Advocacy & Safety - How often do you merge left?

I rarely see cyclists look back, much less look back and merge left before they cross an intersection. I'm wondering how often BF members do this.

On my way home I have to cross over 2 lanes of busy traffic to make a L turn. I use the glasses mount mirror to watch for a gap in traffic created by the traffic lights. Then I look over my shoulder and give hand signal before I actually make the move. Other occasions where traffic is light I check that nothing is coming and make the move.

I always do it to get out of a right-only lane, but otherwise I only do it if I feel like there are cars right behind me and I need to assert some control.

I do this everyday as part of my commute, which is odd because I live in the UK. This is because I go through a busy one way system with one section that has four lanes. Because of the set up of the road and the volumes of traffic at the time that I use it, I enter this section and immediately pull to the to far right-hand lane, travel the 200-250 meters of the lane and towards the end merge over to the middle right lane to get out of a slip lane to transit interchange. The road then changes into a multi-lane rotary system and further merging left is required to exit the system at my turn.

Merging left in the one-way system is anathema to car drivers and needs to be done with caution. Rather ironically its very much expected on the rotary which adjoins it.

Off topic, but I think in a sense related; what is the VC position on roundabouts/rotary systems that are effectively multi-lane due to their size but lack definitive road markings except a short disctance preceding any light controls that are in place?

I might, if I'm coming up on a lot of stopped traffic and don't want to get hooked. But I usually cross intersections in the bike lane because my routes aren't in areas so ladden with traffic that I don't think someone has a very good chance of seeing me on their approach.

Always. I'm not in the mood to die.

Koffee

I only merge left if the lane is too narrow to share. Most of the intersections on main streets in my area have right turn lanes, so I move into the straight through lane, but if it's wide I stay to the right and let cars pass.

Always. I'm not in the mood to die.

Koffee


Ditto.I want to be predictable, not dead.

I got trained to merge left because on my route there are several intersections with stoplights where most traffic turns right, but there's no right turn lane. I merge left to avoid getting right hooked, and also because if I'm at the front of the line at a red, cars can squeeze by on the right (it's pretty wide, cars squeeze by even other cars there). Usually 10 cars will go by and turn right on red while I'm at the front.

The thing that bugs me is that people don't use their damn turn signals. If I don't see a turn signal, I'm going to stay centered on the lane, and if they really want to turn right, they won't have room. If I see a right turn indicator, I'll move farther right and there will be a safe amount of room.

But lately I've noticed that even those that use their turn signals for some reason don't turn them on until they're 5 feet from the intersection. Some people don't turn them on until they're already beginning the turn. I'm not sure what the point is by then.

They can't expect courtesy if they won't let me know where they're trying to go.

I normally ride in the right half of the right lane.

Before intersections, blind curves, and anywhere else it's unsafe to pass it's a simple matter to check to see if I'm about to be passed and if I'm not, move a couple of feet to the left to the center of the lane.

merging left is where every conditioned street cyclist is going to position his bike without even thinking about it.

I will pick a lane depending on how much turning traffic is ahead of me, not just using the right hand lane if the roadway is multilanes.

Sometimes I just point my finger to the left to claim more space in the lane. :)

Intersections, yeah, I look, signa and move, driveways, perhaps not depending on the traffic around me... if it is busy enough, with lots of potential driveways and lots of potential right hooks, I just stay left... I think too much moving back and forth can be confusing too.

I want to tend to do a straight line and minimize lateral movement, if possible. So in that regard, with short blocks, or near shopping areas, I tend to claim the lane.

I voted "Never or rarely". I'm trying to get into the habit of merging left, but right hooks are not much of a problem where I live.

and to answer your question, the time I do look back when merging is only when making a left turn at the intersection. close to never when merging and going straight or right.

I don't get it. Why would you try to merge with traffic that is going much faster than you prior to reaching an intersection only to go back to the side once you clear it? Other than right-turn-only lanes, or if I'm trying to get in the left-turn lane across multiple lanes of traffic (try that at night!), I don't merge left.

