How to stop cars from turning in front of me?
#1
Member
Thread Starter
Join Date: Jan 2014
Posts: 40
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 0 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 0 Times
in
0 Posts
How to stop cars from turning in front of me?
On my neighbourhood route, there is an intersection (kind of like a T) I come to where cars on a road to my left wanting to turn right (I'm heading straight) have a stop sign. Despite this I regularly have cars that always try to beat me and turn in front of me, cutting me off or almost T-boning me. At this point I'm sometimes going at a speed that's of an excess of 30/kmh. I sometimes give the open hand signal towards them to let cars know to stop but this sometimes does not stop them or enrages them because they have to wait another two seconds (yesterday I had a car that stopped mid-turn but then tailgated, honked and buzzed me). I'm thinking I may need to buy an Airzound or something of the sort for this, but are there any other ideas?
Last edited by Nunymare; 04-19-14 at 12:48 PM.
#2
Senior Member
Join Date: Feb 2012
Posts: 331
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 3 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 1 Time
in
1 Post
The right hook is the most common conflict with motorists and bicycles, and everyone here experiences it a lot.
A horn might not be effective very often. It will mostly startle, or confuse drivers. They will not suspect a horn honk coming from a bicycle.
You can try holding your arm out, with a full palm, and give them a signal to slow, a couple hundred feet before the turn.
But you can't do much to stop drivers from doing it, especially if they are in a hurry and inconsiderate, you can only control how you react.
Your safety is the most important thing. Avoiding injury is a thousand times more important than being right, and taking the right of way that is yours. Losing a few seconds isn't as bad as being ran over.
A horn might not be effective very often. It will mostly startle, or confuse drivers. They will not suspect a horn honk coming from a bicycle.
You can try holding your arm out, with a full palm, and give them a signal to slow, a couple hundred feet before the turn.
But you can't do much to stop drivers from doing it, especially if they are in a hurry and inconsiderate, you can only control how you react.
Your safety is the most important thing. Avoiding injury is a thousand times more important than being right, and taking the right of way that is yours. Losing a few seconds isn't as bad as being ran over.
#3
Member
Thread Starter
Join Date: Jan 2014
Posts: 40
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 0 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 0 Times
in
0 Posts
The right hook is the most common conflict with motorists and bicycles, and everyone here experiences it a lot.
A horn might not be effective very often. It will mostly startle, or confuse drivers. They will not suspect a horn honk coming from a bicycle.
You can try holding your arm out, with a full palm, and give them a signal to slow, a couple hundred feet before the turn.
But you can't do much to stop drivers from doing it, especially if they are in a hurry and inconsiderate, you can only control how you react.
Your safety is the most important thing. Avoiding injury is a thousand times more important than being right, and taking the right of way that is yours. Losing a few seconds isn't as bad as being ran over.
A horn might not be effective very often. It will mostly startle, or confuse drivers. They will not suspect a horn honk coming from a bicycle.
You can try holding your arm out, with a full palm, and give them a signal to slow, a couple hundred feet before the turn.
But you can't do much to stop drivers from doing it, especially if they are in a hurry and inconsiderate, you can only control how you react.
Your safety is the most important thing. Avoiding injury is a thousand times more important than being right, and taking the right of way that is yours. Losing a few seconds isn't as bad as being ran over.
The drivers are on a separate road to my left wanting to turn onto the road that I'm going straight on. They have a stop sign and I have the ROW.
#4
Galveston County Texas
Join Date: Nov 2007
Location: In The Wind
Posts: 33,219
Bikes: 02 GTO, 2011 Magnum
Mentioned: 19 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 1349 Post(s)
Liked 1,243 Times
in
621 Posts
Put one of these on your helmet...Aim it at their head. Turn it off when you clear the intersection.
