Motorcycle Filtering Tips for Beginners - Part 2 Gaps and Junctions

Continuing my series of Filtering Tips, in this video, I discuss gaps and junctions. Key tips to save your bacon when filtering (or lane splitting). Filtering at junctions is particularly risky, with over half of motorcycling accidents occurring at junctions.
Hope you find this interesting and possibly learn something. Do comment with your feedback and I'd appreciate if you'd subscribe to my channel.
Find more adventures and riding tips on my blog: www.beginnerbiker.com

[@Aaron-rr1gs]

These are brilliant. Most of these clips are from my own commuting route so very relatable. You seem to have a video example for every situation imaginable!

[@wwfww]

Filtering is the holy grail of town riding, if you’re starting out riding learn this slowly always take your time as with practice it will become more natural. Always always assume you’re not seen by cars and that a pedestrian can jump out in front of you at anytime. If this stresses you out too much, then don’t do it. Safety always first

[@Beginnerbiker]

Yep, I totally agree.

[@rcraven1013]

So shouting, gesturing with ones arms, using horns in an aggressive manner and rev bombing seems to be the way to go. Not slowing down a little and taking things easier and perhaps reducing ones own stress levels and the frustration and possible anger of other motorists. [ say whilst say in a tunnel] No, aggression is definitely needed???

[@zenmoto369]

This video discourages me even more from filtering :D Thanks for the advice!

[@themambee2025]

Yes, it is a very useful video with great tips. Very graphic and explicit. Thank you so much.

[@Beginnerbiker]

Glad it was helpful, ride safe!

[@bobadams7654]

Another excellent vid. Interesting that many of the car drivers indicated and then started to change lanes. Many vehicles have blind spots, and quiet bikes can very quickly "appear", so definitely read the traffic ahead.

[@saisrikanth.]

Love how you explain things using lego❤️

[@shakey2634]

I was an international airline pilot for 30 years. Every time, I mean every time, I flew into a country that allowed filtering, on our drive into/out of the city for the layover, I witnessed at least on cyclist involved in some kind of accident while filtering. They are trying to get these practice legal in my country, but I can tell you, based on my observations, I won't be doing it. Caveat, I ride a very large bike so I doubt I could pass more that 1 or 2 cars before I got to a place too narrow to get through.

[@dylanarchangel2673]

New rider here, did my CBT in June and I've been riding since July. Always been afraid of filtering, watching your first and second video has given me a lot of helpful info, much appreciated! I do want to get used to filtering and try it out as next year I want to do my theory and do my direct access to the A2 License.

[@Beginnerbiker]

Glad you found the videos informative. Take your time, don't stress, always remember that although filtering is a great advantages to us bikers, you don't have to filter. You won't fail your A2 for not filtering... Ride you own ride, and just do what your comfortable with. You'll get there in the end.

[@bradcogan8588]

Great video. As a new rider, filtering is one of the more scary things to do. I haven't done it yet but at least now I know how to for when I'm ready.

[@Beginnerbiker]

Glad it was useful, ride safe!

[@axleg1254]

Thanks, your illustration with the toy model is excellent.

[@Beginnerbiker]

I'm glad you like it, I had lots of fun shooting those scenes with the kids!

[@nothalal6518]

Very clever video! I've learned more from part1 and part2 in 20 minutes than in 2 months watching this type of random videos on YT. Huuuuuuuge Thank You

[@Beginnerbiker]

Glad it was helpful - Ride safe!

[@murraykriner9425]

Enjoyed the "Toddler Training Aide's", and the instruction for the when's and if's that come with motorcycling in the UK. Hope to get to experience that feeling some day. Take care.

[@NooBiker]

Loved the Lego! I've also used that soundtrack a few times 👍🏼 Nice to see your channel picking up subscribers and views.

[@Beginnerbiker]

Thanks! Yep, who would have guessed, when I get off my arse and publish a few vids, subs/views would increase! :-D

[@dertyberty]

Excellent just what I need to learn. Thank you

[@Beginnerbiker]

Glad it was helpful!

[@robh6795]

Great tips, thank you.

