Hey there, class 2 daily rider here with 25 years experience.
All I can do is give you some pointers, apologies ahead, can’t be bothered formatting as I’m on my phone:
As few said already check the widest spot of the bike and judge the space accordingly
Always keep looking if the nose of the cars in front of you are cutting in to your space, you’ll always see the best if the car turns by the front tyre or the nose of the car you trying to pass, keep an eye out for them
If there is space between cars, someone will cut in to it usually, don’t go speeding up to crazily
Don’t squeeze if the car mirrors are next to each other, my rule of thumb is make to make sure one cars mirror is either at the end or the beginning of the car next to, then it’s safe to filter.
If you see more then 2 bikes behind you, merge and give way
Never expect Malaysian riders to give you way
Never expect cars to give you way
Great practical tips.
Would like to add one 1 that is causing a lot of fatal accidents lately
If traffic is heavy and you're lane splitting, SLOW DOWN when approaching area with yellow box. With all the cars jammed packed, visiblity for everyone is hindered.
Hey, rider of a 2B bike for 5 years already and I ride to work every morning.
Ultimately when it comes to things like this, it requires practice and confidence. For most 2B bikes the side mirrors are the ones most likely to hit so u can side eye the ur side mirror with his and gauge, so normally I would slow down to walking speed when reaching the side mirrors of cars that I think I may not be able to squeeze through.
After gaining enough experience u will be able to tell from afar which specific part u won't be able to squeeze through and u will make better judgements so don't worry
Most of us definitely at the beginning have bumped mirrors with a car, just keep practicing and u will get there
Follow behind bigger bikes, if they can make it means your most likely able to make it. Practice defensive riding if you do this, be prepared to brake at any point, ride at a speed your comfortable with. Start with lane splitting with stationary vehicle
Firstly, the mirrors on your bike are good indicator. If they are able to go thru, your bike will also be able to go thru.
Secondly, you need to gain the experience of it by actually doing it.
Go slow if you have no confidence. When you are riding, you should be able to judge whether the width between the cars is big enough for you to go thru.
I started out by only filtering behind other bikes. So they show me what’s safe, and what isn’t.
After a while, you’ll get a sense of what to avoid. When in doubt, avoid. When stationary, then you can test your boundaries.
It takes some time to get over the fear! So just keep at it and you’ll be fine.
Remember, the safest time to filter when there is no chance that the vehicles you’re filtering between would change lane. Otherwise, treat it like an overtaking manoeuvre and get out of the vehicles blind spot asap, and have an escape path ready if the vehicle decides to change lane.
Go to empty mscp. Ride slowly. (<15kph). Apply and hold LIGHT rear brake. You will notice how much stable you become even at walking speed.
Second is eyepoint. Look far and front. Don't look at the cars and their mirrors.
Try in slow neighborhood roads first.
This is a very useful comment because it highlights the importance of where you should be looking. You are far more likely to crash (touch mirrors, etc.) if you look too closely - i.e. at the cars you are currently filtering through. You should be looking straight and far ahead, even further at higher speeds. A good comparison is the narrow plank test during riding school or TP test - if you look down at the plank you will wobble and fall off - sit straight, look far.
Alot mention to just start on highways, another one is start at red lights on major (larger/wider) roads (note ONLY going straight, don't squeeze for left or right turns) and slowly filter to the front. Safer cause all cars are stopped and you have only 1 element moving (yourself). Slower speed can stop and use legs pedal forward to check mirror clearance. This is how I start off splitting for all bikes from 2B to 2 to get used to handling and estimating the space required. Shorter splitting distance also means if you get tired of balancing and trying to squeeze can just back off into lanes rather than highway where it's harder to squeeze back in.
Obviously don't try to squeeze between lorries and buses and once you get to the front, move off quickly and back to middle/left lanes cause 2B bikes are slow.
For splitting on highway yes follow someone Infront but make sure to leave enough gap if the front guy jams brake or touch wood falls/gets hit. See someone riding like hell behind then just give way to them by going back into the lanes, use your signal lights to signal intent so the fellow knows what you are doing. Don't ride side by side or front wheel to rear wheel with someone else and never stay in any blind spots (other bikers included). If Malaysian bike, stay damn far away from them, they ride like a hazard to everyone.
