How to Filter On a Motorcycle

What Is Filtering on a Motorcycle?

Filtering means moving past queues of stationary or slow-moving vehicles by traveling between lanes. It allows motorcyclists to make the most of their vehicle’s compact size to navigate congested areas quickly.

What’s the Difference Between Filtering and Lane Splitting?

Most people use the terms lane splitting and filtering interchangeably, but technically, filtering and lane splitting are different. Filtering is when a motorbike moves between lanes of slow or stationary traffic, such as at junctions or traffic lights, and is legal if done safely. You’ll often see this at lights, where a motorcyclist moves to the front by riding between the lanes. Lane splitting, which refers to riding between moving traffic at higher speeds, can be considered dangerous or careless. 

What does the Highway Code say about lane splitting and filtering?

Lane splitting isn’t a term that UK law officially recognises, so it’s not mentioned in the Highway Code. However, the Code does offer guidance on overtaking and filtering.

Filtering is addressed in Rule 88. The main takeaways include:

• Motorcyclists should be cautious and only filter when it’s safe, usually in traffic jams at lights or junctions.
• Riders need to stay aware of other road users and be ready for hazards like sudden lane changes or opening car doors.
• The practice is legal as long as it's done safely, but riders shouldn't overtake aggressively or dangerously.
• The Highway Code encourages filtering but stresses the importance of safety, advising motorcyclists to always be mindful of traffic and road conditions.

Rule 160 also covers filtering, but it’s more aimed at drivers, saying: “Once moving, be aware of other road users, especially cyclists and motorcyclists, who may be filtering through traffic. These are harder to spot than larger vehicles, and their riders are particularly vulnerable.”

It is important to remember that while the Highway Code does allow filtering, any accidents caused while doing so could hold the motorcyclist liable if they’re found to have acted negligently.

The Benefits and Downsides of Filtering for Riders and Traffic Flow

Filtering on a motorcycle comes with plenty of perks. It can save time by helping riders bypass traffic jams, ease congestion by freeing up road space, and boost fuel efficiency by cutting down on idling. Filtering can also sometimes be safer than sitting idle in heavy traffic, where the risk of rear-end collisions is higher. By keeping mobile, riders avoid becoming a stationary target, particularly at traffic lights, where they’re less vulnerable to being hit from behind.

That said, there are some downsides too. Filtering can increase the risk of accidents, especially if drivers suddenly change lanes without noticing you. It can also frustrate other road users who might see it as unfair. 

Plus, navigating the legal side of things can be tricky - what counts as safe vs unsafe filtering is hard to categorise, so it’s important to be aware of the rules to avoid fines or disputes. To filter safely and responsibly, riders can benefit from brushing up on road safety techniques-check out this helpful guide on road riding theory and safety for more tips.

How to Filter Through Traffic on a Motorcycle

Filtering is all about observation, anticipation, and technique. To do it safely and smoothly, follow these steps:

1. Assess the Speed and Traffic Flow

• Check whether traffic is stationary or moving slowly-filtering is more predictable when vehicles are stopped, as there's no risk of sudden lane changes.
• Watch for gaps that could indicate a vehicle is about to move lanes.

2. Choose the Right Lane

• The safest place to filter is usually between the two rightmost lanes, as lane changes tend to be less frequent here.
• Avoid filtering too close to large vehicles like lorries and buses, which have significant blind spots.

3. Indicate Clearly and Stay Visible

• Use your indicators or a gentle weave to signal your intentions.
• Position yourself where drivers can see you in their mirrors before passing.

4. Watch for Hazards

• Stay alert for opening car doors, pedestrians, cyclists, and vehicles suddenly switching lanes.
• Be extra cautious near slip roads, roundabouts, and junctions where cars might turn into your path.

5. Keep Speed Sensible

• Maintain a filtering speed no more than 10-15 mph faster than traffic flow.
• Some riders follow the idea that filtering is safest when overtaking traffic moving at no more than 20mph, with a filtering speed cap of 40mph. However, even 40mph will be frowned on by some, and it’s a ‘grey area’.

