# Beware while riding in Central London !! **URL:** \ **Category:** Off-topic\ **Created:** [28 July 2007 11:36 UTC](https://londonbikers.com/t/beware-while-riding-in-central-london/71096 "2007-07-28T11:36:48Z")\ **Posts on this page:** 20\ **Page:** 1
**Author:** ![easyrider](https://londonbikers.com/letter_avatar_proxy/v4/letter/e/d26b3c/32.png) [@easyrider](https://londonbikers.com/u/easyrider)\ **Post date:** [28 July 2007 11:36 UTC](https://londonbikers.com/t/beware-while-riding-in-central-london/71096/1 "2007-07-28T11:36:48Z")
I had a lot of close calls in central london while filtering through traffic from people crossing the road between traffic or just in front of a big vehicle and they always seem to be looking the other way. My front wheel locked and I nearly fell of trying to save one person. ---
**Author:** ![Viggen](https://londonbikers.com/letter_avatar_proxy/v4/letter/v/ce73a5/32.png) [@Viggen](https://londonbikers.com/u/Viggen)\ **Post date:** [28 July 2007 11:50 UTC](https://londonbikers.com/t/beware-while-riding-in-central-london/71096/2 "2007-07-28T11:50:40Z")
so what’s the news??? same old day in london by the sounds of it. lemmings are everywere but yes be careful. ---
**Author:** ![westie690](https://londonbikers.com/letter_avatar_proxy/v4/letter/w/c57346/32.png) [@westie690](https://londonbikers.com/u/westie690)\ **Post date:** [28 July 2007 12:04 UTC](https://londonbikers.com/t/beware-while-riding-in-central-london/71096/3 "2007-07-28T12:04:24Z")
thats everyday ![](https://londonbikersarchive.blob.core.windows.net/forums/skins/classic/images/emoticons/smile.gif "Smile") ---
**Author:** ![darrylj](https://londonbikers.com/letter_avatar_proxy/v4/letter/d/e19b73/32.png) [@darrylj](https://londonbikers.com/u/darrylj)\ **Post date:** [28 July 2007 12:20 UTC](https://londonbikers.com/t/beware-while-riding-in-central-london/71096/4 "2007-07-28T12:20:32Z")
and everywhere!. lol. ---
**Author:** ![sweet\_essence](https://londonbikers.com/letter_avatar_proxy/v4/letter/s/c37758/32.png) [@sweet\_essence](https://londonbikers.com/u/sweet_essence)\ **Post date:** [28 July 2007 12:23 UTC](https://londonbikers.com/t/beware-while-riding-in-central-london/71096/5 "2007-07-28T12:23:48Z")
Use your horn ![](https://londonbikersarchive.blob.core.windows.net/forums/skins/classic/images/emoticons/biggrin.gif "Big Grin") !!! I had a bikesafe course yesterday at the ACE and, being the newbie that I am, I am too quite suprised how pedestrians/ lorries/ cars do not see you on a bike. Like the officers said on the course, in hindsight of an accident if you could have done anything differently (like beeping that horn to register with someone that you are approaching them)- do it! I pay my tax, so I’m entitled to be a safe road user and have my space on the road and if sounding that horn (obviously I’m no going around beeping at every damn thing at all hours)… then I’m going to use it in the most certain approriate circumstances. It worked yesterday -twice- driving back into the city; a lorry decided to change lanes in slow moving traffic on the A40 and I had absolutely nowhere to go… so I beeped and it worked… he stopped and apologetically waved ‘sorry you first’ and then the second instance; going through the city near busy liverpool street (pedestrian crossing with priory to the vehicles) I beeped and people registered and stopped crossing… whoaha -result!!! no pedestrians to run over !! ![](https://londonbikersarchive.blob.core.windows.net/forums/skins/classic/images/emoticons/satisfied.gif "Satisfied") That little little nod/ acknowledgement to the receiptiant to say ‘thanks - just to let you know I am here’ just after the beep also works wonders too!! - just to calm those who think they own the road. I really enjoyed my day yesterday (on the bifesafe course) so would recommend anyone to do it. I did it cause I’m new to bikes but it’s the little things like ‘you have a horn - use it if need be’ that I picked up on. ---
