Brilliant How "I" vid :) totally agree, you get a sense of what some people would do, which in a way is learning to read the body language of cars . Your advice on route knowledge is spot on.
Hey Baron. Another good video. Carefully Considered Comments: 1. When you get to the front of the queue, stop a little ahead of the lead vehicles and try to establish eye contact with their drivers so that you know that they know you are there. 2. When overtaking long queues of stationary traffic, watch their front wheels for early warning of U-turners. 3. Always filter slowly (say) 10mph faster than the traffic.
+AdjrianNickelodeon Man this video taught me so much about my road craft back over 2 years ago! Shit that I practice every day yet I forgot where I got the info from! Time to share of Facebook!
For those who don't know, (in the UK) the only references in the highway code for filtering are Rule 88 and 211 (but there are pressures of the EU to ban filtering). In the highway code it doesn't say filtering is legal nor illegal it merely acknowledges that it happens. It warns bikers to "keep your speed low" and that queuing traffic should look out for motorcycles filtering "It is often difficult to see motorcyclists and cyclists, especially when they are coming up from behind, coming out of junctions, overtaking you or filtering through traffic".
EU wants to ban filtering? No way, filtering is legal in (almost) every EU country! Legal or at least highly practiced, which to me is the same thing. I would think it would not get banned easily in the EU due to the fact that people use a lot of scooters and motorcycles there and recognize the need to have filtering legal. Could you imagine waiting in all that traffic? Dangerous and also ridiculous for a tiny little scootlet driver
I agree with the Baron. It's about giving other road users respect, and watching out for each other. If a driver lets me passed I give them a nod as a thank you. A little gesture like that can make all the difference. If you go flying passed them on the back wheel whilst flipping them the finger then they will think all bikers are wankers and won't give the next one the same courtesy. Just my thoughts though. Keep up the good work mate! Subscribed.
hey dude! Just wanted to say thankyou for all these videos! I'm doing my CBT tomorrow morning and just watching you ride around on your journey to work makes me feel more confident in what i can do on a bike! I hope you keep making these man, i love it :)
So far , out of all the UK biker/filtering/lane splitting/commuting videos, this guy "Baron" has to be the best. Mature, intelligent, thoughtful, wise and worth listening too,,,,great job!!
Interesting that you have a yellow light preceding green - that doesn't exist here in the States. Great video, and good advice; though filtering isn't legal in most places here, I agree that it should be done responsibly, based upon the specific scenario.
+Siper2 When I was younger I was taught that yellow/amber preceded red.... which in both cases meant stop! Only red and yellow/amber together preceded green, unless you are at a crossing,.....
+wildatart Interesting indeed. Yeah, here it's yellow preceding red only; yellow is intended to be a warning to prepare to stop, but typically it equates to "Drive faster to make the light!"
That used to be my destination for many years on a motorbike, Balham to Oxford Street. You could almost read what other drivers around you were going to do.
Hey Baron, great vid about filtering. I used to be a courier for Addison Lee on my trusty Honda VT500 in the mid 80's and all of your comments are spot on. Respect others and don't take the piss too much. Keep the speed down but progress through the traffic like a little twig on a broad River.
I don't understand why people use P-plates! I suppose a big flag saying "Cut me off and overtake me in dangeous places, even though I'm traveling at the speed limit!" would seriously affect the aerodynamics and fuel consumption of the car!
Being optional I think they're useful - if you're confident and a pretty decent new driver I wouldn't bother, but if you're still a little unsure they do kinda serve as a "woah, look out, I'm still learning here, I might make some mistakes" type of warning.
Mate I'm 8 years on a Ninja650 and a 150 moped in Thailand (a road network that leaves a lot to be desired), the stuff that goes on here is literally jaw dropping...eg a challenging moment would be the middle aged lady on foot carrying a 4-5 meter long aluminum ladder length-ways across the dual carriage way about 20 meters in front of me. She didn't even try to get out the way. At least it was just the one ladder section rather than the much heavier two sections option, bless her.. Filtering over here is more 'free range' but is an art that takes concentration, you can't relax for a second, it's like the way you had to concentrate through that traffic jam, but over here you have to be that alert almost everywhere, even if there's nothing going on (did I mention feral dogs).. For safety the way I look at it, no good doing something safer once or once a week or something, got to do it all the time, got to stay awake. I literally pray to God, Arch Angel Michael and Jesus Christ before each and every time I go out for their help and protection. I could take some vids but Thai government would probably throw me out. You could maybe do a video on clutch, brake and throttle control at low speeds for crawling and filtering? Mate if you haven't already look into the jabs, they're a bio weapon, this is deliberate, truths coming out, look outside of the telly..
