On Tue, 02 Nov 2004 17:48:20 -0800, 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.

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

thanks,
ravi

There is an option #3; the Swanston Street turn (named after a street in
the middle of Melbourne, Australia.)
Take the right lane, go across the intersection, then stop, swing bike
round so as to face in the new direction (left) in the new right lane,
wait for green, go.
This way you do not have to ride out to the left-turning lane in the
middle of the road.

Peter

--
If you are careful enough in life, nothing bad -- or
good -- will ever happen to you.