Ravi wrote:

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.

This is true, and it's often what I do. It does allow cars behind to pass in
the middle of the turn rather than wait, which is less likely to **** them off.
But it only makes sense if the road you're turning onto is wide enough to be
fully outside of cars (ie, bike lane) when you complete your turn. Otherwise it
makes more sense to just get in line with cars.

However, there's one other reason to take approach #2. If you're waiting behind
other cars, oncoming traffic can't see you until the last minute. This can be a
problem for red light runners. Even if you have a green arrow, it's common for
oncoming traffic making right turns to roll right around the corner. If you're
first in line,waiting for the light, oncoming traffic still might not see you,
because they're not looking for bikes. In that case, the "cover" of riding next
to a car can be good protection.

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!!

So signal, and take their lane. If they get ****ed off, tough.

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

As long as you stay out of their way, it shouldn't be a problem.

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

It would be great if everyone obeyed the rules, but riding defensively sometimes
means taking the offense.

Matt O.