$8.89 UltraFire WF-501B Philips Luxeon K2 Blue LED Flashlight - 1*18650 / 2*123A / 460-475nm at FastTech - Worldwide Free Shipping
$8.89 UltraFire WF-501B Philips Luxeon K2 Blue LED Flashlight - 1*18650 / 2*123A / 460-475nm at FastTech - Worldwide Free Shipping
__________________
Fred "The Real Fred"
Fred "The Real Fred"
#5
Been Around Awhile
Join Date: Oct 2004
Location: Burlington Iowa
Posts: 29,959
Bikes: Vaterland and Ragazzi
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 12 Post(s)
Liked 1,528 Times
in
1,041 Posts
On my neighbourhood route, there is an intersection (kind of like a T) I come to where cars on a road to my left wanting to turn right (I'm heading straight) have a stop sign. Despite this I regularly have cars that always try to beat me and turn in front of me, cutting me off or almost T-boning me. At this point I'm sometimes going at a speed that's of an excess of 30/kmh. I sometimes give the open hand signal towards them to let cars know to stop but this sometimes does not stop them or enrages them because they have to wait another two seconds (yesterday I had a car that stopped mid-turn but then tailgated, honked and buzzed me). I'm thinking I may need to buy an Airzound or something of the sort for this, but are there any other ideas?
I know this may sound difficult but you might consider slowing down from 30kph when approaching an intersection that you KNOW from experience has a high potential for conflict even if you have the right of way.
#6
Senior Member
Join Date: Apr 2009
Location: New Rochelle, NY
Posts: 38,658
Bikes: too many bikes from 1967 10s (5x2)Frejus to a Sumitomo Ti/Chorus aluminum 10s (10x2), plus one non-susp mtn bike I use as my commuter
Mentioned: 140 Post(s)
Tagged: 1 Thread(s)
Quoted: 5763 Post(s)
Liked 2,537 Times
in
1,404 Posts
If I'm reading this correctly, where the cars are approaching from your left and turning right, it would only be a problem in the UK or Australia (maybe a few other places).
Posting your location in your profile would help interpret the situation.
Then I have the second question. Are the cars burning the stop sign? Or stopping then pulling out as you approach?
Posting your location in your profile would help interpret the situation.
Then I have the second question. Are the cars burning the stop sign? Or stopping then pulling out as you approach?
__________________
FB
Chain-L site
An ounce of diagnosis is worth a pound of cure.
Just because I'm tired of arguing, doesn't mean you're right.
“One accurate measurement is worth a thousand expert opinions” - Adm Grace Murray Hopper - USN
WARNING, I'm from New York. Thin skinned people should maintain safe distance.
FB
Chain-L site
An ounce of diagnosis is worth a pound of cure.
Just because I'm tired of arguing, doesn't mean you're right.
“One accurate measurement is worth a thousand expert opinions” - Adm Grace Murray Hopper - USN
WARNING, I'm from New York. Thin skinned people should maintain safe distance.
#7
24-Speed Machine
Join Date: Jul 2004
Location: Wash. Grove, MD
Posts: 6,058
Bikes: 2003 Specialized Allez 24-Speed Road Bike
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 1 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 1 Time
in
1 Post
On my neighbourhood route, there is an intersection (kind of like a T) I come to where cars on a road to my left wanting to turn right (I'm heading straight) have a stop sign. Despite this I regularly have cars that always try to beat me and turn in front of me, cutting me off or almost T-boning me. At this point I'm sometimes going at a speed that's of an excess of 30/kmh. I sometimes give the open hand signal towards them to let cars know to stop but this sometimes does not stop them or enrages them because they have to wait another two seconds (yesterday I had a car that stopped mid-turn but then tailgated, honked and buzzed me). I'm thinking I may need to buy an Airzound or something of the sort for this, but are there any other ideas?
#8
Member
Thread Starter
Join Date: Jan 2014
Posts: 40
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 0 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 0 Times
in
0 Posts
If I'm reading this correctly, where the cars are approaching from your left and turning right, it would only be a problem in the UK or Australia (maybe a few other places).
Posting your location in your profile would help interpret the situation.
Then I have the second question. Are the cars burning the stop sign? Or stopping then pulling out as you approach?