I don't get it. Why would you try to merge with traffic that is going much faster than you prior to reaching an intersection only to go back to the side once you clear it? Other than right-turn-only lanes, or if I'm trying to get in the left-turn lane across multiple lanes of traffic (try that at night!), I don't merge left.

If you stay on the right, instead of taking the lane, you really increase your odds of someone who doesn't see you, or is just a moron in a hurry, either turning into you or cutting you off by turning right in front of you.

I also think motorists are less apt to get pissed at you for passing them on the right while they are waiting in a line of cars. They see me sitting in the lane, waiting with them, I am one of them, just another commuter, only on a bike and not in a cage. If I ride up the gutter or the line, I am one of 'those' PIA cyclists or just another moron in a rush with no patience or manners.

All the speed of the traffic means to me is a measurement of how much space I need to merge and take the lane. If traffic is heavy, I will usually slow down before the intersection and let traffic pass until a suitable gap presents itself.

After looking in my mirror, turning around, and either getting approval, to move over into a space, or taking one and letting it be know well in advance. I merge into the lane before turning left. As far ahead of time as is appropriate.

I will use other safe methods if needed.

When making a left turn at a stoplight, I do my damndest to merge into the left turn lane via looking back and merging. If I get really stuck I'll go through the intersection and stop on the far right at the curb, turning my bike so it's now like I'm in the front of the line, ready to go straight when this new light turns green. Though this is not possible if there are cars at that corner wanting to turn right.

Reasons why I like riding in Boston later at night than during the day/rush hour.

I don't get it. Why would you try to merge with traffic that is going much faster than you prior to reaching an intersection only to go back to the side once you clear it? Other than right-turn-only lanes, or if I'm trying to get in the left-turn lane across multiple lanes of traffic (try that at night!), I don't merge left.

Well you have a good point, in the case of much faster traffic (on one route I ride the speed limit is 55MPH) it is difficult to arbitrarily merge left when that faster traffic is approaching... However, at 55MPH they do have to slow down to make a turn, so if I am approaching a business drive where I could be cut off, AND I am aware of autos closing on me and slowing, I signal for a slow down and move left out of the way of anyone that might be right turning.

Along these lines, I saw an interesting issue last week. There was a maintenance truck in the BL doing some work on trees half way up this hill that I ride at about 10MPH, while that 55MPH traffic zips along on their three lanes. Well I had to move left to avoid the truck... so I looked back and the nearest traffic was perhaps a 1/2 mile back, but approaching quickly... But there was no way I could "see their eyes" nor could I be sure they were even looking that far up the road. Well I signaled and moved out... (after all there was nobody right there where I was then) and continued along... I did glance back to see what was happening and what I saw had the potential for problems: As the forward vehicle saw me and realized I was using "their lane" they would peel left into another lane... the following driver would then speed up... then suddenly realize why the first driver peeled off, then they would peeled off left, then the next driver came up and so on. Fortunately all the drivers had peeled off or pulled over enough to the left to avoid me.

But with this action, I could see how at that speed, if they had been closer initially, how as the first driver peels off and the road is "revealed" to the next driver, they have to realize that there is an "obstruction" ahead. If the second or third driver didn't see me in time to react (remember I am only "revealed" to them as the forward car finally moves to the left lane) they could easily have plowed into me. It would have required a more evasive move on their part to avoid me... Motorists don't react together like cyclists in a pace line... each driver instead sees that the motorist in front of them is moving, therefore they now have "the lead" and often rush to fill any opening void.

In reality, the last auto that sped past me had only moved partially over... either didn't have time or space to fully change lanes or chose not to.

This is the biggest reason that I don't like surface streets with speeds approaching freeway speeds. And in this case like many other examples I can give, this road parallels and is in sight of a freeway.

Surface streets in cities should not exceed 45MPH. I strongly believe a campaign should be started to reduce surface street speeds in cities.

I can cite examples of 50, 55 and even 65MPH roads in this city that parallel freeways (which offer a fine viable alternative for fast traffic)... the surface roads provide the only path for cyclists... and in my mind, there is no reason for the high speeds on those roads. Period.

.As the forward vehicle saw me and realized I was using "their lane" they would peel left into another lane... the following driver would then speed up... then suddenly realize why the first driver peeled off, then they would peeled off left, then the next driver came up and so on. Fortunately all the drivers had peeled off or pulled over enough to the left to avoid me.