**Author:** ![Redster](https://londonbikers.com/letter_avatar_proxy/v4/letter/r/839c29/32.png) [@Redster](https://londonbikers.com/u/Redster)\ **Post date:** [28 July 2007 13:49 UTC](https://londonbikers.com/t/beware-while-riding-in-central-london/71096/6 "2007-07-28T13:49:09Z")
I was advised by a work colegue of mine that whenever filtering, hover your thumb over the horn at ALL TIMES. It takes some getting used to and can make your thumb ache, but after some practice clutch control and that thumb position comes second nature. Could also save your, or someone else’s life. Also you need to be very carefull at what speed you are filtering especially in built up areas. My instructor said if when filtering between lanes you need to do more than 15mph dont bother filtering. I overstep this at times, but it makes sense cause at 15mph you can stop on a coin. You have to be aware of sudden lane changers, U-turners, pedestrians and opening doors and must be prepared to stop. Practice emergency stops regularly from 15mph-20mph. Observation is key, look for gaps that traffic can move into, keep your eye on the pavements at lemming pedestrians and look through back windows of cars for people not checking thier mirros or adopting an odd road position. A freind biker of mine insists that after time you develop a sixth sense for dumbasses from thier road posture and head position int he car. Glad to hear you are OK and didnt drop your bike! R ---
**Author:** ![SatanR1](https://londonbikers.com/letter_avatar_proxy/v4/letter/s/a183cd/32.png) [@SatanR1](https://londonbikers.com/u/SatanR1)\ **Post date:** [28 July 2007 14:16 UTC](https://londonbikers.com/t/beware-while-riding-in-central-london/71096/7 "2007-07-28T14:16:26Z")
… ![](https://londonbikersarchive.blob.core.windows.net/forums/skins/classic/images/emoticons/doze.gif "Doze") ---
**Author:** ![Choprocker](https://londonbikers.com/letter_avatar_proxy/v4/letter/c/b782af/32.png) [@Choprocker](https://londonbikers.com/u/Choprocker)\ **Post date:** [28 July 2007 14:45 UTC](https://londonbikers.com/t/beware-while-riding-in-central-london/71096/8 "2007-07-28T14:45:52Z")
Dont try to save em m8 and damage yer bike in the process, just knock the fvckers over then let em moan and call the police and see them get done. ---
**Author:** ![stuts](https://londonbikers.com/letter_avatar_proxy/v4/letter/s/f475e1/32.png) [@stuts](https://londonbikers.com/u/stuts)\ **Post date:** [28 July 2007 15:06 UTC](https://londonbikers.com/t/beware-while-riding-in-central-london/71096/9 "2007-07-28T15:06:27Z")
The lemmings that really piss me off are the ones who just stroll out into the traffic with either their ipod on full blast or their phone stuck to their face, completely oblivious to all around them, expecting everyone else to avoid them. I’ve only ever hit one pedestrian, luckily i had almost come to a halt and just nudged him, not knocking him over, no harm done. If you’re filtering at a sensible speed, you should be able to avoid them, but if you do hit them I think its classed as their fault, think its called “jaywalking”, not that I would advocate knocking them down. ---
**Author:** ![stewboy](https://londonbikers.com/letter_avatar_proxy/v4/letter/s/919ad9/32.png) [@stewboy](https://londonbikers.com/u/stewboy)\ **Post date:** [28 July 2007 15:07 UTC](https://londonbikers.com/t/beware-while-riding-in-central-london/71096/10 "2007-07-28T15:07:11Z")
lol sound like a normal commute …i find this makes it little more fun ha ha ---
**Author:** ![johnp](https://londonbikers.com/letter_avatar_proxy/v4/letter/j/db5fbb/32.png) [@johnp](https://londonbikers.com/u/johnp)\ **Post date:** [28 July 2007 15:16 UTC](https://londonbikers.com/t/beware-while-riding-in-central-london/71096/11 "2007-07-28T15:16:22Z")
That`s perfectly normal for London riding. ---
**Author:** ![c\_mb2006](https://londonbikers.com/letter_avatar_proxy/v4/letter/c/58f4c7/32.png) [@c\_mb2006](https://londonbikers.com/u/c_mb2006)\ **Post date:** [28 July 2007 17:23 UTC](https://londonbikers.com/t/beware-while-riding-in-central-london/71096/12 "2007-07-28T17:23:23Z")
By all means use the horn to get people’s attention, but what amazes me is how many take it wrongly as an invitation of confrontation - many times I’ve had some car blindly pulling out on me, straight to the horn then you get the same reciprocated from the driver back to you! I’m sorry, but it’s you who’s nearly pulled out on me not the other way around…I just see so much sheer bloodymindedness on the roads while I’m working its unbelievable, whether people actually have a completely marginal understanding of the highway code or they just genuinely don’t give a \*\*\*\* about safety and general mutual respect I don’t know, from experience it’d seem the latter. The best thing you can do is not allow anything to get personalised and have your focus taken away from what you’re doing. ---
**Author:** ![Tex](https://londonbikers.com/letter_avatar_proxy/v4/letter/t/eb8c5e/32.png) [@Tex](https://londonbikers.com/u/Tex)\ **Post date:** [30 July 2007 21:51 UTC](https://londonbikers.com/t/beware-while-riding-in-central-london/71096/13 "2007-07-30T21:51:46Z")
Get a loud race-can… ![](https://londonbikersarchive.blob.core.windows.net/forums/skins/classic/images/emoticons/wink.gif "Wink") I blip like crazy when filtering on high streets or anywhere where I think someone will try and cross. As mentioned though, it kinda goes hand in hand with London riding… ---