Posting your location in your profile would help interpret the situation.
Then I have the second question. Are the cars burning the stop sign? Or stopping then pulling out as you approach?
I've attached a pic of what I'm trying to explain here... the blue arrow is my path and the green arrow is the other car's intended path, with the stop sign. (hopefully it's clear - gotta love these neighbourhood designs nowadays...) The street supposedly is a two lane street..
#9
Senior Member
Join Date: Apr 2009
Location: New Rochelle, NY
Posts: 38,658
Bikes: too many bikes from 1967 10s (5x2)Frejus to a Sumitomo Ti/Chorus aluminum 10s (10x2), plus one non-susp mtn bike I use as my commuter
Mentioned: 140 Post(s)
Tagged: 1 Thread(s)
Quoted: 5763 Post(s)
Liked 2,537 Times
in
1,404 Posts
Above is what you drew, and below is what you said. Maybe you can see why I was confused.
In Canada, someone coming from your left and turning right wouldn't affect you at all unless it was very wide turn.
In Canada, someone coming from your left and turning right wouldn't affect you at all unless it was very wide turn.
__________________
FB
Chain-L site
An ounce of diagnosis is worth a pound of cure.
Just because I'm tired of arguing, doesn't mean you're right.
“One accurate measurement is worth a thousand expert opinions” - Adm Grace Murray Hopper - USN
WARNING, I'm from New York. Thin skinned people should maintain safe distance.
FB
Chain-L site
An ounce of diagnosis is worth a pound of cure.
Just because I'm tired of arguing, doesn't mean you're right.
“One accurate measurement is worth a thousand expert opinions” - Adm Grace Murray Hopper - USN
WARNING, I'm from New York. Thin skinned people should maintain safe distance.
#10
Member
Thread Starter
Join Date: Jan 2014
Posts: 40
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 0 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 0 Times
in
0 Posts
The problem with this is that it's a relatively narrow neighbourhood street - there is no road divider but there is really only room for two cars going opposite directions (sometimes there are parked cars on the side of the road making it so much worse). Every time it seems that when people try to squeeze by they end up turning into the (thankfully empty) oncoming lane, or they cut me off by turning right into my path.
#11
Senior Member
Join Date: Apr 2009
Location: New Rochelle, NY
Posts: 38,658
Bikes: too many bikes from 1967 10s (5x2)Frejus to a Sumitomo Ti/Chorus aluminum 10s (10x2), plus one non-susp mtn bike I use as my commuter
Mentioned: 140 Post(s)
Tagged: 1 Thread(s)
Quoted: 5763 Post(s)
Liked 2,537 Times
in
1,404 Posts
The only thing to do in situations like this is to take a lesson from the animal world and do what it takes to make yourself appear bigger or more threatening. Obviously we're not endowed with abilities like that so do the next best thing, and move left to the center of the lane to raise your profile, and project the image of someone coming through no matter what.
It's the same thing I do to prevent left crosses, and believe it or not, you can project the "I'm coming through" message.
It's the same thing I do to prevent left crosses, and believe it or not, you can project the "I'm coming through" message.
__________________
FB
Chain-L site
An ounce of diagnosis is worth a pound of cure.
Just because I'm tired of arguing, doesn't mean you're right.
“One accurate measurement is worth a thousand expert opinions” - Adm Grace Murray Hopper - USN
WARNING, I'm from New York. Thin skinned people should maintain safe distance.
FB
Chain-L site
An ounce of diagnosis is worth a pound of cure.
Just because I'm tired of arguing, doesn't mean you're right.
“One accurate measurement is worth a thousand expert opinions” - Adm Grace Murray Hopper - USN
WARNING, I'm from New York. Thin skinned people should maintain safe distance.
#12
Senior Member
Join Date: Aug 2013
Location: Chicago Western 'burbs
Posts: 1,065
Bikes: 1993 NOS Mt Shasta Tempest, Motobecane Fantom Cross CX, Dahon Speed D7, Dahon Vector P8, Bullitt Superfly
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 2 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 0 Times
in
0 Posts
Most likely drivers will respond to this. What they do after they realize how you tricked them into stopping, well, who knows?
