Filtering

[Gerard C]

Does anybody know what the rules are regarding Filtering in different countries?

By Filtering I mean going up the middle of two lanes when its either stopped or slow moving. Also going down the outside of a queue.

Wasn't sure what section to post in so here it is anyway.

[Earl]

I Googled it and found this about Germany.

http://www.horizonsunlimited.com/hubb/e ... many-43245" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

[pikey]

There may be rules but no one takes any notice just watch for coppers but you will be lucky to see any most of the time .Me and Bob filtered 5 miles on a Mway after a pile up on an autobahn all bikers were at the front waiting for road to clear.We sat 2 hours as soon as one lane clear they let us thro first and a guy on a ktm did a wheelie in lane 3 as soon as we were thro .We had a German plated car take offence on swiss Mway when going thro slow moving traffic 2 went thro he blocked the gap I flicked around the other way and gave him the vees .I did notice in Italy in a stationary tailback German bikers were reluctant to cross a white centre line and go as was Ian and others I just wet for it Italians werent taking any notice .

[pikey]

Its same as the hi viz spot thing on helmet Ive never noticed anyone with them on when Ive been and never done it myself .Only time been stopped was by a speed trap cop who was doing speed trap in opposite direction saw us coming Mike hadnt got lights on stopped Mike to tell him then waved him on straight away as soon as he said he had a spare bulb truth was he hadnt switched them on

[pikey]

Thats probably best advice follow the locals .Its only cites really you will have to filter or road works I dont think it will be a problem most of time in rural areas not a lot on the roads usually

[Bluebottle]

I seem to remember a move to make filtering illegal in France was swiftly dropped when bikers descended on Paris and rode around taking a whole car space each and not even filtering to the front at the lights. The city was quickly grid-locked and the point was made.

[alicethomas]

In Germany, filtering is usually illegal and tolerated.
Legal filtering is on the right side (! opposite to the usual passing on the left), but only for cyclists and motorcyclists (25kph). StVO §5 (8). http://www.gesetze-im-internet.de/stvo/" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;
Not tolerated if you cause an accident. Then it's your fault (too).

In Austria, filtering is legal under conditions StVO §9 (4a) and §12 (5). http://www.ris.bka.gv.at/GeltendeFassun ... r=10011336" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

In Switzerland, do not even think of it!

Belgium: reportedly legal. But I'm to lazy to search for a valid source.

[TmaX9]

In the UK the main thing to bear in mind is to never do anything cas drivers don't think about or expect, such as passing up the nearside of a single file queue. Never filter past any turning a queuing car may suddenly decide to nip down to beat the jam as drivers never look in their mirrors first.
On a motorway I usually filter between middle and outside lane as a preference as most lane swapping occurs between nearside and centre, especially if approaching a junction. Best not to filter at all if traffic speed gets over 25-30mph.
Also never cross the solid white lines in the centre and also beware that car drivers believe these to mean no overtaking and can take umbridge at being passed, even if there is loads of room.

[Waldorf]

It is legal in Belgium and most drivers are considerate but:

If approaching traffic lights it's legal to fliter to the front only on the offside of the offside lane although no-one seems to adhere to that rule so filter between the lanes.

A biker needs his wits about him as Belgian drivers, the third worst in the world apparently, are inclined to change lane suddenly and without indicating - it's what they do - and on motorways in particular they drive up close to the vehicle in front before pulling out. (not filtering but worth noting).

They are in general much more biker-friendly/aware because so many have ridden mopeds in their mid-teens.

[Funkycowie]

Also never cross the solid white lines in the centre and also beware that car drivers believe these to mean no overtaking and can take umbridge at being passed, even if there is loads of room.

I thought it was illegal to cross them?