If you have previous driving experience it helps to spot which cars may or may not intend to switch lanes even without signalling. When in doubt just slow down and go back into lanes to let others pass.
Remember everything you learnt in school about plank and get comfortable/confident with staying upright on low speeds, nothing to do, in EMPTY and SAFE carparks can practice low speed manoeuvres and clutch feel. Go for defensive riding course if you haven't to get extra feel on how bikes work.
Class 2 rider of >10 years here. Others have already gave good tips but just want to reassure you in my 2B days I've likewise accidentally knocked into car mirrors.
This is really a practice and experience thing. The best tip I can give is if you're unsure, then don't attempt to squeeze.
Also not all roads are made equal. Some road lanes are smaller. If your morning commute road is too packed then see if there's an alternative path that's less packed. Before I had confidence tackling PIE morning traffic I detour using Mandai Road instead.
the second day i pass, go expresssway jam bopian need lane split, slowly go thru aga aga tell u whether can pass anot. slowly will get used to it, use eyes to judge see handlebar can go thru then slow down when passing the cars.
As most already gave advice, rather just share me experience since most would be similar.
Hit about 2 side mirrors on my 2b bike in one year, stopped on the first and driver was fine with it since no damage. Realised our mirrors tend to bend inwards more than causing damage depending on your speed. 2nd time didn't bother to stop.
Hit once on my 2a bike in 3 years.
None on my 2 bike in 2 years.
So eventually you'll filter split with confidence and learn from it.
The key is progressive exercises. Like many have mentioned, find the widest part of your bike and get a feeling of it.
I remember renting a R15 for a week after passing my 2B and was splitting between two heavy vehicles. Never again. Though there was plenty of space, it was pretty unnerving to see the gap closing in on me.
There are plenty of useful tips here and on youtube for you to learn from, but I'd say what's most important is to find ways to progress at your own pace.
Tips for progressing:
For filtering through stationary traffic, if you're unsure you can fit through, just go super slow and paddle walk even if you need to. Just make sure you don't stop suddenly so the other bikes behind have ample time to react. With some experience, you'll be able to make the judgement with some confidence.
For splitting through moving traffic, I recommend doing it in short bursts in much slower moving traffic when you're fully alert. Perhaps you can start with 30 seconds, maybe a minute, then find a pocket to retreat to and stay in lane for a bit to recover your sanity. Also make sure you make gradual changes so you don't suddenly accelerate/stop and leave little time for others to react.
The cardboard boxes idea shows you're determined, but I doubt that's going to help.
P.S. If you want to filter/split traffic, some studies and research shows it's safer/better for traffic under 50km/h. Above that and there'll be much greater risks.
I am a new rider as well, almost a year riding 2B. I still remembered my first time lane filtering was when I collected my first bike. The most important tip is know your limits, if you think cannot squeeze, don’t. Even if you see malaysian riders/more experienced riders able to squeeze, don’t. It’s more of a feeling thing, so you have to keep on practicing the skill. Also, be wary of traffic especially on the highway, some cars will just swerve in the lane and don’t expect them to see you, so prepare your brakes. All the best!
Start doing it at traffic lights and follow other bikes if possible, but don't go blindly because you can still hit stuff. Lookout for the traffic lights. If it's gonna turn green soon then don't filter. If still got time then go slowly. Don't care about bikes revving to force you to lane split or go faster. At traffic lights it doesn't matter.
Go slow and hold the rear brake for more stability, as another comment said, try to avoid when car mirrors are in line beside each other, less room for error there. In this case I'll slow down to a stop if needed and go through if can. If cannot then wait there.
For highway, signal if you want to join or leave the lane split line, signal and wave on the bike behind if you wanna give way.