[@Beginnerbiker]

Glad it was helpful, ride safe!

[@Swisztony]

Cracking advice and great video.Very comprehensive. I learned loads. I'm currently doing an advanced course and filtering always makes me wary especially undertaking. Often I find that there are only one or two cars you can get past so I bear in mind "what is the advantage?" If you can filter a lot of cars than you may save 2+ changes of lights which is great and you can make progress but if the way is *difficult/fiddly* then maybe not worth the hassle. Every ride is different. I always consider it though. I'll say again - great explanation and video.

[@Beginnerbiker]

Glad you liked the video and found it helpful. As the old adage goes, "take advantage, but don't take the piss". You're right, filtering can get you ahead, but you do need to balance the hassle/risk vs the gain. It's too easy to fall into the London rat-race mindset of filtering everywhere, all the time, regardless. You have to maintain perspective.

[@naskhan2614]

Mate really great videos, excellent explanations. Ride safe 👍🏽

[@Beginnerbiker]

Thanks, will do!

[@sweet-triple-UK]

Another great example mate, you come across some mad situations in your travels!

[@Beginnerbiker]

Tell me about it

[@YBGuy]

I like the lego demonstration/simulations.

[@Beginnerbiker]

Cheers! Had to rope the kids in to help build all the vehicles and set up the scenes. So blame them if it's not 100% accurate to your commute!

[@YBGuy]

@@Beginnerbiker looks great, haha that is nice that they helped you. : )

[@paramedstudy]

great channel content. keep it up

[@rorystockley5969]

I love the way your motorbike seems to make an angry noise whenever someone does something stupid. The horn and the revs make it sound so irritated.

[@Beginnerbiker]

Haha! It does sometimes get very angry when it feels threatened, can take some effort to keep reins on it. 😉

[@0x7FFFFFFFFFFF]

Good informative content here, thanks.

[@0x7FFFFFFFFFFF]

Would quite like a mention of motorway filtering and how/if it is any different to regular filtering

[@Beginnerbiker]

TBH, it's very similar to filtering on any other dual carriageway, same guidance on speed and gaps equally apply. Just watch out for late lane changers when traffic suddenly bunches up into a jam, its often better to hold back filtering until the two lanes are both moving slowly.

[@bobevans4040]

What is the point of revving your engine when you should be braking and avoiding the other vehicles. If you have time to rev and honk your horn it can't be that close a call. And yes I do ride a motorcycle.

[@timmason7430]

With more and more cars using daylight(very bright led's) running lights these days, we are back to being invisible, even WITH hi-vis.

[@mickwatson1156]

Cheers for this mate. Im relatively new to biking (scooter 125) My filtering is done between two lanes of traffic One oncoming Any different tips for this as most of yours is with traffic all moving in the same direction. Just subscribed but enjoyed and learnt from the first two vids i have watched

[@Beginnerbiker]

The main legality to be aware of is Highway Code Rule 167, you shouldn't overtake/filter where you might come into conflict or cause oncoming traffic to swerve or slow down. With that in mind, aim to hop past cars where there gaps in oncoming traffic or when the road is wide enough to avoid conflicting with on coming cars. Check out my Part 1 video for some more info on this stuff. Ride safe!

[@ponderouspanda8266]

Was that a Timesplitters sound effect? Just when I thought these videos couldn't be any better 😅

[@SenzoTanaka]

Can you filter on the right, if you're turning left?

[@abc-un4xz]

What I find personally difficult is my road positioning when cornering City ride in heavy traffic is easy Its all slow speed

[@medler2110]

Many videos on road positioning, and vanishing "limit" points, Try Nottingham Roadcraft, Seaflyfisher and RidercamTv for starters. also look for local IAM, ROSPA or Police training, for practical lessons. City Traffic might be all low speed, but so many hazards to deal with.

[@highlandriders9696]

At last a use for the Lego I stand on at 3am. Cheers pal

[@Beginnerbiker]

It was either going to be Lego or Matchbox/Hot Wheels cars. But I had no motorbikes at right scale for Matchbox cars...