**Author:** ![WASP](https://londonbikers.com/letter_avatar_proxy/v4/letter/w/82dd89/32.png) [@WASP](https://londonbikers.com/u/WASP)\ **Post date:** [30 July 2007 22:03 UTC](https://londonbikers.com/t/beware-while-riding-in-central-london/71096/14 "2007-07-30T22:03:34Z")
**I forget to use my horn and when i do it’s so bloody loud makes me jump! ![](https://londonbikersarchive.blob.core.windows.net/forums/skins/classic/images/emoticons/crazy.gif "Crazy") well it is a car horn ![](https://londonbikersarchive.blob.core.windows.net/forums/skins/classic/images/emoticons/laugh.gif "Laugh")** ---
**Author:** ![SneakyMcC](https://londonbikers.com/user_avatar/londonbikers.com/sneakymcc/32/35814_2.png) [@SneakyMcC](https://londonbikers.com/u/SneakyMcC)\ **Post date:** [30 July 2007 22:19 UTC](https://londonbikers.com/t/beware-while-riding-in-central-london/71096/15 "2007-07-30T22:19:55Z")
It’ll help if we were to slow down a bit sometimes ![](https://londonbikersarchive.blob.core.windows.net/forums/skins/classic/images/emoticons/confused.gif "Confused") and if going down the outside of traffic and there’s nowt coming the other way, move further over to the right. That’ll also give you half a chance when the cager does a U-Turn too! ![](https://londonbikersarchive.blob.core.windows.net/forums/skins/classic/images/emoticons/angry.gif "Angry") ---
**Author:** ![TheDon](https://londonbikers.com/letter_avatar_proxy/v4/letter/t/9dc877/32.png) [@TheDon](https://londonbikers.com/u/TheDon)\ **Post date:** [31 July 2007 00:33 UTC](https://londonbikers.com/t/beware-while-riding-in-central-london/71096/16 "2007-07-31T00:33:44Z")
I would say a safe thing when filtering if you dont already is control the throttle with your thumb and index finger and keep the other 2/3 over the front brake at all times… might give you that split second better reactions which could make a difference… Also Loud pipes for the win… I find a quick rev upto 14k or so is far more effective than the poxy horns on most bikes. ---
**Author:** ![jimc](https://londonbikers.com/letter_avatar_proxy/v4/letter/j/ba8739/32.png) [@jimc](https://londonbikers.com/u/jimc)\ **Post date:** [31 July 2007 01:30 UTC](https://londonbikers.com/t/beware-while-riding-in-central-london/71096/17 "2007-07-31T01:30:52Z")
Those with ‘loud cans’ seem to miss the point that the noise is mostly best heard behind them, and to some extent to the side. In front there may be no extra noise at all. ![](https://londonbikersarchive.blob.core.windows.net/forums/skins/classic/images/emoticons/sad.gif "Sad") ---
**Author:** ![SneakyMcC](https://londonbikers.com/user_avatar/londonbikers.com/sneakymcc/32/35814_2.png) [@SneakyMcC](https://londonbikers.com/u/SneakyMcC)\ **Post date:** [31 July 2007 06:40 UTC](https://londonbikers.com/t/beware-while-riding-in-central-london/71096/18 "2007-07-31T06:40:11Z")
True. Also if you do hit the muppet that walked out in front of you, you must have been riding way too fast cause of the noise from ya’bike! ![](https://londonbikersarchive.blob.core.windows.net/forums/skins/classic/images/emoticons/laugh.gif "Laugh") ---
**Author:** ![MickyWiz](https://londonbikers.com/letter_avatar_proxy/v4/letter/m/e5b9ba/32.png) [@MickyWiz](https://londonbikers.com/u/MickyWiz)\ **Post date:** [31 July 2007 08:27 UTC](https://londonbikers.com/t/beware-while-riding-in-central-london/71096/19 "2007-07-31T08:27:23Z")
Maybe Jim, but at ‘filtering through stopped traffic in the City’ speeds, which is where I find they’re most likely to do it, it might just make that vital difference. Every little helps? Had one a little while ago, when a guy facing away from me stepped sideways into the road to avoid a lady who’d just dropped her coffee. He looked a bit surprised to turn round and find his ar$e was less than a yard from becoming a fairing ornament. ---
**Author:** ![woo\_woo](https://londonbikers.com/letter_avatar_proxy/v4/letter/w/8e7dd6/32.png) [@woo\_woo](https://londonbikers.com/u/woo_woo)\ **Post date:** [31 July 2007 08:56 UTC](https://londonbikers.com/t/beware-while-riding-in-central-london/71096/20 "2007-07-31T08:56:50Z")
When I use my bike to get to work its only about 4 miles, but I bet on average I use my horn 15-20 times. Get some abuse for it , but I dont care, at least they know I am there. I think I will count next time. [Next page](https://londonbikers.com/t/beware-while-riding-in-central-london/71096.md?page=2)