Man, I don't know if you go back and read these but I just wanted to say I love you're videos and they're helpful. You're so entertaining and you can just tell you're an awesome person! haha
Dude! I've gotta say, this is like 100th video from motor riders i see, and its the funniest i've seen so far. You definitely got yourself a new subscriber here :) Best of luck on the road!
Proper bikers vid and wisdom. I too have commuted into London for years and have had my share of near misses and bang on fuck-ups while filtering and generally hooning around the capital. The Baron is so right when it comes to being wary around crossings -pedestrians really don't consider that any vehicle is moving if the cars have stopped! To push the point further always be wary of any unusual gaps in stationary traffic it could be a car, pedestrian or horse and carriage crossing the carriageway! Ride safe
"Let's stop for this lady...." "But not this guy, traffic #%$€%!!!!" Love the video, I'm learning to ride and trying to build up confidence after doing my CBT and buying a 125. Traffic scares the shit out of me in London however so videos like this help immensely. Thank you.
Wow London streets are weird(complicated?) and to me, scary. I don't know if I would feel safe riding my motorcycle there. I already don't feel safe in a town where the streets are really simple and yet people still can't drive.
If you can learn to drive and navigate London town, you can drive just about anywhere with confidence in the developed world! Holdover Tudor layout to the roadways.. twists, turns, meanderings..master driving there and anywhere else from that point on is a piece of cake!
How do you deal with cops? Not including California, splitting/filtering is illegal. I still sometimes do it when absolutely necessary but am face with a dilemma when I do: Do I split to keep my self safe and risk a non-motorcycle cop giving me a ticket or do I comply with the law and possibly get fucked? Grr. America. Cops. Soccer moms. Stoned drivers. Minnesota drivers. Stoned Minnesota drivers. Stoned Minnesota soccer moms. Stoned Minnesota soccer moms who are cops. Grr.
+Rae Machiavelli Few years now since I did my UK direct access test but back then the instructor explained that lane splitting at low speed in slow or stationary traffic is considered to be overtaking with lots of due care. (Must say that I have not seen guidance explicitly written down anywhere!!) So he went on to say that there are things to bare in mind if avoiding getting your collar felt by the fuzz. You must never cross in to another lane where there are no overtaking markings / signs against you, you must not overtake where zigzag lines are present at or on pedestrian crossings and around marked arias at schools. You must not over take on dividing lanes when the lanes are separated by solid white lines. You must not overtake using bus lanes where you calcification of vehicle is not permitted to be in the bus lane (motorcycles are permitted to use certain bus lanes in London). When you come to the end of a row of traffic stopped at a junction or at traffic signals you must pull in behind the lead vehicle at the the front of the queue. As mentioned this is what I was told so can not say that it is correct. Just did a quick google and motorcycle filtering is mentioned in rule 88 of the UK highway code but does not elaborate to the do's and do not's in this specific description. So it is left to how the general rules of the highway code for all road users are interpreted, and what sort of mood Mr Plod is in at the time when you have been pulled over. www.gov.uk/guidance/the-highway-code/rules-for-motorcyclists-83-to-88. Maybe someone with a decent knowledge of the actual legality filtering will jump in on this and comment.
+Rae Machiavelli we don't have to thankfully. Filtering is totally legal in UK. You American bikers should get together and force the issue over there. The only danger over there though... driver dont expect you to do it... drivers over here do.
Legal and in reality encouraged. you're taught how to do it during motorcycle trainin and it's why motorbikes (now green motorbikes) don't have to pay the congestion charge - because it's assumed that you'll be filtering and reducing congestion. I mean... motorcycle cops do it lol. I can see how if you're only used to riding your bike like a car it could look crazy, but actually (aside from all the bike theft) I find london one of the better capital cities to ride in because it's chaos, but a chaos where people tend to follow the same rules and rage isn't too bad. Filtering in Australia SUCKS because nobody follows the river analogy. In Australia they follow the "I'm important, fuck you" method
Haha love your comments on people! Very good to watch fore a novice like me who wants to start filter/lane splitting or get some where in traffic. Thanks for this insight!
Very good advice, Baron. One thing I didn't previously do is honk when I see an unalert driver. I don't like to use the horn, I usually try to swerve past them. But I now see it as a necessity.
I totally agree with you. Been riding since I was 13 and er um I'm now 62... It's all about average speed and planning and reading drivers and their movements in advance. I used to do a high speed commute once a week from Devon to Maidstone, 250 miles on my Honda Blackbird. I could do it in about 3 hours if I got my brain in gear and totally focused on what I was handling in front of me, but boy was I mentally bolloxed when I got home.
