Motorcycle Road Skills- Filtering. Module 2 Test Training / Advanced

This video is about motorcycle filtering, raising awareness of risk areas and how to make safe progress through urban traffic.
Younger and more inexperienced riders need to be aware of the risks involved in filtering.
This video is not a replacement for live training, but a compliment to it.

[@scrumpymanjack]

"Best practice: err on the side of caution!". This is my motto - you're on a bike; you're going to get there quickly even without taking any risks!

[@ThepPixel]

I must say of all of the Motorcycle training channels on KZbin, yours has been my favourite. Your audio quality is very clear, no crazy loud or long interludes, no waffling or rambling, no condescending etc and you also recognise that bikers naturally want to make progress and enjoy riding and your videos dont try to "water down" or "namby pamby" the riding. The UK has some fantastic Motorcycle roadcraft material on KZbin and yours is certainly amongst the best (even if your subscribers and views dont reflect it). Im currently on a CBT L plates so some of the advanced stuff isnt relevant to me yet due to my lack of experience and lack of bike power, but these videos are fantastic and I reference them all the time if Im speaking to other riders about any safety aspects of riding. Great work 👍

[@MotorcyclePWR]

@ThepPixel many thanks for your kind comments. i appreciate the feedback and glad the channel is helpful. I wish you well with your biking, all the best

[@robinw9118]

This is a really helpful video. I'm always a little cautious about filtering (not least due to the occasional 'anti-motorcyclist' motorist we all encounter) but this is a great presentation with excellent graphics and explanations thrown in as well. I have it bookmarked and often refer back to it. Top notch stuff - thank you!!

[@grahambrown5874]

I am a newbie to motorbiking, so have never filtered. I am quite happy to sit in traffic and not rush. However, I have added a Ducati Panigale V4S to my collection and found on a warm day my legs will burn from the exhaust heat if station for for too long, so I don't have a choice anymore, I have to filter to stay cool. To do it safely, keep within the law and learn from the experience of others, I found this video to be very helpful and give me techniques to be confident to start doing this safely. Thank you for taking the time to create this video.

[@FreeFlyFreak69]

Just what I was looking for, as an experienced defensive car driver, but an inexperienced road motorcyclist. Thank you.

[@MotorcyclePWR]

@FreeFlyFreak69 Good stuff, your welcome, ride safe

[@alanh7854yt]

Thankyou for taking the time to put this together, by far the most indepth video I've seen on filtering safely.

[@MotorcyclePWR]

Youre welcome Alan, thank you 👍

[@majordelays4909]

Just what I’ve been looking for.

[@mirekkudzia7052]

Very informative and practical video. Delivered in calm and easy to understand manner. Thank you very much, indeed! I have learnt a lot and I personally feel encouraged to become an example of how should motorcyclists behave towards car users and on the road in general.

[@MotorcyclePWR]

@Mirek Kudzia many thanks for your comments, i am glad you find the videos helpful, all the best

[@dasp125]

Learnt something new about not being allowed to filter passed the lead vehicle on a crossing 👍🏻

[@ricardo6861]

Great video as allways 🙏

[@arniet1]

Always great to watch and listen to your on the road skills and highway code lessons. I'd recommend any new rider even car drivers, to subscribe. Thanks

[@NickCadmium]

Your videos are consistently excellent. Thank you.

[@axleg1254]

Thank you , a major contribution for the riders' safety 👏

[@NoFrictionZone]

Probably the best filtering video on YT. Thank you!

[@DeanStickells]

Brilliant video, very clear and informative👍🏻

[@AW8UK]

Everything here makes sense. Sadly safe filtering techniques are not displayed by some riders. I have experience with 4 wheeled filtering on 4 wheels, (emergency response), however, filtering risks to everyday motorcyclists are significant. I have been building my riding skills with safe filtering & anticipation, (slow control here not poor). Before trying to filter to front of queues I found it beneficial to practice safely moving off promptly from a standstill. Thanks

[@adriansmith2853]

Great video and very informative 👍

[@Penndennis]

Brilliant video, thank you so much; as a new A1 rider that was extremely helpful. Cheers!