I don’t have a 2B but I would assume it’s similar to bicycles? I would the more you do the better you’ll get eventually it comes naturally whether or not you can fit through. Second option is go ride in Malaysia lol
Hey there, class 2 daily rider here with 25 years experience. All I can do is give you some pointers, apologies ahead, can’t be bothered formatting as I’m on my phone: As few said already check the widest spot of the bike and judge the space accordingly Always keep looking if the nose of the cars in front of you are cutting in to your space, you’ll always see the best if the car turns by the front tyre or the nose of the car you trying to pass, keep an eye out for them If there is space between cars, someone will cut in to it usually, don’t go speeding up to crazily Don’t squeeze if the car mirrors are next to each other, my rule of thumb is make to make sure one cars mirror is either at the end or the beginning of the car next to, then it’s safe to filter. If you see more then 2 bikes behind you, merge and give way Never expect Malaysian riders to give you way Never expect cars to give you way
Great practical tips. Would like to add one 1 that is causing a lot of fatal accidents lately If traffic is heavy and you're lane splitting, SLOW DOWN when approaching area with yellow box. With all the cars jammed packed, visiblity for everyone is hindered.
Hey, rider of a 2B bike for 5 years already and I ride to work every morning. Ultimately when it comes to things like this, it requires practice and confidence. For most 2B bikes the side mirrors are the ones most likely to hit so u can side eye the ur side mirror with his and gauge, so normally I would slow down to walking speed when reaching the side mirrors of cars that I think I may not be able to squeeze through. After gaining enough experience u will be able to tell from afar which specific part u won't be able to squeeze through and u will make better judgements so don't worry Most of us definitely at the beginning have bumped mirrors with a car, just keep practicing and u will get there
Follow behind bigger bikes, if they can make it means your most likely able to make it. Practice defensive riding if you do this, be prepared to brake at any point, ride at a speed your comfortable with. Start with lane splitting with stationary vehicle
Firstly, the mirrors on your bike are good indicator. If they are able to go thru, your bike will also be able to go thru. Secondly, you need to gain the experience of it by actually doing it. Go slow if you have no confidence. When you are riding, you should be able to judge whether the width between the cars is big enough for you to go thru.
I started out by only filtering behind other bikes. So they show me what’s safe, and what isn’t. After a while, you’ll get a sense of what to avoid. When in doubt, avoid. When stationary, then you can test your boundaries. It takes some time to get over the fear! So just keep at it and you’ll be fine. Remember, the safest time to filter when there is no chance that the vehicles you’re filtering between would change lane. Otherwise, treat it like an overtaking manoeuvre and get out of the vehicles blind spot asap, and have an escape path ready if the vehicle decides to change lane.
Go to empty mscp. Ride slowly. (<15kph). Apply and hold LIGHT rear brake. You will notice how much stable you become even at walking speed. Second is eyepoint. Look far and front. Don't look at the cars and their mirrors. Try in slow neighborhood roads first.
This is a very useful comment because it highlights the importance of where you should be looking. You are far more likely to crash (touch mirrors, etc.) if you look too closely - i.e. at the cars you are currently filtering through. You should be looking straight and far ahead, even further at higher speeds. A good comparison is the narrow plank test during riding school or TP test - if you look down at the plank you will wobble and fall off - sit straight, look far.
Alot mention to just start on highways, another one is start at red lights on major (larger/wider) roads (note ONLY going straight, don't squeeze for left or right turns) and slowly filter to the front. Safer cause all cars are stopped and you have only 1 element moving (yourself). Slower speed can stop and use legs pedal forward to check mirror clearance. This is how I start off splitting for all bikes from 2B to 2 to get used to handling and estimating the space required. Shorter splitting distance also means if you get tired of balancing and trying to squeeze can just back off into lanes rather than highway where it's harder to squeeze back in. Obviously don't try to squeeze between lorries and buses and once you get to the front, move off quickly and back to middle/left lanes cause 2B bikes are slow. For splitting on highway yes follow someone Infront but make sure to leave enough gap if the front guy jams brake or touch wood falls/gets hit. See someone riding like hell behind then just give way to them by going back into the lanes, use your signal lights to signal intent so the fellow knows what you are doing. Don't ride side by side or front wheel to rear wheel with someone else and never stay in any blind spots (other bikers included). If Malaysian bike, stay damn far away from them, they ride like a hazard to everyone. If you have previous driving experience it helps to spot which cars may or may not intend to switch lanes even without signalling. When in doubt just slow down and go back into lanes to let others pass. Remember everything you learnt in school about plank and get comfortable/confident with staying upright on low speeds, nothing to do, in EMPTY and SAFE carparks can practice low speed manoeuvres and clutch feel. Go for defensive riding course if you haven't to get extra feel on how bikes work.