Good advice in here, as much as anyone expects filtering, drivers do expect it in the manner you said, and if you're nice some people might edge over to make a bit more room for you if they see you ;) Good point with the vans, generally can only see after 2 car lengths behind but a general rule, if you can't see their face in their mirror they will have absolutely no idea you're there so don't be afraid to use the horn to alert them if they are about to cut you up, they may not have seen you
roadmonitoroz Brisbane Yes but he's in London, so it doesn't matter. + the Ausie government are pussies anyway so it's hardly a surprise that it's illegal there.
The Thrashing Spy hell being on a motorbike is almost illegal in queensland, because it automatically means your a bikie or something as far as the popo are concerned
Cops don't seem to mind me filtering in victoria as long as the traffic isn't moving. Lane splitting is pretty illegal (not to mention dodgy as fuck) though.
very interesting to see the different perspectives from people around the world, I grew up in Argentina where traffic laws are "very" subjective, well law in general, but been living in London for the last 9 years and I commute every day through London, and to me your riding is "somewhat safe" used to Argentina and London, but interesting to se so many people saying that in their countries is very illegal, that would make me very very sad. Great video though
Wow, nice video Baron. I like it how you're clearly an intelligent and reasonable person! Giving people lots of good advice on how to not **** them selves or others up. It was really pleasant to watch and listen to all the good/logical advice.
You demonstrate perfectly that the riders going through the traffic are not thoughtless idiots who are completely unaware of what is going on and rely on others to avoid them, they are extremely alert to what is going on and are thinking things through all the time, well aware that it matters not who causes an accident because you are the likely loser from a collision. You are right, after a while you develop sixth sense in the end. I did this for a decade professionally. If you do this badly without a care in the world or with no consideration as to what other people can and will do, you won't be doing it long. Many of the couriers I knew were simply brilliant riders.
Nice video. I can't believe how clear the streets are in London!! Its definately true, with years of experience you do become an expert at reading 100 signals every second. Unlike the average car driver whos in their own little world. In Bristol bikes are allowed to use bus lanes which makes perfect sense and is a real help!
Turn off you phone and watch what is happening around you! This applies to all drivers on the road no matter what you are driving. Thank you for talking about this; I think it is very important.
Mr baron. For a very long time before and during my motorcycle training i was looking for viz about filtering. Why oh why did you not make this then. I know now exactly what you are saying in your video to be bang on. i commute in and around birmingham and its true, You get a feeling about cars and you can read car language and predict where they are going. Love your vids mate and look forward to more. I really fancy giving vlogging a go and its vloggers like you that are an inspiration.....
i completely agree that certain cars do certain things. which i like because you can be a little more accurate with your predictions and by that i try and predict what a car is going to do by the model type, male or female driver and lane position. helps me out alot
Shall I or shall not I? I love British videos! Also, splitting with oncoming traffic on your right side is crazy in my opinion. Also not legal just about everywhere.
Been riding 2 years on L plates. Been filtering since a few weeks after I started. Only once have I ever knocked a car. 2 cars with the same mirror height aligned across the lanes. I was dropping the right side of the handlebar under the right mirror and knocked the left guys lightly. He gave me a look, I apologised, went on however I do remember not being so comfortable before going into it. Conclusion being if it's stationary traffic and you're not feeling it don't go. It's much easier to filter once they're moving and spread a little than keeping balance and concentration while trying to filter at 2 mph.
Good tips Baron, it depends on the type of road and traffic but I don't always filter to the front of the queue because I don't want to distract the driver. For some reason I always get the people creeping as if they want to race me off the line so I try and stay away from them.
As a biker i see nothing wrong with your style of riding, in fact im envious (appalling spelling) of your ability to filter through such small gaps at speed, good work. Secondly, your voice is a dead ringer for Webb of Mitchell&Webb fame, thus making these videos perfect light entertainment for me. Thanks man, keep filming :)
Great video-thanks Baron. Filtering is vital to riding in London but is not really taught anywhere. Think you're easy on addison lee style minicabs-they're absolutely lethal!
To a new rider, some of those gaps look like threading a needle! That's some skill/experience. The analogy of the river made a lot of sense to me, thanks.
I do miss dear old London. Some very good observations you was making, makes a lot of sense. I ride in Vietnam on a cruiser with wide handlebars, so lane splitting is out the question most of the time so I do the next best thing, I ride like the Vietnamese way and bully my way through ;)
I've watched enough of your videos that I know where you're going to end up next. After where you saw that Lambo on your last video, I knew the Bugatti/Bentley dealership was coming up, and then that dreaded traffic light. I'm proud of this.
spot on re: addison lee. they spend all their time fiddling with their sat navs as none of them know the roads! I got hit up the backside by one when I was stationary at a crossing!
