If you put 20 motorcyclists in a room and show them some video footage of bikes filtering, you’re very likely to get 20 opinions about the rights and wrongs of each manoeuvre. Well that’s exactly what happened when Jim Sampson kindly returned for another evening’s lively discussion at the Tom Thumb on Wednesday the 15th of June 2011. For those of you that weren’t there / don’t know, Jim is a Police motorcycle instructor, so well qualified to talk on these and other ‘thorny’ issues and provoke some active discussion.
It started with a general chat about what filtering was and the legalities involved including all the standard “Can you filter where there are Zig Zag lines?” and “Can you filter where there is a solid white line?” questions. Answers on a postcard to... (If you want to know the answer you’ll have to ask someone who was there or come along to the next event.)
It was time to move on to the video. Jim had gone to some considerable trouble to film himself filetering in various situations and showed the footage, pausing at regular intervals to take questions and initiate some lively debate. Some of the manoeuvres elicited approving nods from the audience and others much sucking of air over teeth and tutting, but all of them had people talking.
"Whilst this was mostly, erm…. quite brisk, most of the
audience found it less contentious than the filtering"
After a break, Jim showed us some more footage, taken on a Blackbird in damp conditions, looking at planning and overtakes. Whilst this was mostly, erm…. quite brisk, most of the audience found it less contentious than the filtering. Great example of sensible decisions taken safely at speed, leading to a solid riding plan and a brisk, safe, smooth and progressive ride. Some great advice like “Look slowly once, not briefly two or more times” and “Extend your view early, where it’s safe to do so.”
All in all a fun evening, with some serious points explored / myths debunked. Jim is very obviously a seasoned presenter on the subject and I’m sure everyone who attened will join in thanking him for his efforts.
Fancy some lively banter and watching footage of some spirited riding done safely? Keep your eyes open on the site for the next event and pop along. Open to all, IAM members or not.
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