

[quote name='swee'pea99']a glance at the wheels can help.[/QUOTE]

Yes this is a really good tip - I forget how some of these things become second nature when you're cycling but a quick check of the wheels also tells you when someone is about to change lanes etc without indicating as well as when they're moving off

 

[Origamist]

A few things to consider re: filtering:

Actively look for signs of danger when filtering - do not passively observe traffic dynamics - be ready to act.

Have an escape route in mind, but remember it can disappear. Have a contingency plan or look for another get out.

Moving traffic presents greater problems than stationary traffic. I prefer to filter if the traffic is stationary or crawling along.

Look ahead and see what is causing the queue - traffic lights, zebra crossing, congestion, accident etc. Keep an eye out for when traffic starts to move as it is advisable to rejoin the lane.

Watch out for passenger and driver doors - either create a 4ft + buffer or cycle in the door zone v slowly and watch out for signs of an imminent dooring (check mirrors, windows and look for the activity of occupants), or simply don't filter.

Look out for pedestrians - they don't just "come from nowhere". Consider using your bell if you have one.

If it's dull and/or wet, I often use my front light to make me more conspicuous to drivers.

Obey road markings and signs prohibiting overtaking.

Don't force other traffic to brake or swerve, but be prepared to brake or swerve suddenly.

Show courtesy to other road users when filtering.

Cycle lanes may or may not help you to filter depeding on the direction in which you are travelling. Remember you do not have to use them and you do not have to use the ASL reservoir (although strictly speaking if you want to use the reservoir you should use the filter lane). Do not assume because you are using a desiganted lane that you can be less vigilant.

Lane-splitting - be very wary if traffic starts to move. Slot back into the moving traffic lane before vehicles pick up speed.

Look back before you filter (particularly for motorcyclists and other cyclists filtering) and again before you rejoin the lane. Eye contact and negotiation is often effective.

Don't filter at junctions and def not to the left of left turning traffic. If you do filter near junctions, watch out for gaps that turning vehicles will take advantage of (vehicles that are not indicating will still turn into side roads and drivers will force their way out from minor roads, so watch out...). If it's dark, look out for car headlights - you can often seen them before the emerging vehicle.

U-turning and lane changing vehicles - look out for indicators, wheel angles etc

Slot in before the front if possible. Drivers at the head of a queue are going to be focussed on finding a gap and pulling away; they're less likely to be looking for cyclists in the their mirrors

Generally, use the opposing lane when overtaking. If there is oncoming traffic either don't filter and wait in line or filter closer to the same direction traffic in your lane (but more circumspectly), or consider undertaking.

High-sided vehicles - be extra careful if you're going to filter beyond them as not only can you not see ahead of them, but they might not see you and can kill you at crawling pace...Better to stay behind them in a position that they can see you in their mirrors.

Are you near a school - don't filter!

Finally, you don't have to filter if you're not comfortable with it. I will wait in the queue if there's little benefit to making progress

 

[Aperitif]

Pretty good post that Matt! 10/10

 

[magnatom]

Yes a good post. One other thing is to be aware of road markings where you are filtering. In the wet they can get very slippery, so avoid cycling on them if possible, epecially if they cover more ground than the normal lane separators.

I've come across some road markings which are large and have their own cambers!