[@Jammersito]

What’s the deal if you come across traffic up hill towards a give way and you want to turn left at the top? Is it best to just wait or ok to filter up to second spot then turn in front of a queuing vehicle?

[@Jammersito]

Great tips though, cleared up a lot and like someone else said you don’t get taught this on your cbt

[@MartinTang1]

I wondered this when first learning and before filtering often. I’ve found it usually comes down to one of the following situations: 1. Traffic is stationary right up to the junction/roundabout: Filter up to the lead vehicle and, providing there’s space, pull in just behind the lead vehicle, just in front of the 2nd vehicle. This gives the 2nd vehicle a better chance of seeing you and your intentions. Ensure you indicate left as you approach the front of the queue, if not before. 2. Traffic begins flowing as you approach the front of the queue - look for gaps to safely pull into, whether that’s 1, 2, or 5 vehicles from the front. Sometimes it’s better to cut your losses and be safe than to just gun it for the front. Indicate. 3. The lead vehicle moves off just as you’re approaching - you now have the dilemma of what the 2nd vehicle will do. Will they creep forward slowly, having possibly seen you in their mirror? Will they floor it, regardless of having seen you or not? I find this one the trickiest to handle as it’s different each time and depends on the driver. Often they’ll hang back and let me in. Sometimes they’ll try to block me “pushing in front” and match my speed. Sometimes they’re simply on their phone with their head down and don’t even see it’s time to move (sadly too often). In any case, play it safe and don’t be tempted to race everyone and beat everyone off the line. If someone’s gonna be an idiot, I’d rather them be an idiot in front of me than behind. But often you’ll just smoothly slide into the flow of traffic with no hassle at all. And finally, if I’ve filtered up a queue and pulled in at some point between 2 vehicles, I’ll usually give a little wave over my shoulder, just as a courtesy and to show there’s no malice in my actions. Takes 2 seconds. Just something I like to do in the hopes of easing the massive “us vs. them” attitude on the roads. Stay safe.

[@toqirdar]

Great video. Music is annoying though. Reminds me of Randall and hopkirk

[@nickfifield1]

What horn is that ?

[@tenbear5]

High viz is next to useless. DrLs too.

[@lukavr433]

Can you filter up to a roundabout

[@Beginnerbiker]

Sure, if it's done in a safe and legal manner and you don't break any highway rules, e.g. crossing a solid white line; and you don't do anything that could be constued as 'driving without due care and attention' or worse dangerous driving, e.g. piling down the middle at 60mph forcing others to dodge out of the way.

[@LeeKirkman88]

I hate it when people think they can throw an indicator on and immediately switch lanes or turn into a junction. Indicators are supposed to be used to let other drivers know what you are going to do and they are supposed to be used early before the manoeuvre so drivers have time to register it. You cant just throw on a indicator and right away move that's giving people no time to register your intensions.. That's not how its taught on the driving tests. Neither is not using an indicator at all which a lot do on roundabouts. Which holds up the flow of traffic as you stop thinking the cars crossing straight over so you stop to give way, Then he or she ends up turning left! Its so annoying. These are my number one hates! because i use indicators always even in carparks, And i use them before the manoeuvre to give people time to see my intensions. So they have time to react to it.

[@Beginnerbiker]

I presume you don't drive a BMW then! Seriously though, I totally agree with you, an indicator is pointless if used after you're changing lane.

[@LeeKirkman88]

@@Beginnerbiker No because they are the main cars i was pulling off the side of the road with my 4x4 when the snows came..Rear wheel drives are terrible in snow.

[@fynnla.e]

My instructor told me to preempt to allow at least 4 blinks of the indicator, because that is how long it typically takes someone to register that your indicator is on

[@rcraven1013]

During the night time. or when its DARK. i. day time but overcast and possibly raining the wearing of hi vis and dipped headlights does nothing for conspicuety at all. as their lights don't shine on you and neither do the street lighting pick you up on the reflective parts of your apparel. Headlights just merge into one so are pretty useless. At night or in rain and dark Just slow down even more and don't maintain a speed that one would do if it were day time or dry. Don't be an idiot all the time, sometimes one has to be sensible

[@JayDutch-UK-MK]

What cameras do you use ??