Taxis testing - that is my experience too. Another tactic out of that playbook (at least here in Toronto) is for a taxi to pass a car and get very close while passing. The car being passed will react oftentimes by slowing down and thus creating an opening for the marauding taxi. I used to think it was just a case of the taxi driver looking at something (a possible fare) and thus the car went where they looked but I started to see the drivers move into a spot that opened up.
Wow. This makes my daily commute and LIGHT filtering look like child's play. Also - some great analogies there. Can't be making wake with my motorboat. Good video, thanks.
At the end of the day filtering is down to common sense I feel and your video is full of that. In some parts if i were you, yes i would filter and others i wouldn't, however im not saying that you are wrong to do so. Forward planning and knowing your route is what you cover the most and i would agree with you strongly on that one. I myself am just like you, I'm no instructor either and have only been riding for a year and 2 months on a 50cc.
"nice coat...Joseph!" quality commentary, you know your stuff but are also entertaining to watch unlike some of the self-proclaimed safety gurus on here. you're like jez from peepshow on a bike. nice one
Wow great instructional video Baron :) I used to have to commute to Kingsbury up the A5 from SE London back when I was learning on my 125 so a lot of these roads are very familiar, some good opportunities to build filtering confidence and learn what to avoid!
Very helpful as I drive along the exact same route. .and am new to motorbikes so it would be I while till I start ridding thriugh that dense traffic but.err..good video mate!thanks for sharing
![Most Common Mod 2 Mistakes [3. Passing parked vehicles & hazards on both sides]](/img/n.gif)
"Nice coat, Joseph" .. what and ending! :D
Shabir Parwaz bastard. i just finished watching this and went to comments section to type same thing
+IamBirrel haha! Damn! Same here! 😂😂😡
+Shabir Parwaz The first thing I though was "nice walking there, pseudo-Jedi".
"women in convertible minis - avoid them like the plague" : priceless comment.
It was the only advice I ever remembered from this video, and it's saved my life on several occasions :D
Cries in convertible mini woman who just got a bike 🥲
Brilliant How "I" vid :) totally agree, you get a sense of what some people would do, which in a way is learning to read the body language of cars . Your advice on route knowledge is spot on.
Man, weird to see an RJ comment on another motovlogger video with no likes or anything. TH-cam was a much smaller world back then
@@AAARREUUUGHHHH 💯
Hey Baron. Another good video. Carefully Considered Comments: 1. When you get to the front of the queue, stop a little ahead of the lead vehicles and try to establish eye contact with their drivers so that you know that they know you are there. 2. When overtaking long queues of stationary traffic, watch their front wheels for early warning of U-turners. 3. Always filter slowly (say) 10mph faster than the traffic.
Good comment
FOUND IT!! The analogy @ 5:00 "filtering down the river"
I remember watching this video before I started motovlogging.
+AdjrianNickelodeon Man this video taught me so much about my road craft back over 2 years ago! Shit that I practice every day yet I forgot where I got the info from!
Time to share of Facebook!
+AdjrianNickelodeon I watched this again because you shared it on Facebook. Sucks that I can't filter on my L's though :(
+Chris Gerrey On my L's as well, looking forward to eventually 'filtering down the river'. Knowledge is power!!
timm2069 who said that? I know I've heard someone say it :/
You sound like jeremy from peep show Lol. its like a peep show spin off.
I was thinking exactly the same LOL - I was about to comment on it too but I don't have to now ;)
Ahahahah YES
"A road is like a river or stream". I agree, some road users should be drowned in them. ;)
@John barfneck That's pretty ignorant, why do you think that?
For those who don't know, (in the UK) the only references in the highway code for filtering are Rule 88 and 211 (but there are pressures of the EU to ban filtering). In the highway code it doesn't say filtering is legal nor illegal it merely acknowledges that it happens. It warns bikers to "keep your speed low" and that queuing traffic should look out for motorcycles filtering "It is often difficult to see motorcyclists and cyclists, especially when they are coming up from behind, coming out of junctions, overtaking you or filtering through traffic".
EU wants to ban filtering? No way, filtering is legal in (almost) every EU country! Legal or at least highly practiced, which to me is the same thing.
