Knocked off on the A1

[mjshort]

Hi, on my way back from work tonight I was filtering between lanes on the A1 as the traffic is horrendous. Anyway this fella decides to indicate at the last minute and pull out on me. It was wet so me stopping in time was never going to happen. The back end of his car hit the front of my bike and knocked me off, luckily I was only going about 20-25 so Im fine, bike is a bit scratched tho.

The police office who arrived after a while said that filtering is illegal? My instructor said it wasn't when he taught me, what the law on this?

The police man also said its probs 50/50 as I was filtering and the other guy didn't check his mirrors. He also had a go at bikers in general sayin they never check their mirrors so I put him right lol.

cheers.

[ms51ves3]

Filtering is completely legal but dangerous.

[LeeR]

I got knocked off in "stationary" traffic whilst filtering a year ago, the truck driver who turned his wheels and caused the accident got convicted of driving without due care and attention + 3 points.

Talk to your insurance and get legal representation, all cases are assessed on a case by case basis, but filtering is not illegal.
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My claim to fame: Austin Vince nicked my pen...

[mjshort]

I thought so, I know its dangerous and when doing it your always taking a risk, but the police officer told me it was illegal. Said there are 2 lanes, and by going down the middle I was effectively creating 3 which is illegal.

[Jamrock]

Interesting link on the law with filtering -

https://www.motorcycle-training.f2s.com/filtering.html

Seems like you were in the right and the copper just wanted to have a go.

[moog]

Filtering is a grey area and has been for a while. It's one facet of biking that really needs to be clarified so everyone knows where they stand and you don't get Instructors telling you one thing and the Police telling you another.

Anyway...hope you are fine and that your bike won't be too costly to repair.
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[rossitigerr]

i filtered today even going by a marked traffic police bmw so it cant be illegal . I've read that it is fine and legal to do as long as traffic is not movin that fast . I normally filter in town approachin traffic lights/junctions etc .As long as you've got the experience and knowledge then theres no reason why not too filter but just obviously be cautios and look out for cars cutting lanes doors openin and what not

D

[Seb]

I've filtered (considerately and sensibly mind you ) past plenty of police vehicles and never been so much as flashed at for it. Glad to hear your not hurt, hopefully the insurance claim will go as well
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2010 Triumph 1050 Sprint ST

[Stelmer]

Just quote that case where the biker was in the right for filtering. Sure someone will post a link to it.

Even better, print it off and show any arrogant cop it in the future

[bazza]

[The Disapproving Brit]

Not only legal, but covered in Motorcycle Roadcraft, as used by the police themselves.
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Current Bikes: 1983 Honda VF400FD / 2003 Honda VT750 Shadow
Bike Test Passed 18/03/09, Car Test Passed 14/05/13

[moog]

[MarJay]

[bazza]

[moog]

[bazza]

[moog]

[Feasty]

Don't you just love to watch a bout of friendly fisticuffs!
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Previous: Aprilia Habana Retro 50cc (beauty), Yamaha SR125 (fell apart), Honda XR125 (nippy little commuter), Honda SLR650 (Geewhizz), Yamaha Diversion 900S (Smoooooth) written off courtesy of a stupid escaped horse.
(7 year gap), BMW F650 (Relaxing ride). Aprilia Caponord ETV1000 (Big and bold). Yamaha FZS600 (got me in trouble too quick!).
Current: Yamaha TDM 900 (Comfy, light but big, power when needed).

[Dom_]

Tell the other driver you want to go 50/50, you will pay your bill and he will pay his.

If he declines then explain to him about the legalities of filtering and the highway code (he should check mirrors before filtering etc) and claim that it will only go 50/50 in court anyway.

[Dom_]

Also where on the A1 was it?

[kawakid]

I refer you to rule 71 of the Highway Code in the section "Rules for Motorcyclists" which reads as follows:

71: Manoeuvring. You should be aware of what is behind and to the sides before manoeuvring.
Look behind you; use mirrors if they are fitted. When overtaking traffic queues look out for pedestrians crossing between vehicles
and vehicles emerging from junctions.


Note the use of the word WHEN as emphasised in the rule. It does not say "Do not overtake traffic queues"
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I've a twin and a 4.

[Villers]

Sorry to hear about that mate, Im glad to hear you are alright though.

Im probably going to get hammered a bit but the part of the original post that jumped out at me was........

[LeeR]

[mjshort]

I was doing 25-30 max, nothing over the top, maybe if id have gone slower he wouldnt have hit me, all ifs and buts now tho.

Im gonna wait to see if he reports it to his insurance company, if not ill just leave it, saves me loosing any no claims, Im wanting a cbr 600 soon so I want to try keep the insurance costs down.

The break pedal is bent, part of the engine casing has a hole in it, not looked at it properly yet but Im hoping I can just unbolt the part and replace it. Other than that the indicators hanging off, so i need to sort that out and the upper fairing is scratched right on the pointy bit that sticks out. Ill have to see if I can get a replacement of ebay, itll probs cost about 200 quid new for a bit of plastic.

[cannondale-rider]

when i was filtering through traffic a few days ago a van beeped at me for going past him and a car coming the other way flashed his lights do any of you ever get beeped or flashed at