Wow, you describe exactly what I see happening behind me while riding in a NOL on arterials here. Then I read more of you post and yep, you go there.

Other things I don't like... Stopping in center or left side of a right most thru lane on a 7 lane road while first in line at stop light. Cars see you and go into the center or left lane so as not be be stuck behind you. Then some agressive driver comes speeding along in left most lane, sees two lines of cars in left and center lane, no one they can see in right lane, they see light just turned green and fast merge right at 50mph to pass all the cars on their right, then suddenly see you sitting there, just getting going on the green and slam on the brakes and screech you wonder if they will stop in time while a cloud of burning rubber blows over you. (yep has happened to me)

Al

This is the biggest reason that I don't like surface streets with speeds approaching freeway speeds. And in this case like many other examples I can give, this road parallels and is in sight of a freeway.
I've noticed that the new housing communities with the cookie-cutter houses on postage-stamp-sized lots have "highways" connecting each development. Those streets have 4 to 6 lanes with speeds up to 50 MPH. And there are no side-streets. In order to get from A to B on those communities, you must use those streets. And they aren't wide enough for a nice comfort zone, nor did the community try to squeeze in Bike Lanes as a nod to cyclists. (This is not a discussion on whether or not BLs are good in this case, but merely that the city gave no thought to cyclists when designing the community.)

I generally ride 3-4 feet from the curb (assuming a road without parked cars, or other obstructions), but always take the lane when approaching an intersection. If it's wide enough, I'll accomodate people making right turns by going as far to the left as is practical... otherwise I position myself roughly at the center.

Wow, you describe exactly what I see happening behind me while riding in a NOL on arterials here. Then I read more of you post and yep, you go there.

Other things I don't like... Stopping in center or left side of a right most thru lane on a 7 lane road while first in line at stop light. Cars see you and go into the center or left lane so as not be be stuck behind you. Then some agressive driver comes speeding along in left most lane, sees two lines of cars in left and center lane, no one they can see in right lane, they see light just turned green and fast merge right at 50mph to pass all the cars on their right, then suddenly see you sitting there, just getting going on the green and slam on the brakes and screech you wonder if they will stop in time while a cloud of burning rubber blows over you. (yep has happened to me)

Al


Yeah, I thought exactly of your situation as I was thinking about it... A lot more traffic and those autos would not have been able to "peel off" and things could have gotten ugly.

I think the thing that really irratates me is the "race car mentality" of so many of these drivers... that they have to "beat" the vehicle next to them or push to meet and hold that MAXIUM speed. Increasing the speed limit only encourages this behaviour.

Had a guy last night pulling a bone head move... right on my tail as I was driving (wet streets here last night too... ) just under the speed limit in my neighborhood... if I had to suddenly stop for anything, that idiot would have been right next to me in the passenger seat. As I made a left turn, he then sped up... obviously then speeding... Where was the fire?

But there was no way I could "see their eyes" nor could I be sure they were even looking that far up the road. Well I signaled and moved out... (after all there was nobody right there where I was then) and continued along... I did glance back to see what was happening and what I saw had the potential for problems: As the forward vehicle saw me and realized I was using "their lane" they would peel left into another lane... the following driver would then speed up... then suddenly realize why the first driver peeled off, then they would peeled off left, then the next driver came up and so on. Fortunately all the drivers had peeled off or pulled over enough to the left to avoid me.

But with this action, I could see how at that speed, if they had been closer initially, how as the first driver peels off and the road is "revealed" to the next driver, they have to realize that there is an "obstruction" ahead. If the second or third driver didn't see me in time to react (remember I am only "revealed" to them as the forward car finally moves to the left lane) they could easily have plowed into me. It would have required a more evasive move on their part to avoid me... Motorists don't react together like cyclists in a pace line...
That's what I see every day in my mirror as I commute on a 55mph road; and is the reason I scoff at the spacey all purpose advice and dogma emanating from "experts" who preach that that they (and all other suitably trained cyclists) can control high speed traffic under all conditions with cryptic stares and body language, AS IF motorists and cyclists ARE in an orderly pace line and drive accordingly.

