Other riders a danger in lane filtering

There are many dangers as well as challenges in lane filtering, but one danger we may overlook is fellow lane-filtering or lane-splitting riders.

Of course, we still have to be aware of drivers suddenly changing lanes without looking or indicating, being in truck and bus blind spots, road are from jealous motorists and slippery white lines.

But one danger we may have overlooked is other lane-filtering riders.

On several occasions I have almost been taken out by other riders.

And the situation will only become more of a danger as more and more riders take up lane filtering.

Danger behind

The main danger is that when we are lane filtering, we have our eyes forward, checking for motorists about to change lanes or open a car door on us.

We tend to think we are the only ones progressing through the traffic.

Consequently we don’t tend to look in our rearview mirrors.

The danger arises as we weave in and out of the traffic lanes. We could easily take out another rider behind us who is progressing faster through the traffic.

Danger in front

The reverse is also true.

We have to be wary of riders up ahead who may be sitting in the traffic and about to get white-line fever and start filtering just as we arrive on the scene.

Use the same skills you do to predict that a motorist will suddenly change lanes. Look for head movement, or even body movements which could indicate they are about to swerve left or right from their lane.

Practise courtesy

Just as we expect courtesy from other motorists, we should also extend it to our fellow riders and allow them file in front of us.

At the lights, if we filter to the front, consider moving to the side if there is room.

This will allow a following lane-filtering rider to queue up beside you.

Then you can drag race them off the line!