[@MotorcyclePWR]

@Penndennis thank you for comment, much appreciated. ride safe

[@Happy13142]

This is an excellent video, thank you for posting it 👍

[@MotorcyclePWR]

@Shaen Milward thanks Shaen, your welcome. ride safe

[@jasicjan]

The very best informative video about lane filtering i found. Those street Rossis out there should watch this and educate themselves before they go and headbutt a random car.

[@MotorcyclePWR]

thank you Johan, yes we do see some interesting riding these days !

[@MrWhothefoxthat]

filtering, its the yellow jacket that does it, the more yellow, the more they mellow.

[@hereandthere1111]

Excellent video i learned a lot after watch you and t your explanations as to what you were do and looking for.

[@MotorcyclePWR]

Thank you ian, glad it was helpful

[@Biker_Jonathan]

This was very good and helped me in my learning. Passed my test a short time ago and the first time I filtered down the middle of two lanes I was pretty scared. Had a few horns beep at me too!

[@MotorcyclePWR]

Glad it helped. Ride safe!

[@drost582]

As a Canadian rider watching UK videos the filtering always amazes me. Many times I want to do this but not 100% legal in my Province of NB. Some Provinces different driving rules others do not have. Great video.

[@MotorcyclePWR]

thank you for watching, all the best

[@The_minas_the_man]

Really enjoyed this video. Had a crash resulted from one of your diagrams, I still ride but filtering confidence has really been knocked. Some great tips I'll take to the road. Thank you !

[@MotorcyclePWR]

Hi thanks for your comments, hopefully my diagrams didn't cause your crash!😉 glad the videos are helpful and you regain your confidence, ride safe

[@nathanlawson5652]

Probably the best video i've seen on filtering. Really quality explanations of what you're thinking about and how you approach it. One question i have is at 21:02 when the white car moves forward there seems to be a big enough gap that you could have fit yourself in without blocking anyone that was coming round the roundabout. The road was clear for you to advance, so im wondering what you're reasoning was for waiting untill the BMW? Again fantastic video

[@MotorcyclePWR]

@Nathan Lawson Hi Nathan, thank you for your kind comments, much appreciated. Ive just reviewed the footage again, and the reason I didnt move forward into the gap is that I didnt want to get my self alongside the LGV (rigid+trailer). I appreciate that it probably wasnt going to cause me an issue, but I dont like being alonside heavies as many years ago i was side swiped by an artic in a car. I prefer to hang back, ensure I have a clear passage past and then ride through. Also, I wondered if the BMW car behind the heavy could have changed lane without rear obs as there was a gap for him, and gone into the side of me, so I chose to wait it out and be more certain. Hope this helps. All the best.

[@wiadroman]

Very calm, very polite and very commendable. Whereas what happens on London streets is more like Serengeti plain with deranged animals jumping at each other throats.

[@SoevStandard]

learned a lot from this - thanks!

[@MotorcyclePWR]

Glad it was helpful!

[@richardgiles2484]

Really good video on filtering unlike the one I watched today who was definitely giving the wrong advice 👏👏

[@MotorcyclePWR]

@Richard Giles thank you Richard, much appreciated. Always a good variety of videos out there..!

[@christopherweatherill348]

Great tutorial! Thank you

[@MotorcyclePWR]

You're very welcome!

[@jamesfurz7406]

Very helpful. Did you pay that silver car at the temporary traffic lights to give you a perfect example? :D

[@AW8UK]

Re slow traffic filtering on dual carrageways & motorways. If I see a significant "in lane" gap I might briefly occupy it so as to widen my safety bubble. I weigh up pros & cons & use 360 obs ( watchful for faster bikes filtering ) .