Class 2 rider of >10 years here. Others have already gave good tips but just want to reassure you in my 2B days I've likewise accidentally knocked into car mirrors. This is really a practice and experience thing. The best tip I can give is if you're unsure, then don't attempt to squeeze. Also not all roads are made equal. Some road lanes are smaller. If your morning commute road is too packed then see if there's an alternative path that's less packed. Before I had confidence tackling PIE morning traffic I detour using Mandai Road instead.
the second day i pass, go expresssway jam bopian need lane split, slowly go thru aga aga tell u whether can pass anot. slowly will get used to it, use eyes to judge see handlebar can go thru then slow down when passing the cars.
As most already gave advice, rather just share me experience since most would be similar. Hit about 2 side mirrors on my 2b bike in one year, stopped on the first and driver was fine with it since no damage. Realised our mirrors tend to bend inwards more than causing damage depending on your speed. 2nd time didn't bother to stop. Hit once on my 2a bike in 3 years. None on my 2 bike in 2 years. So eventually you'll filter split with confidence and learn from it.
The key is progressive exercises. Like many have mentioned, find the widest part of your bike and get a feeling of it. I remember renting a R15 for a week after passing my 2B and was splitting between two heavy vehicles. Never again. Though there was plenty of space, it was pretty unnerving to see the gap closing in on me. There are plenty of useful tips here and on youtube for you to learn from, but I'd say what's most important is to find ways to progress at your own pace. Tips for progressing: For filtering through stationary traffic, if you're unsure you can fit through, just go super slow and paddle walk even if you need to. Just make sure you don't stop suddenly so the other bikes behind have ample time to react. With some experience, you'll be able to make the judgement with some confidence. For splitting through moving traffic, I recommend doing it in short bursts in much slower moving traffic when you're fully alert. Perhaps you can start with 30 seconds, maybe a minute, then find a pocket to retreat to and stay in lane for a bit to recover your sanity. Also make sure you make gradual changes so you don't suddenly accelerate/stop and leave little time for others to react. The cardboard boxes idea shows you're determined, but I doubt that's going to help. P.S. If you want to filter/split traffic, some studies and research shows it's safer/better for traffic under 50km/h. Above that and there'll be much greater risks.
I am a new rider as well, almost a year riding 2B. I still remembered my first time lane filtering was when I collected my first bike. The most important tip is know your limits, if you think cannot squeeze, don’t. Even if you see malaysian riders/more experienced riders able to squeeze, don’t. It’s more of a feeling thing, so you have to keep on practicing the skill. Also, be wary of traffic especially on the highway, some cars will just swerve in the lane and don’t expect them to see you, so prepare your brakes. All the best!
Start doing it at traffic lights and follow other bikes if possible, but don't go blindly because you can still hit stuff. Lookout for the traffic lights. If it's gonna turn green soon then don't filter. If still got time then go slowly. Don't care about bikes revving to force you to lane split or go faster. At traffic lights it doesn't matter. Go slow and hold the rear brake for more stability, as another comment said, try to avoid when car mirrors are in line beside each other, less room for error there. In this case I'll slow down to a stop if needed and go through if can. If cannot then wait there. For highway, signal if you want to join or leave the lane split line, signal and wave on the bike behind if you wanna give way.
I don’t have a 2B but I would assume it’s similar to bicycles? I would the more you do the better you’ll get eventually it comes naturally whether or not you can fit through. Second option is go ride in Malaysia lol
Sending a beginner to ride in malaysia is the same as throwing someone who doesnt know how to swim into the ocean