Filtering
Good place to filter if done carefully.
That was a close one!
Filtering is permissible when traffic is stationary or moving slowly in queues and each rider has his or her own idea what slowly is. I can’t comment on each individual case or give a definitive answer, as each set of circumstances will be different. Traffic speed, types of vehicles (cars, artics) in the queue and weather conditions will all vary, as will the ability and confidence of each rider. However, in general if the vehicles are stopped or the slower their speed, the safer it is. I would be even more careful if filtering on a multi-lane motorway due to vehicle drivers being more inclined to swap lanes without ensuring it’s totally safe to do so.
The decision to filter is yours alone, it’s not illegal, but I’d urge you to filter with extreme care. If you should be involved in an accident then it’s possible that the police, if in attendance and ultimately insurance companies will proportion a degree, if not all the blame, on the motorcyclist. It does of course depend on the circumstances and what evidence witnesses provide.
Let common sense prevail and try to anticipate what a driver might do and ride defensively, don’t put yourself into a situation which makes you vulnerable - you will come off worst.
If you decide to filter take extreme care, keep your speed low (you might have to stop suddenly), make yourself visible (consider using dipped headlamp), be courteous and avoid conflict with other road users.
Watch out for and anticipate - pedestrians crossing between vehicles, vehicles emerging/turning at junctions, vehicles changing lanes or doing U-turns without warning, doors opening, traffic islands and of course, other bikes filtering.