6. Leave Space and Be Ready to Stop

• Don’t ride too close to other vehicles-keep enough room to react if needed.
• If filtering to the front at traffic lights, leave space in case vehicles creep forward unexpectedly.

7. Know When to Stop Filtering

• If traffic starts moving at normal speed or filtering becomes too tight, merge back into a safe lane position.
• Never force filtering if the gap is too narrow-wait for a safer opportunity.

Filtering is a skill that improves with experience. By staying aware, cautious, and smooth in your riding, you can make it a safe and effective way to move through traffic. Always prioritise safety over time savings!

Best Practices for Filtering in Heavy Traffic

In heavy traffic, filtering can become more complex. Stay especially vigilant for lane changes as drivers often switch lanes to gain a few metres. Watch for gaps that may close quickly, and be cautious around larger vehicles like lorries and buses with bigger blind spots. Be aware of stop-start traffic patterns, particularly near junctions and traffic lights, where vehicles may suddenly surge forward. In very heavy congestion, space for filtering may be limited, so be patient and wait for the right moment to move. If filtering becomes too risky, it’s important to merge back into a safer lane position.

Common Mistakes to Avoid When Filtering

When filtering, it’s important to avoid a few common mistakes that can put you at risk. First, filtering too fast can reduce your reaction time, so it's vital to keep your speed reasonable to maintain control. Also, just because you're visible doesn't mean other drivers can see you or are aware of you, so always be prepared for sudden lane changes. Another key point is riding in blind spots, particularly next to a car’s rear quarter panel, where you’re harder to spot. 

Filtering on the left, between the kerb and traffic, is riskier and generally not recommended unless absolutely necessary, as drivers don't expect someone coming from that side and you have fewer escape routes to avoid collisions. 

Avoid squeezing through tight gaps—if a space seems too narrow, don’t risk it, as mirrors and handlebars can easily clip vehicles. Pay attention to road conditions, as wet roads, potholes, and debris can make filtering more dangerous, so adjust your speed and position accordingly. 

Always plan an exit route in case you need to merge back into traffic safely if filtering becomes unsafe. Lastly, not reading vehicle behaviour is a mistake—look for subtle signs like wheel movement, head turns, or flickering brake lights that might signal a driver is about to change lanes.

How to Improve Your Filtering Skills as a Motorcyclist

To improve your filtering skills, start by practicing in low-traffic areas, where you know the roads are wide enough. If you're nervous, try filtering behind other motorcyclists and get a feeling for their movements. Consider taking advanced training courses to refine your technique, such as the gear conversion or our full licence training. Regular riding and experience will naturally help build confidence and intuition, allowing you to navigate complex situations more effectively. A crucial part of filtering smoothly is mastering your clutch control, which ensures your bike responds efficiently when you need to maneuver quickly. If you're looking to improve this aspect of your riding, check out our guide on clutch control for more tips. Lastly, consider the width of your bike - narrow bikes are much easier and safer to filter with than larger bikes with side luggage!

Overall

Filtering on a motorcycle is a valuable skill that can save time and reduce congestion when done correctly. Always remember, that learning a new technique or skill can take time. Never rush learning and always take it step by step, never risk your safety and always wear high quality motorcycle gear to stay as protected as possible.

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FAQ

Is filtering on a motorcycle legal in the UK?

Yes, filtering is legal in the UK as long as it is done safely, without reckless behaviour, and in compliance with the Highway Code.

What’s the difference between filtering and lane splitting?

Filtering involves navigating between stationary or slow-moving traffic at low speeds. At the same time, lane splitting typically refers to faster riding through moving traffic, a practice more common in countries like the US.

What’s the safest way to filter in heavy traffic?

Keep your speed low, use your indicators, and maintain a central position between lanes while watching for hazards like lane-changing vehicles or pedestrians.