[@fetchstixRHD]

5:17 I watched the video a short while ago and this situation happened to me, though technically not filtering: I was riding in a bus lane* and I spotted a gap, where a turning car was. To my surprise** they saw me and actually waited, but I had almost stopped at the same point as the waiting car. Very useful videos! 27:15 I would have thought that the necessity in r129 applied to crossing the line (by its wording: "You may _cross the line if necessary,_ provided the road is clear, to...") rather than the passing/filtering (wouldn't that be along the lines of "You may cross the line, provided the road is clear, _if [it is] necessary...")?_ Maybe it's just me grammar skills is poor(!) or I'm overthinking, but the way I've read it, I inferred the former (so those other motorbikes in the clip would have been alright if they only passed stopped vehicles up to you)? * a bus lane that permitted motorbikes - something I love about TfL... ** alright, maybe it shouldn't be surprising, but still!

[@MGman100]

Excellent instructional video. Makes everything that much clearer although I wouldn't have attempted some of those gaps. This shows what risks other motorcyclists often take as well, often the delivery scooters are the worst and saw one go flying down the bus lane later in the video.

[@MotorcyclePWR]

Thank you, hope it helps

[@MGman100]

@@MotorcyclePWR It definitely does

[@motodon5686]

Great video

[@MotorcyclePWR]

Thank you

[@rcraven1013]

I hate saying this but a lot of riders don't know the difference between overtaking and actually filtering. That's because they are both similar situations. However if we look at the H.C. and overtaking there are quite a number of dangers that are identified. Such as don't overtake on any bends or brow of a hill or when approaching any road junctions and the list goes on. However many riders now call overtaking filtering as the rules for filtering are not as numerous [but still as dangerous ] but when its called a filter we can obviously do things that we can't or shouldn't do on an overtake. I n the first 5 mins or so of this video where its single lane traffic and we pull out into the opposing stream , where if there is no danger of approaching traffic we are on their side of the road and therefore in my book that is an overtake position and we should be aware of all the inherent dangers of overtaking pointed out by the H. C. Don't get me wrong there is no problem with overtaking providing one doesn't create any greater danger to oneself or others. In Filtering then I consider that to be riding between two or more lanes of traffic on our own side of the road and all vehicles to be filtered past are going in the same direction. The dangers are still their whether its overtaking or filtering but not so stated in the H. C. and caution is the word of the day and not to use excessive speed seems all that could concern one.

[@steveaga4683]

Great video...but I must say, I would not dream of living in an area that has that much continuous traffic! It cannot be enjoyable

[@user-ww8zm2ep4m]

Superb instruction as always. My least enjoyable part of riding and I must admit, had my heart in my mouth on occasions watching. I noticed you road on white hatching along sturry road occasionally, I've always treated that as taboo. What is the best way to treat them? Look forward to the next video. Good work, many thanks.

[@MotorcyclePWR]

Thank you, yes its certainly an area that requires care. Highway Code Rule 130 Areas of white diagonal stripes or chevrons painted on the road. These are to separate traffic lanes or to protect traffic turning right. If the area is bordered by a broken white line, you should not enter the area unless it is necessary and you can see that it is safe to do so. If the area is marked with chevrons and bordered by solid white lines you MUST NOT enter it except in an emergency. But hatched areas sometimes have gravel and debris, so care is always needed. Thank you for your comments, much appreciated

[@sreekumar_the13]

Can’t ask for more .

[@MotorcyclePWR]

thank you

[@grahambrown5874]

I like this technique. The only problem is when riding a sports bike it’s more difficult to have that 360 awareness because your leaning forward rather than sitting up, so when you look around you look into your shoulder and this limits your view and creates more risk that you need to manage. It isn’t easy and I find life saver checks very difficult which means in certain situations I’m using the bikes performance to remove me from potential risk 🤔

[@MotorcyclePWR]

Very interesting comments, was discussing with a student today re obs on sports bikes and performance to keep away from other road users, but in an urban environment can be tough

[@DW-ve3rp]

Hi, a good instructional video. One question, I have always thought that you can not overtake in any part of the zigzag on a crossing, but you seen to suggest it is ok once past the actual crossing? Thoughts?