[@Beginnerbiker]

I've gone through a few camera's over the years, with these compilation vids taking snippets from each, the worst quality shots obviously some years old from my early cameras. In chronological order, I've had a Roadhawk Ride, Drift Stealth 2, Drift Ghost X and a GoPro Hero 9.

[@andrewallen9993]

If the cars are moving don't filter. If they are all stopped or nearly so go for it.

[@X1tude]

Horn sounds much louder than mine!

[@Beginnerbiker]

That'll be the The Denali air horn I have fitted, highly recommended, it certainly wakes people up! More info here: www.beginnerbiker.com/2019/12/denali-soundbomb-air-horn-review-install-yamaha-fazer/

[@peter6782]

why use your horn you have already reacted thus avoided a situation . you need to practise more of what you preach my friend !!!!

[@Adam_Outdoors]

Just because he has re-acted doesn't mean the other person will! The horn ensures they do react. Maybe you need to go back to learners school?

[@peter6782]

all you did when you told the person to use their mirror and you tapped it was to provoke them, you yourself have said that caution should be used when filtering, anticipation is something that should be applied all times not matter what we are in or on! and we should act not react accordingly , confrontation isn't good for anyone!

[@robbedoes1985]

I love your videos but many examples are just plain incorrect. When filtering cars ahead are allowed to swich lanes and move into gaps when you are still behind them. You have to anticipate on them instead of horning or revving.

[@Beginnerbiker]

True, cars ahead may wish to switch lanes and are certainly 'allowed' to, but highway code rule 133 says "If you need to change lane, first use your mirrors and if necessary take a quick sideways glance to make sure you will not force another road user to change course or speed". Quite whether every road user you encounter will actually do that is another matter however... Which is why it is wise to use your horn to make your presence known as you're about to overtake them. See highway code rule 112: "'The horn. Use only while your vehicle is moving and you need to warn other road users of your presence." The goal of honking you horn is to alert another road user you suspect may be about to make a manoeuvre without first checking to see if they'll come into conflict with you. I will concede that rev-bombing is a bit cheeky and not the most exemplary behaviour though.

[@medler2110]

@@Beginnerbiker I'm pleased to see you concede that the Rev bombs were not exemplary behavior, I would also say some of the horn use was more as admonishment, than as a warning. Although I do understand the frustration that leads to this when someone has tried to wipe you out, I have tried to resist the admonishment, as its normally too late to actually warn somebody of your presence and is more likely to lead to a conflict situation than defuse it. However I think on the whole your advice is very good and the use of Lego is a stroke of genius. These are all things I've tried to point out to inexperienced rider, such as looking for gaps and reading ahead, far too many seem to charge through the traffic without thinking and then get all upset with other road users instead of reviewing their own actions and how they could avoided the situation in the first place.

[@scottpeter5704]

'Loud pipes and rev-bombing' - nah, just rude and anti-social. All your other tips yes, but while riding aware, be polite and don't antagonise. IAM and RoSPA Gold advanced rider

[@rcraven1013]

Whilst filtering is like overtaking, it is still passing cars and other vehicles, filtering is considered to be between lines of traffic heading in the same direction and there are different rules for overtaking and that means that being to the offside of traffic and also riding in the opposing lane for traffic then that is overtaking and not filtering. However its been decided by some that one is always filtering and not overtaking and therefore they don't have to obey the same rules,. We just throw them out the window cos its more beneficial to us to make progress than obey the law or rules.

[@AnthonyStafford-qx5hx]

Filtering..real explanation Queue jumping .Speeding swilling in an out .. Your anti motorist rhetoric grates .... So much for the vaunted 1.5 m I assure you legal or not it's a quick way to join the queue to gods waiting room . You shouldn't but you want to make progress so that's ok then.

[@devilboyphantom]

The amount of pricks I see that put on their indicators then instantly change lanes is astonishing, put your indicator on, wait like 3 seconds, THEN MOVE! it fucks me off.