The video below shows the danger to lane filtering riders of a driver who gets out of their vehicle while stopped at traffic lights.
It’s illegal for a driver to leave their vehicle while stopped at traffic lights or on a roadway, unless parked at the roadside.
It is also illegal to “create a hazard” by opening a vehicle door or leaving it open while driving.
In Victoria, it is also illegal for a passenger or driver to open the door of a parked vehicle, accidentally hitting a cyclist, motorcyclist or pedestrian.
However, being in the right is no consolation for the legally lane-filtering rider who runs into a car door and is injured.
How to avoid lane filtering crashes
The rider in the above video has obviously been practising his emergency stopping procedures and is able to stop in plenty of time.
It’s worth noting that all riders should practise these skills.
While filtering through slow or stationary traffic, riders should look for telltale signs that a door will open or a vehicle will suddenly swap lanes.
Look inside the vehicle for the driver and passengers and take note of any head movement which could indicate their intentions.
Also look for indicators, wheels suddenly turning, doors opening or interior lights suddenly switching on.
We recently asked police and transport departments in each state for their statistics for lane filtering offences.
However, they say figures for crashes are not available because lane filtering is not recorded as an attribute.
So there is little chance of any progress in legislation or safety initiatives without such crash data.
Lane filtering laws
Lane filtering has been common practice in many countries for years.
It is now legal in Queensland, Victoria and New South Wales and is being evaluated in the ACT and considered in other states. It is also now legal in California and being considered by other states.
But remember, it may be legal but you are not compelled to filter. Use your judgement and stay safe.
- Have you hit, or narrowly missed, a car door while lane filtering? Leave your comments below.