I am aware of the common sense rules for filtering on the left, but want to understand the legal position better.
The Highway Code states (rule 163):
"stay in your lane if traffic is moving slowly in queues. If the queue on your right is moving more slowly than you are, you may pass on the left "
I take it from this that where there is a marked cycle lane (and therefore two lanes in total), the Highway Code allows filtering on the left of stationary or slow moving cars.
But what if there is no marked cycle lane, and the road is wide enough to allow a line of cars plus a line of cycles? Does the rule above still allow filtering on the left?
Does the Highway Code allow filtering on the left?
I find that many drivers treat you as if you are in a separate lane anyway...
I don't think it's explicitly approved in the Highway Code for cyclists, but there is a clause where cars are instructed to look for cyclists coming up the inside.
211: "It is often difficult to see motorcyclists and cyclists, especially when they are coming up from behind, coming out of junctions, at roundabouts, overtaking you or filtering through traffic. Always look out for them before you emerge from a junction; they could be approaching faster than you think. When turning right across a line of slow-moving or stationary traffic, look out for cyclists or motorcyclists on the inside of the traffic you are crossing. Be especially careful when turning, and when changing direction or lane. Be sure to check mirrors and blind spots carefully."
And here, in the rules for cycles section, it is treated as if it's normal.
72: "On the left. When approaching a junction on the left, watch out for vehicles turning in front of you, out of or into the side road. Just before you turn, check for undertaking cyclists or motorcyclists. Do not ride on the inside of vehicles signalling or slowing down to turn left."
Though, no matter if it's legal, drivers won't always see you. Some who do will deliberately cut you off. Passing lorries and buses up the inside is a particularly bad idea.
I don't think it's explicitly approved in the Highway Code for cyclists, but there is a clause where cars are instructed to look for cyclists coming up the inside.
211: "It is often difficult to see motorcyclists and cyclists, especially when they are coming up from behind, coming out of junctions, at roundabouts, overtaking you or filtering through traffic. Always look out for them before you emerge from a junction; they could be approaching faster than you think. When turning right across a line of slow-moving or stationary traffic, look out for cyclists or motorcyclists on the inside of the traffic you are crossing. Be especially careful when turning, and when changing direction or lane. Be sure to check mirrors and blind spots carefully."
And here, in the rules for cycles section, it is treated as if it's normal.
72: "On the left. When approaching a junction on the left, watch out for vehicles turning in front of you, out of or into the side road. Just before you turn, check for undertaking cyclists or motorcyclists. Do not ride on the inside of vehicles signalling or slowing down to turn left."
Though, no matter if it's legal, drivers won't always see you. Some who do will deliberately cut you off. Passing lorries and buses up the inside is a particularly bad idea.
Filtering on the Left
I avoid doing this because it's likely to surprise drivers. In heavy, slow traffic, I move out into the lane to be visible.
Just because the highway code recomends that motorists look out for someone undertaking, does not mean they have a right to undertake.
It could be just warning the motorist that this sort of thing commonly occurs.
On a local road were traffic had split into 2 lines of traffic before the road was marked out into seperate lanes. A car in the outside line turned left and hit the motorbike on its left. The magistrate ruled that the motorcycle was at fault for undertaking even though all of the traffic had split into 2 seperate lines.
It could be just warning the motorist that this sort of thing commonly occurs.
On a local road were traffic had split into 2 lines of traffic before the road was marked out into seperate lanes. A car in the outside line turned left and hit the motorbike on its left. The magistrate ruled that the motorcycle was at fault for undertaking even though all of the traffic had split into 2 seperate lines.
If the road ahead of me is clear, sufficient to allow me to make forward progress, why should I not do so? Any vehicle turning left would need to first look, and then indicate; for my own part, I should be aware that other vehicles turning across my path to turn left is a possibility, and I proceed accordingly (that is, with caution).
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Howard Peel
Re: Does the Highway Code allow filtering on the left?
epicurus wrote:I am aware of the common sense rules for filtering on the left, but want to understand the legal position better.
The advice in the 'Code does not have the status of law (except where stated) and no law specifically prohibits filtering on the left.
In the case of a crash when filtering, say when a driver turns left across your path, you would have to demonstrate that what you did was reasonable. The advice about looking out for cyclists on the near side would make it harder for a driver to place the blame entirely on yourself. Also, you would be able to make reference to the official 'Cyclecraft' handbook which specifically states that filtering is a legitimate manoeuvre if not done at excessive speed.
Sares wrote:I don't think it's explicitly approved in the Highway Code for cyclists
However, rule 88 gives advice on filtering to motorcyclists, in a way that makes it clear that there is no prohibition. It is inconceivable that it would be allowed for one class of vehicle and not another.
The cautions from other contributors here are nonetheless justified.
Sorry, I was a bit flippant.
I suppose it just "depends". Flat you could freewheel and be quite fast, say 10-15mph. But I'm saying that with dropped handlebars. If you have wide straights you might feel more inhibited.
Also, if the gap concerned was a gap in a fence (ie it is stationary and not going to move) you'd have more confidence. If the gap was down a long alley, it could be risky to be quick coz someone might come the other way!
I've squeezed through gaps that I'd rather not have done. Sometimes these gaps just suddenly become narrow, like when the bus moves out from its bus stop!
I suppose it just "depends". Flat you could freewheel and be quite fast, say 10-15mph. But I'm saying that with dropped handlebars. If you have wide straights you might feel more inhibited.
Also, if the gap concerned was a gap in a fence (ie it is stationary and not going to move) you'd have more confidence. If the gap was down a long alley, it could be risky to be quick coz someone might come the other way!
I've squeezed through gaps that I'd rather not have done. Sometimes these gaps just suddenly become narrow, like when the bus moves out from its bus stop!
Mick F. Cornwall
Filtering on the left
For motorcycles there is no rule regarding which side filtering may occur on - but it is very much up to the motorcyclist to take responsibility for the safety of the manouvre - which the insurance companies regard as an activity 'frought with danger'. I have also read general advice not to filter at more than about 10mph faster than the speed of the traffic in queue.
I have also had advice from police motorcyclists running advanced courses that there is little point in being on 2 wheels if one doesn't make use of that extra ability to move past slow traffic!
I guess the same applies to cycles - although people are generally much less likely to suddenly fling open an offside car door.
I have also had advice from police motorcyclists running advanced courses that there is little point in being on 2 wheels if one doesn't make use of that extra ability to move past slow traffic!
I guess the same applies to cycles - although people are generally much less likely to suddenly fling open an offside car door.
As a despatch rider I always used to filter. I always did it as if I had no right to do so and made sure that cars didnt get any chance to hit me,IF I was doing it on the inside.
The Highway code says we must overtake on the right on normal roads. Does an overtake cease to be an overtake mearly because we say " I am filtering"
The Highway code says we must overtake on the right on normal roads. Does an overtake cease to be an overtake mearly because we say " I am filtering"