[@MotorcyclePWR]

@DW-ve3rp Hi, many thanks for your question. Below is from the Highway Code. The zig zag controlled area prohibits parking, and the law goes on to say about when you cannot pass a vehicle. I hope this helps? All the best Pedestrian crossings (rules 191 to 199) Rule 191 You MUST NOT park on a crossing or in the area covered by the zig-zag lines. You MUST NOT overtake the moving vehicle nearest the crossing or the vehicle nearest the crossing which has stopped to give way to pedestrians. Laws RTRA sect 25(5) & TSRGD schedule 14 parts 1 and 5

[@daddystu7046]

Seems the negatives outweigh the positives in the majority of filtering situations. I'm a new rider having done a mere 1000 miles on CBT but have not yet had the desire to filter. Of course its on my mind though as an examiner may want to see evidence of safe filtering.

[@SenzoTanaka]

Great video. I'm curious though, where in the UK is this? Love the castle.

[@MotorcyclePWR]

Thank you, this is filmed around Canterbury, Kent. All the best

[@rufus1346]

@15:34, you held back overtaking the white cab as there was a crossing. Once you got over the crossing you did your filtering manoeuvre but you did it on the zig zags. I thought you could only over take on zig zags if the vehicle you were overtaking was not the lead vehicle? And there was nothing in front of the cab. Or is it ok if the zig zags are on the other side of what ever they are there for?

[@MotorcyclePWR]

@rufus thank you for your comments, the Highway Code states : You MUST NOT overtake the moving vehicle nearest the crossing or the vehicle nearest the crossing which has stopped to give way to pedestrians. The zig zags were usually referred to as the "pedestrian controlled area"; the HC rule seems to suggest 2 simple legal prohibitions. I hope this helps.

[@spudgunson]

Hi, Good content. I have been taught that when filtering in stationary traffic you should have a 'landing target' where the bike can pull into. Pushing the nose of the bike into a small gap is pushing in which is frowned upon. Applying the principles of SLAP, would pushing the bike into a gap fail to satisfy the requirements of being 'A' appropriate, or 'P', being perceived well by other motorists?

[@MotorcyclePWR]

@andrew simkin Hi Andrew, thanks for your question. Yes, you are right, there should always be a gap available before committing and "making a gap" is not good practice as it cause another road user to react to you and relies on anothers courtesy for your own safety, which of course may not be given! Looking at SLAP, it could be argued that it fails on all points; Safe? probably not. Legal? Possibly contrary to Sec 3 RTA 88, inconsiderate or careless driving. Appropriate/Achieve anything? It may achieve a little, but not appropriate. Perception? Likely to annoy others and force them to look after your own safety, if so choose. I hope this helps, best regards

[@andrewoldham4462]

Hi is you don't mind if I ask will I be expected to filter when I do my mod 2 and if I don't will it be considered as a minor fault or a fail thanks

[@MotorcyclePWR]

@Andrew Oldham Thank you for your question. Filtering on test can be a tricky one! You should have had some input in training and therefore some ability to filter at test standard. Guidance can be found here assets.publishing.service.gov.uk/government/uploads/system/uploads/attachment_data/file/377663/direct-access-scheme-das-motorcycle-training-guidance.pdf The choice to filter is always the riders, and as with everything on test, must be safe and legal. My suggestion would be if in doubt, leave it out, but if the traffic situation was so dire that filtering was the only option, then a slow safe filter would be fine. I would find it unlikely that you would fail for not filtering, but sadly we cannot predict these situations nor an examiners decision, but I hope this helps to a degree. All the best

[@nobbystyles4807]

is filtering appropriate on a mod2 test? or best left out? id like to give the examiner a positive impression, that im confident enough to make use of all the techniques available to me. my slow speed is good and developing hazard perception is good.

[@MotorcyclePWR]

Hi Nobby, filtering should be taught, but best used with discretion on test, as if you do misjudge something the chances of getting a serious fault are high! I would only advise using filtering on test if it was absolutely necessary and obvious. I remember a guy years ago who failed by filtering through heavy traffic on a roundabout, as the examiner said the car on the inside could have changed its mind and pulled out left without checking his blindspot . So care and discretion is advised!! Good luck with Mod 2.

[@nobbystyles4807]

@@MotorcyclePWR thanks!

