Filtering

[Grahamm]

Do you and how long did it take you to filter with confidence and what are your do's & don'ts

Yes, I do it, I always have done, but that's because whilst I've only been riding a motorbike for about 6 years, I've been cycling for most of my life :-)

I like to get up front and put the bike and myself in front of any other vehicle to show my intention as I have been in a position when cage drivers will try and race me with little success but try and force me over. They do not like a bike progressing.

I wouldn't recommend that, it's aggressive and can lead to problems (as you've noticed). I prefer to filter up to the gap behind the first car stopped at traffic lights etc and then wait for the lights to change. If they've seen you and wait, then go ahead and give them a nice "thank you" wave, otherwise look for an opportunity to pass them a bit later.

Remember that, if it's on zig-zag lines, it's illegal to overtake ie have your front wheel cross the line of their front wheels, so don't do that.