I think everyone has made their points and we are all entitled to our opinions but this has demonstrated that if you want to be controversial, expect some flack.
With regard to the principle of filtering, if you regularly ride in
heavy traffic, there's not much point in having a motorcycle unless you
filter. If you're going to sit in traffic you may as well use a car and
enjoy the protection and comfort if offers. I used to travel to London
regularly and if you didn't filter, you would get nowhere fast. Clearly, you have to make a judgment and do so with caution keeping a low speed differential with other traffic. Most London drivers are quite good and expect motorcyclists to filter past them. It's in the North East where some of the drivers are bloody minded about it and attempt to impede filtering riders.
6ypsy, I think your insurer is taking the mickey by recommending you accept 50/50 under the circumstances in which your accident occurs. It happened that I picked up a copy of South East Biker at Box Hill on Monday which had an article about filtering which said (among other things) "In a more recent case of Davis v Schrogin (2006) it was decided that the motorcyclist was so close to the point of impact that he could not have avoided the collision, there was simply no basis for any finding of contributory negligence." It also goes on to say that all cases are decided on their merits so it sounds like your accident was like the case above with you proceeding slowly and carefully past stationary traffic. Courts are increasingly accepting the legitimacy of filtering. I suggest you sack the insurance appointed solicitor and get in touch with a motorcycle specialist solicitor. The advice in the magazine was from Shoosmiths who I used when my bike was rear ended, who did a good job for me and wrote the article from which I quoted. White Dalton also have a good reputation for representing motorcyclists. They make their money by charging the other party for their costs and not their client.
Let's set the record straight. I feel I am being attacked by a minority who feel that I am not allowed a point of view because it does not sit with theirs. And I think that needs a response.
Firstly, "got what he deserved" is what I put in my original post. It's a figure of speech ffs! Everyone who read it knew exactly what I meant; 'he was asking for trouble' or 'he had to accept that could happen' or 'no surprises there' etc etc.
But one or two insisted on picking up on the point and raising it to a level it was never at suggesting that I'm some monster lol! Why? In order to try and create an argument I suspect!
I will explain again. It is my opinion that people who ride like the guy in the original post are dangerous, inconsiderate idiots.
Does that mean that I actually want them to crash .. no. Does that mean that I want them to get hurt .. no. But if either happens I can happily tell you they'd get limited sympathy from me. Similarly if they were to instead get caught, nicked and had their license removed.
And no, I'm not perfect. Do I cross solid white lines? Occasionally. Do I make overtakes that some may consider tight? Sometimes. Do I break the speed limit? Everyday. Do I filter through traffic? I travel through Leeds every morning and every evening, what do you think?
But do I do any of these things if I feel they would put other road users at risk? In my opinion, hand on heart, no.
And I'm pretty sure you'll find that the vast majority of people would agree that riding in a similar manner to that which we believe our friend on the motorway was riding, puts other road users at risk. Whether that's actual physical risk or mental. Because having to live with the memory of some biker rag dolling down the road isn't good. Especially when they don't get up afterwards. I know.
And whether you like it or not, it is the belief of our society that riding in a way that puts other road users at risk can not be tolerated. And I agree.
That is my opinion and if you don't like it ... tough.
i refer you back to my 1st post on Page 3 and maybe just add if you cant take it dont dish it.
a didnt call you a monster but.......well that picture is pretty scarey!
Geoff
I think the problem is when some folk make there mind up about how they have read or missread your comments nothing will change there mind.
I agree with your comments about it, we all bend the rules at some point but as a driver I see the day to day knobs that do nothink to help bikers rights. I just hope the new rider's out there dont try and follow the few that give us all a bad name
No, Tony, it's not the same article although the quote from the case in question is the same. As I said, it was from the Nov 2010 - Jan 2011 South East Biker. What it says to me is don't let the insurance companies fob you off and get a solicitor who know their business and will fight your corner.
JP - All men are perfect - Perfect what though? That's the question...
Geoff - in the interest of harmony on BM I suggest you have your future posts proof read. Alternatively (in true diplomatic style), one should perhaps undertake a writing course in order to more eloquently express ones self. (although I'm already able to do this in writing, I'm not really up me own arse, I have a broad Derbyshire accent and dont talk at all like I've got a plum in me gob!)
Cat/Tony - Thanks for that info, as I said this is the only accident I've ever had so when insurers advised me as they did, despite me arguing the toss with them, I just thought I was stuffed. I'll read up and kick their butts!
Happy arguing folks
As an aside, when I was training in and around South London (and later in Herefordshire - long story) I was told that if I did not filter through slow moving traffic I would possibly fail my test because you are seen as being over-cautious or hesitant
Rockchick, that was what I was told as well. Also picking up on an earlier post I was told the police deem a 10mph difference between the speed of your bike and the slower traffic as acceptable when filtering, anything over this figure or blatantly taking the p*ss is deemed undertaking/dangerous and you face the consequences. Having said all this driving in London for my job, the antics of the majority of the despatch riders, twist and go muppets and L plate pizza delivery riders ,shame all riders responsible ones included. When you see them knock mirrors off cars, scratch their way along te sides of cars and ride off, is it any wonder motorcyclists don't get much sympathy from surrounding car and van drivers when they get knocked of in London. I always find that my loud pipes help me when filtering.
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