[@MrCommuterUG256]

Can I filter over double solid yellow lines???!! Thanks for the video Greetings from Uganda

[@MotorcyclePWR]

Hi, thanks for your message. Im not sure what the laws are in Uganda as we dont have solid yellow lines in the centre of the road in the UK, We have solid white lines which we cant filter over. Best regards

[@arniet1]

Can you just clarify, as you show several times in video where you're filtering by crossing through diagonal sections (bordered with broken lines) which Rule 130 says 'you should not enter unless it is necessary...' I take it we can enter because in slow moving traffic, it is necessary? Or is there a rule which says we can?

[@MotorcyclePWR]

@Arnie T hi thanks for your question. There is no rule that says motorcyclists can filter across the chevrons, but yes, necessary could be construed as such to enable filtering. As the HC says "If the area is bordered by a broken white line, you should not enter the area unless it is necessary and you can see that it is safe to do so"; so SAFE is a very important word. If it wasnt safe, then you could be looking at offences such as inconsiderate and careless riding. HTH, all the best

[@rcraven1013]

@@MotorcyclePWR However if one doesn't read the H.C.with regards to the wording of it being 'necessary' and one reads the DVSA 'Essential skills' by basically the same authors, the Government department responsible for our safety. In that book in relation to use of hatch lines or chevrons bordered by broken white ones then it appears that one can make use of them at any time providing one is SAFE and the word 'necessary' has not been used at all. So where does that lead us. ??????? An offence or not an offence.

[@K3vly]

Would i be expected to use effective filtering on my Mod 2 test if the situation occured? P.s great informative lesson...

[@MotorcyclePWR]

@Kevin Lee Hi Kevin, thank you for your comments. Filtering on test can be a tricky one! There is no general expectation, but you should have some input and ability to filter at test standard. The choice to filter is always the riders, and as with everything on test, must be safe and legal. My suggestion would be if in doubt, leave it out, but if the traffic situation was so dire that filtering was the only option, then a slow safe filter would be fine. Sadly we cannot predict these situations nor an examiners decision, but I hope this helps to a degree. All the best

[@danielb1563]

I would entirely and completely listen to Motorcycle PWR, rather than me on this; but on my Test I was told/we discussed that as it isn't necessary to filter...then don't. It is "OK" to be stuck in traffic on your test.

[@nickfifield1]

I’ve seen and hence copied the technique of putting on my hazard lights when filtering on a motorway where traffic is stopped or very slow . Thoughts ? Permitted to use hazards ? Made me much more visible!

[@MotorcyclePWR]

@Nick Fifield Hi Nick, thank you for your comment. So the Highway Code and law states: Rule116; Law RVLR Reg 27 Hazard warning lights. These may be used when your vehicle is stationary, to warn that it is temporarily obstructing traffic. Never use them as an excuse for dangerous or illegal parking. You MUST NOT use hazard warning lights while driving or being towed unless you are on a motorway or unrestricted dual carriageway and you need to warn drivers behind you of a hazard or obstruction ahead. Only use them for long enough to ensure that your warning has been observed. So legally this is not permitted. Its interesting though that many years ago it wasn't permitted to use them on the dual carriageway and motorways when traffic was slowing, but became so after use became generalised! However, my view of hazard lights for filtering is that it is not necessarily helpful. My reasons are: 1/ Filtering incidents occur when the other driver hasn't seen you, or sees you too late. If he hasn't seen you he wont see your hazard lights either. I know from experience that flashing blue lights don't always get you seen, so hazard lights wont! Often the main beam headlamp flash was the most effective in warning traffic in emergency response. Sirens at high speed are not that great. By using flashing hazard lights on a motorcycle are we saying that we are more entitled than other road users to make progress? 2/ Use of hazard lights may give a false sense of security and may encouraging filtering faster and more aggressively than is safe. If you wish to warn another road user of your presence, horn or headlamp flash are legally permitted. However, if used, interpretation could be that it is aggressive or intimidating. It is likely that some alert road users will see you more easily with hazards on, but many will not I'm afraid. I believe that the best enhancement for safety is bikers filtering sensibly and courteously. All the best, ride safe

[@nickfifield1]

@@MotorcyclePWR were you a police officer ?

