Germany and filtering
 

Although the legality of filtering is questionable in many countries, it is generally accepted that if safe to do so, motorcyclists can filter to the front of queues.

On recent trip through Germany I forgot that such behaviour is unacceptable and went to the front of queuing traffic at temporary traffic lights. Now the van driver behind me may have been shouting his delight at the German football team’s progress in the World Cup tournament, however he was more likely attempting to remonstrate with me, but as the traffic was moving I did not stop to engage him in conversation.

Can anyone, particularly our German friends on this site, enlighten me as to why filtering by motorcycle is not only illegal but frowned upon by other motorists in Germany? Have German riders ever attempted to get this changed in the motorcyclist's favour, if yes, why does it remain the case?

oh..........can't say I have had that problem? Will be interesting to see response on this........

You can often see this happening in Germany, but it is illegal.
Few years ago I got over €100 ticket from police. I asked why, because everyone seems to do it and the answer was that I was passing from the right.

I actually followed a police car filtering on an autobahn a few years back and got an almighty bollocking (although not a fine) for my troubles.

I'm doing it every day on my way to work. Never had any problems except for some swearing or mad honking ;)

Most German car drivers aren't used to filtering so you should be careful that you don't get hit by a suddenly opened door in a traffic jam (happened to a friend on the Autobahn)

Hello Folks,
filtering is still not allowed in Germany but will be tolerated on highway and multiple roadlanes by police and drivers. In towns there will be less possibilities for filtering, because most roads were narrow.
I uses filtering sometimes in the city, on wider roads, at railway-crossings and on one-way-roads.
There is one special rule to obay, stay alert and drive slowly, then maybe the police will tolerate it and most of the car-drivers will be calm or drive aside :thumbup1:

I discovered over 20 yrs ago it was illegal in Germany, but only after I'd been filtering on the autobahn and was nearly hit by an opening car door when traffic was at a complete standstill on a very hot day.
It also explained why other bikers were parked up on the grass :eek3:

I wonder what they would make of me dismounting and pushing my bike on the pavement past a queue or accident on the pavement? I have done this in the UK normally with engine switched off on 2 occasions past the police dealing with the accident re-mounted on the road and continued with my journey!

I think if you are careful and considerate there should not be a problem!

There was a similar thread a few years back which I contributed to, saying the German reaction to filtering could border on the aggressive. Someone then posted a response along these lines, citing consideration and manners. I think it showed a total lack of experience in riding in Germany, it's illegal and the German mind set will not tolerate it.

Hello
I'm swiss, but I think there isn't much difference in the law between D and CH on that topic.
If you pass with a good distance and at low speed to the front of the queues and there's space, few will mind.
But if you filter through city traffic at speeds of 50kmh, like it's done on youtube videos from London, you'll get troubles.
First, motorists don't expect it and therefor won't see you.
Second, you might piss someone off and he'll cut you just to teach you a lesson.
Personally I can't believe why it should be legal, it's f***ing dangerous.
sushi

I agree with sushi , I only filter when it's solid traffic on the autobahn and most drivers make way for me , but then I am at a slow pace and being careful . I also acknowledge the fact that they move for me too . I have never had any issues , in fact the only two occasions I was blocked was by a Belgium twat In a merc and some American soldiers in a humvee , but that was well wide and not really their fault . I ended up leaning on the door trying to get the female drivers phone number , the rest of the crew thought it was very funny , they were a really nice bunch of people as I remember .
I certainly would not filter at speed in a town , not even at home let alone abroad .

I had a motorcyclist banging on my roof as he went passed in moving traffic in France because he thought I hadn't moved over far enough for him. well out of order and out himself in a vulnerable position.

I've been living here (Lower Saxony ) for more than two years now and sadlly I have to agree. Of course not everyone minds that but many do. It's all right only when drivers don't see you and have no time to react. It happens very often that when noticed in the mirror they will pull up half a meter just not to let you trough.

I guess it's a matter of mind set (following the rules) and lack of empathy (If I have to queue everyone else should do so too).

It was a bit of surprise to me as many people ride bikes in Germany and they certainly know how it is when you need to wait with the traffic in heat or rain.

Riding a motorcycle is dangerous, but we still do it.

Crossing the road is dangerous, but we still do it.

Should both be made illegal?

That's a ridiculous argument

Playing Russian roulette is dangerous, but I wouldn't recommend trying it.

Its about making the activities you enjoy as safe as they can reasonably be within the boundaries you are comfortable with. That's why you wear a helmet (unless your a complete nugget) and why you wear protective clothing.

Unfortunately some people seem unable to set themselves sensible boundaries, so others (such as the law) have to set them instead, which usually means restricting the sensible more than really necessary to protect the idiot few (and their innocent victims) from themselves.

So, filtering is done by many in a sensible and reasonably safe manner, but some people do it recklessly and dangerously and everyone else pays the price.