Riding Through London Traffic: Motorbike Filtering Vlog

[@pinnacle_moto]

UPDATE: Please note that after investigation it should be noted that you should not filter between curb and traffic. This means near side or far side. Although people do it I want to point this out that it's not something you should be doing if you want to go by the book. For example you would fail your riding test if you did this in the exam. Stick to filtering between traffic if you want to ensure you stay out of trouble.

[@iMrTayzer]

your reply to someone in the comments says the exact opposite ? This says you should filter between curb and traffic and your reply to the other person says you shouldn't :D

[@pinnacle_moto]

@@iMrTayzer Yes, I have pinned an update with a correction. The Highway code states that you shouldn't filter between curb and cars on either side regardless off whether it's a cycle lane or not. thanks for the reply though. Let me know if that answers your question. If it was a question.

[@iMrTayzer]

@@pinnacle_moto No it's fine :) love the video but just double check the pinned comment, it says you should filter between the curb and the traffic rather than shouldn't :)

[@pinnacle_moto]

@@iMrTayzer Oh OOps sorry misunderstood you. Thank you very much for pointing that out. correcting it now.

[@QuidamEU]

Big respect for putting your hands up like this and admitting the mistake mate. Too many people put their ego first. Earned a sub.

[@nicolasetherton2534]

I learnt how to filter when I was a despatch-rider and still put my courier head on when I’m in the mood.Nice video mate.

[@eddiejaoude]

Super useful, thank you for sharing!

[@henrypringle6047]

Only difference with me is I will go in front of the white line in the case that the front car is right on it. I will position my bike diagonal in front of their car so they can see me and don't try and race me of the lights. Would rather not but it's safe imo.

[@DeSousm]

Thanks for sharing this. I'm about to do my test with the sole purpose of commuting into London from Guildford so really handy to hear your thought process.

[@pinnacle_moto]

Good luck mate. There are some bikers out there that will absolutely wizz through the traffic when filtering. Just take your time and don't be pressured to go faster because there are one or two bikes behind you. If you notice it, just pull into the next gap in a lane, then them pass and then continue on at your own safe pace.

[@iainbaker2742]

Hope you've seen that he was filtering illegally on the8 inside by the curb and cycle lane ...... not all KZbinrs are as knowledgeable as they think!

[@pinnacle_moto]

@@iainbaker2742 Thanks for your valuable input. Maybe you should read the pinned Update in the comments ;)

[@gdfggggg]

I was biking down the m4 and there was an accident a few miles ahead. The traffic was near stopped. I went straight through the traffic, quick sharp then was on my way. That’s what I love about biking. Why anyone would sit and wait on a bike (I’ve seen plenty) is beyond me.

[@pinnacle_moto]

Makes you wonder doesn't it.

[@kangaroogroundboy]

Same on A3 London side of the M25, most drivers will move to give you extra space, funnily enough the miserable ones in SUVs will often narrow the space...I put it down to buyer's regret 😂

[@pinnacle_moto]

@@kangaroogroundboy Yeah I've had a few intentionally move over to block me.

[@robplazzman6049]

I was a courier from 1985-97 in central London. Filtering was so easy then but, as cars have got bigger and bigger, those little gaps are often way too small.

[@pinnacle_moto]

Yes I remember I used to commute via bike to Baker St back in the mid/late 90's.

[@ImranOO7]

Love this, fair and keeping to the rules and also being really respectful to others. Brilliant

[@pinnacle_moto]

Very kind of you, thank you.

[@MakeBritainGreat]

Great advice including the correction for curb/traffic. I've had filtering debates with police many times and this is bang on the rule book. The 15/15 rules is what they work to (but you'll be fine at 20 on an overreading bike speedo). Above that it'll look like overtaking which is easy to class as dangerous. The white line is also important, although no moped in any city does this, but if inclined the police can and have issued penalty notices (3pts). In practice of course, many weave in and out of moving traffic, undertake and overrun white lines, but that's a lot more risk for very little gain.

[@pinnacle_moto]

Spot on.

