On Tue, 2 Nov 2004 19:14:24 -0800, "RWM" wrote:


"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.

It's hard to tell not seeing the general 'vibe' for that intersection, but
if you're going as fast as any of the turning cars for the first part of
the turn, yeah, take the lane, and keep up, then as soon as you get into
the straightaway release the lane and get to the side if there's nothing to
impede you. Most bikers, even clydesdales like me can keep up for that
first 10 seconds around a turn and then find the safe spot. If it's a
skinny one-lane road, I'd hit the intersection behind all the cars, rather
than queue up in traffic, or take the lane until I could safely get over.

On a narrow road, the traffic post turn I can usually sprint up to 22 mph
and even stay ahead of the cars behind me and find the safe spot, typically
the speed limit is only 25 and you're doing it, lol. If it's uphill, that's
a different story. I might take it when traffic is clear, find another
route, etc. There are always options, imo. ;-)

-B