[@MotorcyclePWR]

@@nickfifield1 hi Nick, is that important?!! :-) But yes, years ago...!

[@neilsatchell7049]

I have my mod 2 this week, June 14th 23, so you may not answer this before my test, your title say mod2 training if I did this on my mod 2 I feel that I would fail, as this looks more like advanced training than mod 2, as I have not had any mod 2 training yet that's the day before test, 😢😮😅

[@handymanplasterer4267]

I had a driver who honked his horn at me and then started to rev his engine towards me, whilst I was filtering, in standstill traffic. how would I stand on this legally? He almost hit my leg ! I didn’t get mad I just carried on my way

[@MotorcyclePWR]

Hi sorry to hear this. I think that you reacted correctly. Without seeing all evidence etc, difficult for me to say exactly, however, legally sounds like improper use of horn, small offence, police unlikely to be interested. But a vehicle being used to intimidate and deliberately being driven at you would be an offence and should be reported. As regards likelihood of police action i can't comment these days but using a vehicle as a weapon is not acceptable. All the best

[@thepianoman1010]

The problem with what happened at 7:40 is that there was no time available for a check for a red light jumper from the right.

[@MotorcyclePWR]

Early view across the central reservation to the right shows traffic levels. A large vehicle in lane 2 could have potentially created the risk you describe, in this particular case i had an early view. Personally i would not enter a traffic light junction at speed if i had no view. Thank you for highlighting the possible risk.

[@thepianoman1010]

@@MotorcyclePWR Sorry but looking at the head movement camera, the glance to the right was given at 7:41, a little late imo ... one or two could have been given earlier .. say 7:38 ish. It is possible that you could see it to be clear to the right once you had passed the high-sided van so my point may not be a valid one. Great comments from you throughout. I wrote a filtering bit for my son many years ago ... here is part of it. It served me well over the decades. Look for distracted people, perhaps on their phones or looking down for some reason, distracted in any way and not looking in mirrors, or looking the other way if they’re about to emerge from a side street ... many bikers don't check for this ...look for eye contact … if not had, be VERY cautious especially if they are turning right across you! Get away from traffic lights fairly sharpish but bear in mind light jumpers coming from your right or left, do not assume that vehicles will stop at their red light ... filter at a speed about 5 to 10 mph above speed of surrounding traffic not much more and be prepared to move over to allow the kamikaze rider to pass you, again, always be aware of who is behind you, to the side of you and ahead of you as well as who is likely to be ahead of you pretty soon (lane changers etc.) ... look for gaps in traffic when filtering in dual carriageways, … vehicles will often take any gap available wanting to make better progress ... for example, two moving cars alongside each other present no threat to a motorcyclist but a car or van etc. with nothing next to it presents danger as you approach, … that gap is there for the driver to take and he’ll often, … very quickly, take it ... Best not to filter at all when traffic is moving at a constant speed above 30mph or so and with no sign of stop-start situations … always know who is behind and to the side of you as well as immediately in front as well as well ahead.

[@MotorcyclePWR]

@thepianoman thank you for this and your write up. Really great and helpful advice for your son, and now for many other viewers/readers on here! Its great when this good knowledge gets shared. Thanks for your contribution, all the best

[@thepianoman1010]

@@MotorcyclePWR So kind of you to come back with that kind comment. The very best to you too .... and keep up the great work .. invaluable to all motorcyclists! I still ride but not so often these days and only in summer ... getting old in the bones!! Passed my test aged 16 in 1966. Been off twice, one was completely my fault in '66 ... the other was kinda my fault for not spotting freshly dumped wet concrete on a roundabout ... Rule no. 1 of the Smith System of Driving!!!

[@MotorcyclePWR]

@@thepianoman1010 it sounds like you have done well over the years, glad you still get out in the good weather. take care and thank you for your kind comments too.

[@juristimma5366]

I hate filtering,never dont try to do this.....

[@harryedwards9318]

This should be called gambling or que jumping not filtering I drive a van and a Bike , you can’t have eyes everywhere