[@sammeadows8614]

Accurate view on how to filter and what the constant thought process needs to be. Many hazards which most road users just don't consider. Kamikaze blasts through traffic only end one way. Shiny side up👍🏻

[@highdownmartin]

I don’t mind a bit of filtering, and enjoy planning the route so hope everything coincides in my favour, bit like a break in pool or snooker. Then sometimes you miss a shot and get stuck behind a keep left sign and have to wait until the traffic moves before you can start the next stint.

[@bikersquest]

Good outlook but I'd also add extra caution and be wary of the door zone too especially filtering on the left as passengers usually get out. Also avoid overtaking/filtering left or right if there's a junction just in the the car decides to pull in last second

[@pinnacle_moto]

Yes I agree. Making this video and the feedback from the community has actually helped me improve my riding. I've learnt loads from the comments which has lead me to reseach more into the law and also see dangers that I may not have thought about before. I think that's what Biking is all about, constantly improving your knowledge and awareness to make you a safer rider just by knowing more.

[@rossonabike_]

If there are cars all the way up to/across the white line do you choose to sit behind them or prioritise being at the front of the queue?

[@pinnacle_moto]

For me that depends on the space and the lights. If the lights are red I'll try make my way to the front but still stay behind the line. If it's too chaotic, sometimes it's best to just slip into a space in a lane and wait until it calms down.

[@aausi774]

I live in London and im looking into getting my cbt soon to start riding, this video was a great watch, i really liked how to explained your thought process and how you were talking about hazzards when filtering

[@pinnacle_moto]

Great to hear. I wish you a safe ride whenever you are out and about.

[@TheSometimeAfter]

That cop wished filtering was illegal 😂

[@pinnacle_moto]

🤣

[@lukedenison9806]

Great stuff. Anyone can ride fast, but for me the real skill on a bike is safely negotiation situations like this with confidence. 100k subs by the end of the year with this content, as you’re very watchable 👍

[@pinnacle_moto]

Probably one of the nicest comments I've ever had on the channel, thank you so much Like. I'm very flattered.

[@stanlee7170]

I used to commute along this A12 East London route... nasty, hectic and stressful and going right through the worst driving / riding areas of London. Surprised if any of the drivers have valid driving licences. Did a BikeSafe day with Essex Police who commented that this is considered as a high risk route.

[@pinnacle_moto]

Yes, Heard that from a few police friends also. Especially the 3 into 1 merges.

[@robertbaylis9714]

Not sure if you are allowed to 'filter' ( undertake) using the cycle lane. I have seen bikers nicked for that. What does the highway code say ?

[@pinnacle_moto]

Checked this in the highway code and you are right. Although you are permitted to enter the cycle lane unless is has a solid white. You should not filter between the curb and traffic (nearside or farside). I'm going to pin a comment here to make sure that people the error of my ways.

[@chrismaud215]

I also seem to remember from my bike test that on a motorbike you are allowed to stop with your front wheel (contact area) on the white line as opposed to other vehicles where the entire vehicle must be behind the white line.

[@pinnacle_moto]

@@chrismaud215 ooh that's an interesting one. I didn't know that. Thanks for the info.

[@chrismaud215]

That's definitely unconfirmed intel

[@ThePresidentofMars]

Its not a highway code issue, its a council issue, some allow it, some dont

[@roddyb]

I have been riding for some years and I want to understand why it is still filtering when you are undertaking in the left hand cycle lane? Is this correct? Can we undertake with the curb on our immediate left? I understand the difference between solid and dashed lines.

[@pinnacle_moto]

No it's not correct mate. I put an update and pinned it to the description. I was wrong, we should not overtake or undertake curb side. My bad.

[@donaldjames3912]

Just a couple of comments. You ARE ALLOWED to pass stationary traffic in the cycle lane EVEN IF it is a solid line. But by the strict wording of regs, it has to be stationary. People don't know the law on this, let alone coppers, so you need to know where is allowed in the regs so you can quote it! Other thing is that I never position myself to the left of the first car in a traffic queue because half of them are asleep and the other half on their phones, so they are too lazy to turn their heads left to notice you. If I end up in that position I will hang back from the first car so that the second car in the queue has a clear view of me without having to move their heads, and I will turn to make eye contact with them. Easy enough to zoom past the first car once you have roll-on speed to it. Risk is that you fluff the gear change, or they nail the accel without seeing you, and side-swipe you. This is particularly important at roundabout junctions, because the car driver at the front of the queue is ONLY looking right and will never see you on the left. At roundabouts I will only filter to the right of traffic, then they can't miss you because you are blocking their view!! ;) Stay safe!