#13
Senior Member
Join Date: Aug 2013
Location: Chicago Western 'burbs
Posts: 1,065
Bikes: 1993 NOS Mt Shasta Tempest, Motobecane Fantom Cross CX, Dahon Speed D7, Dahon Vector P8, Bullitt Superfly
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 2 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 0 Times
in
0 Posts
The only thing to do in situations like this is to take a lesson from the animal world and do what it takes to make yourself appear bigger or more threatening. Obviously we're not endowed with abilities like that so do the next best thing, and move left to the center of the lane to raise your profile, and project the image of someone coming through no matter what.
It's the same thing I do to prevent left crosses, and believe it or not, you can project the "I'm coming through" message.
It's the same thing I do to prevent left crosses, and believe it or not, you can project the "I'm coming through" message.
#14
Senior Member
Join Date: Apr 2009
Location: Buffalo New York
Posts: 2,470
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 2 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 2 Times
in
2 Posts
Take the lane.
__________________
2010 Kestrel RT900SL, 800k carbon, chorus/record, speedplay, zonda
2000 litespeed Unicoi Ti, XTR,XT, Campy crank, time atac, carbon forks
2010 Kestrel RT900SL, 800k carbon, chorus/record, speedplay, zonda
2000 litespeed Unicoi Ti, XTR,XT, Campy crank, time atac, carbon forks
#15
Senior Member
Join Date: Jan 2010
Location: Eugene, Oregon
Posts: 7,048
Mentioned: 10 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 509 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 9 Times
in
8 Posts
This might be one of those situations where a flashing 1200 lumen front light is helpful. It might wake some motorists from their stupor in which they are only processing motor vehicles. It won't do anything for the ones who see you, process what that means and then choose to violate your right of way. You can find such lights for about $30 on Amazon, or pay a bit more for something that will last.
#16
Senior Member
Join Date: Jan 2009
Location: Colorado Springs, CO
Posts: 5,968
Bikes: 2015 Charge Plug, 2007 Dahon Boardwalk, 1997 Nishiki Blazer, 1984 Nishiki International, 2006 Felt F65, 1989 Dahon Getaway V
Mentioned: 54 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 1362 Post(s)
Liked 1,674 Times
in
827 Posts
The better part of valor is discretion, in the which better part I have sav'd my life. Henry The Fourth, Part 1 Act 5, scene 4, 115–121 It doesn't matter if you are in the right in theory, as a cyclist you will always lose when you come up against a car in actuality. So swallow your pride, bridle your bravado, adjust your adrenaline. Do what it takes to stay alive. It does you no good to assert your "right-ness" by throwing yourself under the bus.
#17
Senior Member
Join Date: Apr 2009
Location: New Rochelle, NY
Posts: 38,658
Bikes: too many bikes from 1967 10s (5x2)Frejus to a Sumitomo Ti/Chorus aluminum 10s (10x2), plus one non-susp mtn bike I use as my commuter
Mentioned: 140 Post(s)
Tagged: 1 Thread(s)
Quoted: 5763 Post(s)
Liked 2,537 Times
in
1,404 Posts
It doesn't matter if you are in the right in theory, as a cyclist you will always lose when you come up against a car in actuality. So swallow your pride, bridle your bravado, adjust your adrenaline. Do what it takes to stay alive. It does you no good to assert your "right-ness" by throwing yourself under the bus.
__________________
FB
Chain-L site
An ounce of diagnosis is worth a pound of cure.
Just because I'm tired of arguing, doesn't mean you're right.
“One accurate measurement is worth a thousand expert opinions” - Adm Grace Murray Hopper - USN
WARNING, I'm from New York. Thin skinned people should maintain safe distance.
FB
Chain-L site
An ounce of diagnosis is worth a pound of cure.
Just because I'm tired of arguing, doesn't mean you're right.
