"Ravi" wrote in message
news:1099446345.535654@sj-nntpcache-5...
Hi,
What is the best method when it comes to making left turns (with a Left
Only lane).

Options:
1. Wait behind a car and move when the car ahead goes. (take the lane)
2. Split lanes and go slightly to the front (may be right) of first car.

I have been doing #2 - my logic: if you wait behind a car, there will be a
car behind you - when the signal turns green, you are slowing down the car
on your back. Also, since you are the first one to start out on the left
turn, you can swing out wide (and to the right) allowing all cars to turn
and proceed.

Few scenarios i have found #2 not work well
A. when you are slowly passing all the cars on their right, the light
could turn green - you are lane splitting and the cars start moving!!

B. When the traffic on right (lanes where traffic goes straight) is moving
fast (30mph) - it is down right dangerous.

i sometimes resorting to box turns when there is too much traffic going
straight that it is not easy to navigate to the left turn lane.

what do you guys think ? are there rules in this regard - somehow, i
missed this when i attended the LAB BikeEd class



My belief is that you always follow the rules for cars. I never slide past
any stopped cars to get to the front at any intersection unless there is a
designated bike lane. In my experience it just makes cars angry to have to
pass you again after you passed them when they were stopped. In your
example above, I do number 1, but try to swing as wide right as possible,
not taking the lane, allowing cars to pass me while they make the turn.