what's legal? - Motorcycling Matters

Van, Pedestrian, Car
Which Lane to Choose?
We’re in a 50 which is coming to a 40 limit. The black Vauxhall
has recently passed us travelling close to 70! The driver has
had to brake hard and is too close to the car in front of him.
There’s a junction ahead so we can predict a lot of lane
swapping for the A1 North & South and straight on the North
Circular. This is a good place to hang back and let the traffic do
its own thing. When everyone decides where they’re going we
can make some progress again! Do the same on motorways.
Filtering at junctions or on entry/exit slip roads is fraught to say
the least as cars and lorries change position and speed –
frequently with little notice or indication. It requires great
concentration and you may judge that it is worth holding back,
maintaining a good position with plenty of space around you
until you can make safe progress again.
www.bedfordshire-biker.org
MASTERCLASS
Space is our biggest friend. Everything is slowing for the red
traffic light – BUT there's a lot happening near to us. There's a
milk truck on the left (with the driver walking back across the
road) and the white van has gone wide so we can't get past on
his offside. Is this an opportunity to go up their inside? Not with
the front of the white car poking out! With luck, the driver can
see the reflection of our headlights on the side of the van, but
don't bet on it! Hang back! Because if the white car driver hasn't
seen us we'll be on a collision course.
WHEN FILTERING, THE “SYSTEM” OF MOTORCYCLE
CONTROL STILL APPLIES
What information is being given and implied by other road users?
Check your position, making good use of the space around you as much as
possible, in front or behind. Pay attention to your:
• Speed: 10–15 mph faster than traffic when filtering
• Gear: you need to select a flexible gear that enables deceleration when
rolling off and brisk acceleration when rolling on the throttle
• Acceleration: you will be in a good position to make progress when the
traffic flow improves, steady slower speeds when filtering enable better
progress and more control than frequent acceleration and braking.
Tony Clarke (pictured left) is the force behind A1 Driver & Rider Training
(01462 894624). He has a RoSPA Diploma for Car and Motorcycle and is a
Senior Observer with the IAM. He’s also on the DSA’s post-test motorcycle
training register and delivers their Enhanced Rider Scheme.
If you would like details of motorcycle training companies in Bedfordshire,
please contact the Road Safety teams at your local council, or visit
www.MotorcyclingMatters.org e-mail: info@MotorcyclingMatters.org
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