That's what I see every day in my mirror as I commute on a 55mph road; and is the reason I scoff at the spacey all purpose advice and dogma emanating from "experts" who preach that that they (and all other suitably trained cyclists) can control high speed traffic under all conditions with cryptic stares and body language, AS IF motorists and cyclists ARE in an orderly pace line and drive accordingly.

However I would be willing to bet that your 55MPH road is rural in nature and does not carry the traffic load of the multilaned roads I use or especially that noisebeam uses...

So not the same at all.

But scoff on... as I think speed differential is a problem... so in a manner, I agree with you.

However I would be willing to bet that your 55MPH road is rural in nature and does not carry the traffic load of the multilaned roads I use or especially that noisebeam uses...

So not the same at all.

But scoff on... as I think speed differential is a problem... so in a manner, I agree with you.


I scoff at the notion of a 55mph road around here...if that's the posted limit, the average cage is moving at 70 at least (you gotta be more than like 15 over around here to even get the attention of a cop). I don't mind it on the rural roads...but in the city I feel like I'm playing Mouse Hunt...and I am the mouse.

Roads here are posted 45, 50 and recently some have been lowered from 45 to 40.

But everyone drives about 50-55, 60 on the ones posted 50. I haven't noticed anyone driving slower on the roads lowered to 40 - nor have I seen any enforcement.

The vast majority of arterials are pleasant to ride on, even during rush hour - of course these tend to be the ones with WOL or BL. It is only some stretches of some arterials that get very unpleasant.

Al

Wow, you describe exactly what I see happening behind me while riding in a NOL on arterials here. Then I read more of you post and yep, you go there.

Other things I don't like... Stopping in center or left side of a right most thru lane on a 7 lane road while first in line at stop light. Cars see you and go into the center or left lane so as not be be stuck behind you. Then some agressive driver comes speeding along in left most lane, sees two lines of cars in left and center lane, no one they can see in right lane, they see light just turned green and fast merge right at 50mph to pass all the cars on their right, then suddenly see you sitting there, just getting going on the green and slam on the brakes and screech you wonder if they will stop in time while a cloud of burning rubber blows over you. (yep has happened to me)

Al
This is a potential problem for a motorcyclist too, though his window of vulnerability is smaller he can accelerate faster.

The further back you are from the stop stripe in such a situation, the better the sight lines are to you from those approaching from the rear in other lanes...

The other day while driving my car I slowed and stopped at an uncontrolled intersection to let a jogger cross (Gene, this was n/b LJ Shores Drive a couple of blocks south of Calle d'Oro). Anyway, as the guy is jogging across, I suddenly notices a white flash in my rear view mirror as a white BMW M5 pulls around me on my right side (it's a VWOL - wide enough for two cars, at least when one is stopped) and accelerates into the intersection, obviously unaware and unconcerned as to why I was stopped. Luckily, the jogger was vigilant and stopped dead in his tracks in the center of the intersection as the M5 cut right in front of him, with the driver waving, perhaps sheepishly... I couldn't tell from my angle.

Anyway, yeah, that type of careless behavior is certainly out there. Be aware. Be vigilant. That's a big part of operating vehicularly for the driver of any kind of vehicle, but particularly for low visibility drivers like motorcyclists and bicyclists.

I voted almost or always & normally look back. I only ride contanly centerish on NOLs and where traffic slows to 30mph or so even if there is no intersection. Approaching and thru intersections always centerish.

One thing I've noticed traveling above 20mph or so is that if a potential for a right hook is going to happen, it is always me approaching the car ahead and I have plenty of time to merge behind them and pass on left. It is when one gets in the 15mph range that a right hook right from ones immediate left is going to happen. In anycase I merge left out of the right of a WOL or out of the BL near intersections.

Except for the one rare case of being right hooked by a driver passing me in the next lane over while I was riding in the center of a NOL I have never even come close to being right hooked. But this driver was intentionally right hooking me to make a point.

Al

Roads here are posted 45, 50 and recently some have been lowered from 45 to 40.