[@pinnacle_moto]

This is very valuable information. I've been searching through the highway code to try and identify what is legal and just frowned upon and what is actually illegal. I did find a section that says you can not enter a solid white line cycle lane however as you say you can use it to filter around a blocked carriage way. Blocked meaning stationary. although as you also say I don't think anyone realises this and there is some very grey area to what definitions of blocked are.

[@donaldjames3912]

@@pinnacle_moto PS ... what a judge might say is another matter, judges in courts make up their own rules and see no reason not to invent their own laws. Be wary. But, yes, that link will show you what the letter of the law says about it.

[@seipokgaicalv]

Traffic in london looks ridiculous

[@pinnacle_moto]

Even without traffic it's pretty much 20mph everywhere anyway. :(

[@borisj]

It's better than Bogotá!

[@pinnacle_moto]

@@borisj What's the situation in Bogata?

[@kangaroogroundboy]

It is😂

[@u-l-t-r-a]

Why didn't I find you before I started my riding 😢 great stuff mate

[@pinnacle_moto]

Thank you mate, I have lot of other videos and will continue to make how to's, reviews and general blog vids along with other stuff.

[@NooBiker]

Good stuff, Pin. Generally good advice. Stopping behind the stop line is good. Remember also to not go on red+amber - wait for green. The 360 camera makes it look like you're a lot closer to cars than you probably were. I'm very familiar with this route. One thing I would highlight is to be very careful of the "door zone" - both for cars parked up as well as for cars queueing up especially if you're going past the left (a passenger may suddenly decide that they'd rather walk!) Bike's sounding lovely.

[@pinnacle_moto]

Yeah 360 also makes it look a lot faster than I'm actually going as well. Had to put the standard wing mirrors back on to mount it. The door zone is a good one to also keep in mind, but with limited space when filtering in general I think that slower speed is the only safety net if space is tight.

[@pinnacle_moto]

With regards to the Red+Amber. Although I understand that this is the way it is taught in IAM, if the junction is clear and there is no other cars late to cross or jumping reds then I prefer to clear the junction asap especially if I have filtered to the front. If I have a lane all to myself then yes I wait for Green.

[@NooBiker]

@@pinnacle_moto the reason is that "red+amber" is the same as "red" so one must not cross the stop line by law. Technically one would be jumping a red light at this point. This is why I often prefer not to be at the very front in between cars (I'll go there if there's a nice big gap and I can dominate a lane). If I can't have a lane, I'll sit second, lined up with the gap between the rear of the first car and the front of the second, making sure I'm by the front quarter panel of the second car so I'm seen. Then the car in front can accelerate on amber and clear the junction for me. Just what I think works best for me. Then I'm under no pressure to go early.

[@pinnacle_moto]

@@NooBiker Again I fully understand that and what you say reflects the highway code. It's rare I will go on amber and if I do it's because I'm between two other cars and want to get clear of the danger zone. I know the usual response to this would be something like "well don't get yourself into the danger zones in the first place". But I ride the bike rather than drive my car for a reason. We all take a bigger risk when we are on a bike rather than in a car. That's what makes riding so exciting.😄

[@martinphillips7545]

Rule 140 "Do not drive or park in a cycle lane marked by a broken white line unless it is unavoidable." Filtering is avoidable.

[@pinnacle_moto]

Actually Rule 140 states: You MUST NOT drive or park in a cycle lane marked by a solid white line during its times of operation. It's the curb side rule that actually prevents the filtering in the cycle lane with a dashed white line.

[@martinphillips7545]

@@pinnacle_moto Rule 140 Cycle lanes and cycle tracks. Cycle lanes are shown by road markings and signs. You MUST NOT drive or park in a cycle lane marked by a solid white line during its times of operation. Do not drive or park in a cycle lane marked by a broken white line unless it is unavoidable. You MUST NOT park in any cycle lane whilst waiting restrictions apply.