I would think it would not get banned easily in the EU due to the fact that people use a lot of scooters and motorcycles there and recognize the need to have filtering legal. Could you imagine waiting in all that traffic? Dangerous and also ridiculous for a tiny little scootlet driver
I agree with the Baron. It's about giving other road users respect, and watching out for each other. If a driver lets me passed I give them a nod as a thank you. A little gesture like that can make all the difference. If you go flying passed them on the back wheel whilst flipping them the finger then they will think all bikers are wankers and won't give the next one the same courtesy. Just my thoughts though. Keep up the good work mate! Subscribed.
hey dude! Just wanted to say thankyou for all these videos! I'm doing my CBT tomorrow morning and just watching you ride around on your journey to work makes me feel more confident in what i can do on a bike! I hope you keep making these man, i love it :)
I still use your 'Stream and twigs' analogy when I filter, its my mantra ;)
So far , out of all the UK biker/filtering/lane splitting/commuting videos, this guy "Baron" has to be the best. Mature, intelligent, thoughtful, wise and worth listening too,,,,great job!!
Nice coat Joseph ahaha
lol that was funny XD
Pussy for a penny
As coherent an explanation of filtering techniques as I've heard to date and the Joseph and his jacket comment was golden. Well done.
Interesting that you have a yellow light preceding green - that doesn't exist here in the States. Great video, and good advice; though filtering isn't legal in most places here, I agree that it should be done responsibly, based upon the specific scenario.
+Germany has that also. When we lived there we really got to appreciate it.
+Siper2 When I was younger I was taught that yellow/amber preceded red.... which in both cases meant stop! Only red and yellow/amber together preceded green, unless you are at a crossing,.....
+wildatart Interesting indeed. Yeah, here it's yellow preceding red only; yellow is intended to be a warning to prepare to stop, but typically it equates to "Drive faster to make the light!"
yeah, I see your point of view,,,
You sir are an amusing man who is humble and recognises not only the perceptions of others but the physics of the situation. I salute you.
"nice coat, joseph" don't know why but that really made me laugh
Officially my new favourite moto-vlogger. Watched two videos and I'm certain, no doubt my favourite.
"Nice coat Joseph" currently in bits 😄
That used to be my destination for many years on a motorbike, Balham to Oxford Street. You could almost read what other drivers around you were going to do.
Lol Baron reminds me of that Robert webb from the peep show, specially with the first person view xD
I'm not the only one, I was "Robert Webb rides a motorcycle?"
I knew the voice sounded familiar
I was a DR for 10 years and you filter very well. Good to be observant and take the maximum safe and fun advantage.
Nice coat Joseph!
Hey Baron, great vid about filtering. I used to be a courier for Addison Lee on my trusty Honda VT500 in the mid 80's and all of your comments are spot on. Respect others and don't take the piss too much. Keep the speed down but progress through the traffic like a little twig on a broad River.
I don't understand why people use P-plates! I suppose a big flag saying "Cut me off and overtake me in dangeous places, even though I'm traveling at the speed limit!" would seriously affect the aerodynamics and fuel consumption of the car!
If they have to warn people that they've only just passed, then they shouldn't have been allowed to take their test.
***** There's no law! P-plates are optional!
Yep, they're pointless
Hi, Lord Sandwich. I love your work with sliced meats.
Being optional I think they're useful - if you're confident and a pretty decent new driver I wouldn't bother, but if you're still a little unsure they do kinda serve as a "woah, look out, I'm still learning here, I might make some mistakes" type of warning.
I love the stream analogy, it's so true.
You sound like Robert Webb doing a motorcycle training video ;)
Mate I'm 8 years on a Ninja650 and a 150 moped in Thailand (a road network that leaves a lot to be desired), the stuff that goes on here is literally jaw dropping...eg a challenging moment would be the middle aged lady on foot carrying a 4-5 meter long aluminum ladder length-ways across the dual carriage way about 20 meters in front of me. She didn't even try to get out the way. At least it was just the one ladder section rather than the much heavier two sections option, bless her..
Filtering over here is more 'free range' but is an art that takes concentration, you can't relax for a second, it's like the way you had to concentrate through that traffic jam, but over here you have to be that alert almost everywhere, even if there's nothing going on (did I mention feral dogs).. For safety the way I look at it, no good doing something safer once or once a week or something, got to do it all the time, got to stay awake. I literally pray to God, Arch Angel Michael and Jesus Christ before each and every time I go out for their help and protection. I could take some vids but Thai government would probably throw me out.
You could maybe do a video on clutch, brake and throttle control at low speeds for crawling and filtering?
Mate if you haven't already look into the jabs, they're a bio weapon, this is deliberate, truths coming out, look outside of the telly..
"Nice coat.... Joseph (!)"
Man, I don't know if you go back and read these but I just wanted to say I love you're videos and they're helpful. You're so entertaining and you can just tell you're an awesome person! haha
Nice coat Joseph LOL
Was that in reference to something?
Yes he says it at the end. X
Michael King -_- No, I know that. But does he say that in reference to something?
Emily Johnson the bible niggggaaa
Emily Johnson it's do the Joseph and coat of many colours. :) xx
There's simply no better way to start the weekend than with a BaronVonGrumble video.
