6 tips for filtering through traffic on your motorcycle

Filtering through traffic on your motorcycle

Tip 1 – Look far ahead to plan your gaps:
This might sound very basic… looking far ahead? Really? However, this a very important skillset motorcyclist need to develop to ride safe. We do know our road manners are not known to be the most disciplined. There are people, vehicles, luggage carts and even domestic animals that could suddenly come in the way. Keeping your eyes open and looking as far as three to four vehicles ahead is the best way to tackle such tricky obstacles.

Tip 2 - Never overtake a slowing down vehicle blindly:
The main purpose of filtering is overtaking and there are certain instances where you just do not filter. If a vehicle is suddenly slowing down, logic states, there is a purpose for that and especially if in the rightmost which is our fast lane. Let me give you a scenario – A car travelling in the fast lane suddenly slows down while you are riding behind him and you decide to pass him from the left. That car could be slowing down because of an obstacle or even something or someone crossing the road, which means, either you will have the vehicle entering your lane all of a sudden or that obstacle could come right in front of you.

Tip 3 - Watch rear view mirrors of cars you overtake:
Watching the rear view mirrors of cars you overtake. When we say this we are not talking about looking out of the right or left side indicators on the rear view mirrors to light up, sadly rarely practiced in India. We are talking about taking a quick glace in the mirror itself to look at the drivers face. If the driver is looking into the rear view mirror of any side expect him to have made his decision to change his lane.

Tip 4 - Do not pass a bus from the left:
This is another one of those no-nos, do not pass a bus from the left! We cannot stress this enough. Buses are a means of transport for a range of people, some of who have no idea about road or traffic sense. There have been countless instances where travellers have got off buses at the wrong time and had motorcycles come crashing right into them.

Tip 5 - Watch out for doors swinging open:
A major reason for four-wheeler’s doors to swing open are the tobacco chewers. Another cause for this problem is passengers getting out of taxis. These individuals open their doors in standing traffic and even on open roads while driving. The problem with this is there is no way to anticipate such an instance. Be alert and if you unfortunately come across such drivers, be sure to let them know the accident they could have caused.

Tip 6 - Let your braking ability dictate your travel speed:
Almost all the problems that can be faced while filtering through traffic can be avoided with good braking ability. Most new riders never practice emergency braking, it is a must for all motorcyclists. If you have practiced sudden braking before, go ahead and carry a little more speed. However, if you have not, get practising to avoid any hurdles that might come your way. Ride safe!