[@pinnacle_moto]

@@martinphillips7545 So I think this gives another example of the "Must Not and "Should Not" rules. Whereas the "Must Not" rules are enforceable by law and the "Should Not" although not enforceable directly could get you in trouble under the not paying due care and attention or dangerous driving laws.

[@neilp1885]

@@pinnacle_moto hi, 'do/do not' wording is advisory, the same as 'should/should not'. These rules are not backed by law, but could be used to determine liability. It is the bold MUST/MUST NOT wording in rules that is backed by law. See the introduction about the wording in The Highway Code. Many of the rules in the Code are legal requirements, [...] Such rules are identified by the use of the words ‘MUST/MUST NOT’. In addition, the rule includes an abbreviated reference to the legislation which creates the offence. Although failure to comply with the other rules of the Code will not, in itself, cause a person to be prosecuted, The Highway Code may be used in evidence in any court proceedings under the Traffic Acts (see The road user and the law) to establish liability. This includes rules which use advisory wording such as ‘should/should not’ or ‘do/do not’. Hope that helps.

[@admiralpurple3539]

You can go into the cycle lane?

[@pinnacle_moto]

ACL's yes, MCL's no. See my other follow up video..

[@cpuuk]

Of course I know the lights in London, Green means go, Amber means go, Red means go (but a bit slower) ;-)

[@pinnacle_moto]

🤣

[@pinnacle_moto]

I can't remember the film now but there was a quote form it saying "red means "stop", Green means "Go", Aber means "go very fast"

[@neilp1885]

@@pinnacle_moto Starman: I watched you very carefully. Red light stop, green light go, yellow light go very fast.

[@pinnacle_moto]

@@neilp1885 That's the one :) Thank you.

[@Sean-cx6up]

Very good, but would also add, if your bike is big and the gap does not look big enough, hang back.

[@pinnacle_moto]

If it doesn't fit don't squeeze it :D

[@DarrenCureton]

I wouldn't have filtered in the cycle lane, too dangerous for pedestrians who think they have successfully navigated the traffic. What are you riding btw it sounds sweet 👍

[@pinnacle_moto]

Thanks for the feedback. I ride a Kawasaki Z1000sx. Details of mods on it can be found here kzbin.info/www/bejne/rp-ngGSlrtmMotU

[@Studiggler]

Never filter with moving traffic. Not worth the risk = reward

[@pinnacle_moto]

Many would disagree. You may as well take the car then and double the time of your journey.

[@Studiggler]

I would still filter through stationary traffic to save time but never trust numptys in cars that are moving.

[@pinnacle_moto]

@@Studiggler Unfortunately you can't avoid the numpties even when you are not filtering. Out of interest, what city do you commute in?

[@Str3tchie_]

Heyhey going through Newbury Park! 😂😂 round there all the time. Riding down that road is a nightmare I hate it!!

[@pinnacle_moto]

Yeah and the roundabout "Charlie Browns" I've know it as that since a kid not sure if it's called that any more But that roundabout is in the top 10 of busiest roundabouts in the UK. What Bike you on? I'll give you a wave if I see you.

[@turbinia]

@@pinnacle_moto It is still called that - named after the landlord of the pub called The Roundabout that used to be on the site. It was demolished when the junction was enlarged and the flyovers built in the 70s.

[@pinnacle_moto]

@@turbinia showing my age now :) Have lived in the area all my life. Never knew this information though. Always nice to find out new information, thank you.

[@Str3tchie_]

@@pinnacle_moto yeahh Charlie Brown is mental!! I’m on an r125, I wear a blue stitch helmet cover so definitely recognisable, don’t go out a lot as I haven’t got my cbt yet 👀. 3 months though!! We should go for rides, I need riding buddies 🤣

[@pinnacle_moto]

@@Str3tchie_ Good luck with the CBT mate. I'll look out for you. I'm always up for making new bikers friends :)

[@ruimteschipYT]

😊

[@everydaybiker]

Brother, I thjnk you're driving too fast through your neighbourhood. I agree, 10mph faster than traffic seems reasonable. Thanks for the video. Ride safe.

[@pinnacle_moto]

Which part are you referring to?. I have not exceeded the speed limit at any point in this video. And when filtering the 360 makes it look so much faster than it actually is.