Comparing the road to a river is a useful simile, I like dat shyeeet!
Dude! I've gotta say, this is like 100th video from motor riders i see, and its the funniest i've seen so far. You definitely got yourself a new subscriber here :)
Best of luck on the road!
nice coat joseph! keep them coming haha
Your humour is amazing, it makes your vids very addictive!!
"Women in convertable minis, avoid them" - LOL!
Proper bikers vid and wisdom. I too have commuted into London for years and have had my share of near misses and bang on fuck-ups while filtering and generally hooning around the capital. The Baron is so right when it comes to being wary around crossings -pedestrians really don't consider that any vehicle is moving if the cars have stopped! To push the point further always be wary of any unusual gaps in stationary traffic it could be a car, pedestrian or horse and carriage crossing the carriageway!
Ride safe
"Let's stop for this lady...."
"But not this guy, traffic #%$€%!!!!"
Love the video, I'm learning to ride and trying to build up confidence after doing my CBT and buying a 125. Traffic scares the shit out of me in London however so videos like this help immensely. Thank you.
Very intelligent and entertaining filtering demo - you'd be a good DR.
subscribed because you said "Nice coat, Joseph"
I dunno what it is Baron, but you're in a different league from all the other vloggers.
Every time I see a new video in my sub box, I get excited!
Wow London streets are weird(complicated?) and to me, scary. I don't know if I would feel safe riding my motorcycle there. I already don't feel safe in a town where the streets are really simple and yet people still can't drive.
Yep, London's roads suck ass
They cant drive period ! Whatched them trying to steer its frightening how they passed the driving test, making an obvious asumption.
Paul Leonard i would say they are effective
In a lorry its much easier because your higher so you can see more sooner.
If you can learn to drive and navigate London town, you can drive just about anywhere with confidence in the developed world! Holdover Tudor layout to the roadways.. twists, turns, meanderings..master driving there and anywhere else from that point on is a piece of cake!
I'm usually here for the knob jokes but your instructional and review vids are really good. You've got a knack for it.
How do you deal with cops? Not including California, splitting/filtering is illegal. I still sometimes do it when absolutely necessary but am face with a dilemma when I do: Do I split to keep my self safe and risk a non-motorcycle cop giving me a ticket or do I comply with the law and possibly get fucked? Grr. America. Cops. Soccer moms. Stoned drivers. Minnesota drivers. Stoned Minnesota drivers. Stoned Minnesota soccer moms. Stoned Minnesota soccer moms who are cops. Grr.
+Rae Machiavelli Few years now since I did my UK direct access test but back then the instructor explained that lane splitting at low speed in slow or stationary traffic is considered to be overtaking with lots of due care. (Must say that I have not seen guidance explicitly written down anywhere!!) So he went on to say that there are things to bare in mind if avoiding getting your collar felt by the fuzz. You must never cross in to another lane where there are no overtaking markings / signs against you, you must not overtake where zigzag lines are present at or on pedestrian crossings and around marked arias at schools. You must not over take on dividing lanes when the lanes are separated by solid white lines. You must not overtake using bus lanes where you calcification of vehicle is not permitted to be in the bus lane (motorcycles are permitted to use certain bus lanes in London). When you come to the end of a row of traffic stopped at a junction or at traffic signals you must pull in behind the lead vehicle at the the front of the queue. As mentioned this is what I was told so can not say that it is correct.
Just did a quick google and motorcycle filtering is mentioned in rule 88 of the UK highway code but does not elaborate to the do's and do not's in this specific description. So it is left to how the general rules of the highway code for all road users are interpreted, and what sort of mood Mr Plod is in at the time when you have been pulled over. www.gov.uk/guidance/the-highway-code/rules-for-motorcyclists-83-to-88.
Maybe someone with a decent knowledge of the actual legality filtering will jump in on this and comment.
+Rae Machiavelli we don't have to thankfully. Filtering is totally legal in UK. You American bikers should get together and force the issue over there. The only danger over there though... driver dont expect you to do it... drivers over here do.
+Rae Machiavelli Stoned Minnesota soccer moms who are cops
must be a pressing concern :))
Legal and in reality encouraged. you're taught how to do it during motorcycle trainin and it's why motorbikes (now green motorbikes) don't have to pay the congestion charge - because it's assumed that you'll be filtering and reducing congestion. I mean... motorcycle cops do it lol. I can see how if you're only used to riding your bike like a car it could look crazy, but actually (aside from all the bike theft) I find london one of the better capital cities to ride in because it's chaos, but a chaos where people tend to follow the same rules and rage isn't too bad. Filtering in Australia SUCKS because nobody follows the river analogy. In Australia they follow the "I'm important, fuck you" method
Haha love your comments on people! Very good to watch fore a novice like me who wants to start filter/lane splitting or get some where in traffic. Thanks for this insight!
who spotted the audi r8?