“One accurate measurement is worth a thousand expert opinions” - Adm Grace Murray Hopper - USN
WARNING, I'm from New York. Thin skinned people should maintain safe distance.
#18
Banned
On one of my commute routes, I have a problem intersection similar to the OP's, whenever I get within a couple of blocks of the intersection, I turn my on my very bright headlight system, and to strobe mode, this seems to have curtailed a good number of crossover maneuvers being made by motorists.
#19
Resident smartass.
On my neighbourhood route, there is an intersection (kind of like a T) I come to where cars on a road to my left wanting to turn right (I'm heading straight) have a stop sign. Despite this I regularly have cars that always try to beat me and turn in front of me, cutting me off or almost T-boning me
#20
Senior Member
Join Date: Feb 2013
Location: NYC
Posts: 476
Bikes: Schwinn World Sport Jamis Ventura
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 0 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 0 Times
in
0 Posts
If you can safely take the lane do it! However even that might not stop em! You can try playing around with lights and horns or just accept it and anticipate it as an unfortunate part of cycling. People do this all the time get used to it.
#21
Member
Thread Starter
Join Date: Jan 2014
Posts: 40
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 0 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 0 Times
in
0 Posts
Oh, I'm used to it... I ride the same route every day year round so this is nothing new for me. And agreed about taking the lane not stopping some people... sigh.
#23
All Campy All The Time
Join Date: Nov 2013
Location: Richmond, Virginia
Posts: 1,417
Bikes: Listed in my signature.
Mentioned: 2 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 177 Post(s)
Liked 114 Times
in
63 Posts
I pass through a similar intersection frequently, and have the same problem with drivers ignoring my right of way and forcing their left turn beside or in front of me. I've come to expect it and just ride to stay out of their way. I tell myself I'd prefer that they be in front of me rather than behind and trying to pass me.
__________________
My C&V Bikes:
1972 Bottecchia Professional, 1972 Legnano Olympiade Record,
1982 Colnago Super, 1987 Bottecchia Team C-Record,
1988 Pinarello Montello, 1990 Masi Nuova Strada Super Record,
1995 Bianchi Campione d'Italia, 1995 DeBernardi Thron
My C&V Bikes:
1972 Bottecchia Professional, 1972 Legnano Olympiade Record,
1982 Colnago Super, 1987 Bottecchia Team C-Record,
1988 Pinarello Montello, 1990 Masi Nuova Strada Super Record,
1995 Bianchi Campione d'Italia, 1995 DeBernardi Thron
#24
Senior Member
Join Date: Oct 2013
Location: Singapore
Posts: 1,143
Bikes: Fully customized 11-spd MTB built on 2014 Santa Cruz 5010 frame; Brompton S2E-X 2014; Brompton M3E 2014
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 17 Post(s)
Liked 0 Times
in
0 Posts
Every driver is different, so a method which might work for most drivers might not work for that one particular monster truck driver.
Advancing based on the assumption one trick will work for EVERYONE is dangerous if not suicidal. There's just too many factors to ever be sure every driver will see (or most importantly, care) that you are going to assert your right of way.
Advancing based on the assumption one trick will work for EVERYONE is dangerous if not suicidal. There's just too many factors to ever be sure every driver will see (or most importantly, care) that you are going to assert your right of way.
#25
Senior Member
Join Date: Apr 2010
Location: SoCal
Posts: 3,078
Bikes: Roubaix SL4 Expert , Cervelo S2
Mentioned: 1 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 85 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 1 Time
in
1 Post
A bright front flashing light is the best thing you can use to cut down on left crosses. But you should always ride defensively and give yourself an out. Whether that be slowing down, making sure there's room to swerve or just guarding the brakes. I'm always surprised at the number of cyclists who ride in such a way that they are completely unprepared if a driver does something they are not supposed to. I've literally seen riders whose only defense to a right hook was to yell at the driver and hope it was enough to avoid a collision.
Last edited by Dunbar; 04-21-14 at 07:50 PM.