[@everydaybiker]

@pinnacle_moto hey, thanks for the reply. ah, maybe perspective. At the beginning, it seemed like you were absolutely flying through the residential area.

[@pinnacle_moto]

@@everydaybiker That's a 20 zone there. It may look like I'm going allot faster but I can assure you I am not.

[@everydaybiker]

@pinnacle_moto I had noticed it was a 20. Must be the camera then. My mistake. Again, thanks for the video, ride safe out there.

[@stuartmoles843]

Ah the lovely A127😂

[@pinnacle_moto]

Is it the A127 or the A12?. I thought the A127 stopped at the Flyover in Romford, then it becomes the A12.

[@stuartmoles843]

@@pinnacle_moto you are right!

[@tomasandersson2182]

If you trying to ride like that i Sweden, you will loose the driving licens for many years. Sometimes is wish i`l lived in England for motocycle riding.

[@pinnacle_moto]

To be honest English law is hit and miss. I've seen moped food delivery drivers pull in front of police cars and go fully into the Blue Cyclist area in front of some traffic lights. The police did nothing. Other times I've seen the police tell someone to keep their speed down even though they were stationary at the traffic lights. I sometimes wish that the laws we had were enforced as they are in Sweden. But other times I like them to be lenient when I'm being naughty :)

[@paulcostache6733]

I personally think you’re taking on too much risk….

[@pinnacle_moto]

Appreciate the feedback. Everyone will have a different opinion I'm sure. But you are right, there is a big difference between commuting and riding socially. Commuting does come with a far bigger risk. Everyone is in a rush, there is more traffic and people are not concentrating as much. Plus on top of the traffic there are more pedestrians as well.

[@tompayton84]

London just looks awful. I’ll stick to big open A roads in the countryside. Very skilled riding by you tho 👌.

[@pinnacle_moto]

Oh yes, we lover the open road as per my logo. :)

[@MOTOMOOD]

A12😊

[@griffithbowen4590]

Your camera makes it look so much closer than it is! Great video though.

[@pinnacle_moto]

Yeah it's mounted to the front and right of the bike. I'm going to change the placement. UsernameKate has shown me a new little place to clamp the insta306 :). Going to try it out on the next commute.

[@loftyintentions1985]

Hate idiots that block junctions.

[@DjNikGnashers]

Hate idiots that filter when it's not safe to do so.

[@loftyintentions1985]

@@DjNikGnashers hate idiots who try to block filtering when it is safe to do so.

[@DjNikGnashers]

@@loftyintentions1985 Yes I agree, I hate idiots who block filtering when it IS safe to do so. It seems we both hate people who break the rules of the road and make things difficult or even dangerous for others, no matter if they are on 4 wheels, or two wheels (or three, eight, twelve, etc). Who would have imagined we would have so much in common !!

[@loftyintentions1985]

@@DjNikGnashers I doubt it.🤷🏻‍♂️

[@tyronelul2687]

i thought you should stop 1 meter ahead of the white line to assert dominance

[@pinnacle_moto]

😂 Only if you are on a Moped with an L plate or a supersports.

[@VIPHuman]

Haha small world - on my recommended so clicked on and it turns out you live right around the corner from me! A12 barley lane junction has turned to shit, wish I had a bike licence to bypass this nonsense!

[@pinnacle_moto]

What a coincidence :). Yeah if that junction is not challenging enough getting to it from Chadwell heath lane is another challenge :). When I'm taking that route I usually join the A12 via a side road back up Chadwell heath lane a bit more. I do think the Horns road junction is a bigger issue though as that has a 3 into 2 lane merger as well as a busy junction.

[@VIPHuman]

@@pinnacle_moto Horns road is flipping awful. but what do we expect when the area is becoming so overpopulated. It's only gonna get worse! Might give you a wave if you ride past me whilst i go for my daily spliff 🤣 god bless my WFH schedule

[@pinnacle_moto]

@@VIPHuman Yeah, They are building in seven kinds some huge residential areas. The High road is already grid locked for 3-4 hours a day.

[@phil031066]

Filtering from centre to left and squeezing through tight gaps not cool.

[@pinnacle_moto]

That's Commuting for you I guess.