Very good advice, Baron. One thing I didn't previously do is honk when I see an unalert driver. I don't like to use the horn, I usually try to swerve past them. But I now see it as a necessity.
Nice coat Joseph :)
I totally agree with you. Been riding since I was 13 and er um I'm now 62... It's all about average speed and planning and reading drivers and their movements in advance. I used to do a high speed commute once a week from Devon to Maidstone, 250 miles on my Honda Blackbird. I could do it in about 3 hours if I got my brain in gear and totally focused on what I was handling in front of me, but boy was I mentally bolloxed when I got home.
'Nice coat, Joseph' I lol'd.
Good advice in here, as much as anyone expects filtering, drivers do expect it in the manner you said, and if you're nice some people might edge over to make a bit more room for you if they see you ;)
Good point with the vans, generally can only see after 2 car lengths behind but a general rule, if you can't see their face in their mirror they will have absolutely no idea you're there so don't be afraid to use the horn to alert them if they are about to cut you up, they may not have seen you
Do logs and twigs have brakes ? LOL
What you're doing is highly illegal here. I wish we could although I would only do it if the space was very wide.
Sam Wilkinson
I was saying that it is illegal here to ride like that. Lane splitting / filtering is illegal here.
roadmonitoroz Brisbane Yes but he's in London, so it doesn't matter. + the Ausie government are pussies anyway so it's hardly a surprise that it's illegal there.
The Thrashing Spy hell being on a motorbike is almost illegal in queensland, because it automatically means your a bikie or something as far as the popo are concerned
Cops don't seem to mind me filtering in victoria as long as the traffic isn't moving. Lane splitting is pretty illegal (not to mention dodgy as fuck) though.
Kieren Ash It will be legal in N.S.W in july :D
very interesting to see the different perspectives from people around the world, I grew up in Argentina where traffic laws are "very" subjective, well law in general, but been living in London for the last 9 years and I commute every day through London, and to me your riding is "somewhat safe" used to Argentina and London, but interesting to se so many people saying that in their countries is very illegal, that would make me very very sad.
Great video though
Wow, nice video Baron. I like it how you're clearly an intelligent and reasonable person!
Giving people lots of good advice on how to not **** them selves or others up.
It was really pleasant to watch and listen to all the good/logical advice.
Perfectly explained in every aspect! This is exactly how I do it too. Nice work mate.
Excellent video for new riders looking to start filtering. Wish I had seen this when I started out. Lots of wisdom here guys, take note.
Nice work, very confident, flowing and I like the narration too.
You demonstrate perfectly that the riders going through the traffic are not thoughtless idiots who are completely unaware of what is going on and rely on others to avoid them, they are extremely alert to what is going on and are thinking things through all the time, well aware that it matters not who causes an accident because you are the likely loser from a collision. You are right, after a while you develop sixth sense in the end. I did this for a decade professionally. If you do this badly without a care in the world or with no consideration as to what other people can and will do, you won't be doing it long. Many of the couriers I knew were simply brilliant riders.
Nice video. I can't believe how clear the streets are in London!! Its definately true, with years of experience you do become an expert at reading 100 signals every second. Unlike the average car driver whos in their own little world. In Bristol bikes are allowed to use bus lanes which makes perfect sense and is a real help!
Turn off you phone and watch what is happening around you! This applies to all drivers on the road no matter what you are driving. Thank you for talking about this; I think it is very important.
Finally a witty, British vlogger. You've gained a subscriber!
Mr baron. For a very long time before and during my motorcycle training i was looking for viz about filtering. Why oh why did you not make this then. I know now exactly what you are saying in your video to be bang on. i commute in and around birmingham and its true, You get a feeling about cars and you can read car language and predict where they are going. Love your vids mate and look forward to more. I really fancy giving vlogging a go and its vloggers like you that are an inspiration.....
i completely agree that certain cars do certain things. which i like because you can be a little more accurate with your predictions and by that i try and predict what a car is going to do by the model type, male or female driver and lane position. helps me out alot
The flowing analogy is one I live by, it’s a good lesson.
Agree with your sentiments. Top vid BVG. Nice humour too brother!
Nice logical explanation on filtering and splitting....thanks! And safe riding!
Shall I or shall not I? I love British videos! Also, splitting with oncoming traffic on your right side is crazy in my opinion. Also not legal just about everywhere.
these are actually very helpful and fresh videos. Way to keep it interesting, Baron. I like your thought patterns in traffic!
Been riding 2 years on L plates. Been filtering since a few weeks after I started. Only once have I ever knocked a car. 2 cars with the same mirror height aligned across the lanes. I was dropping the right side of the handlebar under the right mirror and knocked the left guys lightly. He gave me a look, I apologised, went on however I do remember not being so comfortable before going into it.
Conclusion being if it's stationary traffic and you're not feeling it don't go. It's much easier to filter once they're moving and spread a little than keeping balance and concentration while trying to filter at 2 mph.
Good tips Baron, it depends on the type of road and traffic but I don't always filter to the front of the queue because I don't want to distract the driver. For some reason I always get the people creeping as if they want to race me off the line so I try and stay away from them.
Love the river analogy
As a biker i see nothing wrong with your style of riding, in fact im envious (appalling spelling) of your ability to filter through such small gaps at speed, good work.
Secondly, your voice is a dead ringer for Webb of Mitchell&Webb fame, thus making these videos perfect light entertainment for me. Thanks man, keep filming :)
Great video-thanks Baron. Filtering is vital to riding in London but is not really taught anywhere. Think you're easy on addison lee style minicabs-they're absolutely lethal!
Totally right about learning the routes. When you've done it a few times you know which lines to take :)
To a new rider, some of those gaps look like threading a needle! That's some skill/experience. The analogy of the river made a lot of sense to me, thanks.
I do miss dear old London. Some very good observations you was making, makes a lot of sense. I ride in Vietnam on a cruiser with wide handlebars, so lane splitting is out the question most of the time so I do the next best thing, I ride like the Vietnamese way and bully my way through ;)
I've watched enough of your videos that I know where you're going to end up next. After where you saw that Lambo on your last video, I knew the Bugatti/Bentley dealership was coming up, and then that dreaded traffic light.
I'm proud of this.
your intro always puts me into a good mood :D
The first vid Ive watch from baron, with the dirty gixxer and the never ending left turn red traffic light in london. The nostalgia...
spot on re: addison lee. they spend all their time fiddling with their sat navs as none of them know the roads! I got hit up the backside by one when I was stationary at a crossing!
Never boring your videos, thanks
Taxis testing - that is my experience too. Another tactic out of that playbook (at least here in Toronto) is for a taxi to pass a car and get very close while passing. The car being passed will react oftentimes by slowing down and thus creating an opening for the marauding taxi. I used to think it was just a case of the taxi driver looking at something (a possible fare) and thus the car went where they looked but I started to see the drivers move into a spot that opened up.
you talk so calmly and seriously when you joke and it makes it so funny to listen to
Haha, Joseph! You are too funny Baron. Reason out of about a dozen motorvloggers i'm subscribed to, your uploads I look forward to the most.
Wow. This makes my daily commute and LIGHT filtering look like child's play. Also - some great analogies there. Can't be making wake with my motorboat. Good video, thanks.
Nice video. I've just started riding in London and have a lot to learn. This has helped.
Damn good analogy for splitting with the flowing stream. Will keep that in mind. Cheers.
At the end of the day filtering is down to common sense I feel and your video is full of that. In some parts if i were you, yes i would filter and others i wouldn't, however im not saying that you are wrong to do so. Forward planning and knowing your route is what you cover the most and i would agree with you strongly on that one. I myself am just like you, I'm no instructor either and have only been riding for a year and 2 months on a 50cc.
Can't ever come away from your videos with out having a laugh, genius.
Love the last comment. I'm only a cyclist, and not in a large city, but I really appreciate your video. :)
"Nice coat Joseph" - you made my day Baron! Thank you!
Please more vlogs!
Regards from Poland.
"nice coat...Joseph!"
quality commentary, you know your stuff but are also entertaining to watch unlike some of the self-proclaimed safety gurus on here. you're like jez from peepshow on a bike. nice one
Your videos make the pain of currently not owning a motorcycle a little more bearable. Thank you Mr.Grumble. At least the weather is shit ;)
Wow great instructional video Baron :) I used to have to commute to Kingsbury up the A5 from SE London back when I was learning on my 125 so a lot of these roads are very familiar, some good opportunities to build filtering confidence and learn what to avoid!
Ahh, this is amazing. You are without a doubt my new favourite bike guide. (And yes, you do sound incredibly like Robert Webb)
Happy New Year. The quality is excellent as usual.
Very helpful as I drive along the exact same route. .and am new to motorbikes so it would be I while till I start ridding thriugh that dense traffic but.err..good video mate!thanks for sharing
well Mr Grumble after watching all your video's......Your channel ROCKS!!
Every very little tiny gap you manage to squeeze through makes me think "Fits like a glove!" Safest filtering seen for a while! :)