But everyone drives about 50-55, 60 on the ones posted 50. I haven't noticed anyone driving slower on the roads lowered to 40 - nor have I seen any enforcement.


Al

The part in Bold is the problem... not the posted speed.

I'm impressed over 65% of the respondents answered one form of "always or almost always".

ALL: Where do you live, and what percent of cyclists in your area also always or almost always merge left away from the right side before crossing an intersection?

I'm impressed over 65% of the respondents answered one form of "always or almost always".

ALL: Where do you live, and what percent of cyclists in your area also always or almost always merge left away from the right side before crossing an intersection?

Yeah... but remember you are preaching to the choir here... cyclists that cared enough to even search on the net for a forum... much less spend time in A&S...

The other 99% of the world is still out there doing who knows what...

ALL: Where do you live, and what percent of cyclists in your area also always or almost always merge left away from the right side before crossing an intersection?
In phx-metro I have never once observed this behavior by other cyclists. Of course there are others here who do, but our paths have never crossed.

Al

The part in Bold is the problem... not the posted speed.
Its been publicly said these type of traffic violations are not going to be proactively enforced due to budget contraints. I remember 10rys ago I often saw motorcycle officers regulary patroling and setting up traps. Haven't seen this in the past 3-4yrs.

Al

Its been publicly said these type of traffic violations are not going to be proactively enforced due to budget contraints. I remember 10rys ago I often saw motorcycle officers regulary patroling and setting up traps. Haven't seen this in the past 3-4yrs.

Al

Yeah, I can't recall when I have last seen any speed traps either... I am sure that is exactly what motorists think too.

Always, as the lanes are either narrow or traffic is heavy and I'm travelling at the same speed. The only time I'm hanging in the right is on Venice Blvd here in LA where the WOL is so wide the BL is pretty redundant. But I will creep on the right when the intersections are so backed up that I will miss the light if I don't. But then it is of course my responsibility to be extra cautious of right turners. My commute has gotten to the point of full-on auto pilot as I find myself bunny-hopping the same potholes and waving to the same folks waiting at the bus stops. This is good and bad, but I think most drivers are now used to seeing me and I only get the occasional honks. And in my mind if someone is honking at me that means that they see me and that is well over half of our battle.

-Marcus

I vote other. The way bike lanes are set up here with many intersections having right turn only lanes. Whether I take the lane at an intersection or not depends on situation and the potential for crossing collisions.

However I would be willing to bet that your 55MPH road is rural in nature and does not carry the traffic load of the multilaned roads I use or especially that noisebeam uses...

So not the same at all.

But scoff on... as I think speed differential is a problem... so in a manner, I agree with you.
5,000 + ADT. Sorry if that doesn't meet your criteria for traffic load.

Traffic that suits your fancy or not, I scoff at those who claim to see into the eyes of motorists approaching from the rear at 55mph+, in the dark no less, and transmit alpha dog messages.

I merge left when its safe and sensible to do so. In other words if i can make my turn faster by makeing aa right then another in to a parking lot and rejoining trafic flow headed in my intended direction thats what ill do.

Thats one of the benifits of riding a bike after all. I can often get my left turn done faster than the car in front of me by makeing a right then turning around in a lot drive ete then heading where i intended. Going strait on green or right on red or green is much easyer than turning left on green when its busy. Ive had driver end up aborting the merge in to a left turn only lane to do what they seen me do. Takes them a bit longer to do it but it still saves time. Had one guy say man i wish id thought of this sooner while waiting at the red light.

Its one reason i think trafic circles would go over very well here. The single lane and double lane ones just make so much sence. Just need to have some crossing gate set up thats break away and automatic for EM vehicals. Corse ones that stop the flow of trafic for reg trafic as well.

Nova, are you a hunt-n-pecker? Just curious...

Yeah... but remember you are preaching to the choir here... cyclists that cared enough to even search on the net for a forum... much less spend time in A&S...

And even among the time spenders on this list, only a certain type are still willing to answer troll polls where the response is likely to be challenged if it doesn't meet the pollster's "approved" response.

Oh, yeah, the only time i don't merge left is when theres enough traffic that riding VC would slow me down.

So, riding in the door zone, filtering to the intersection, I'm riding right in a shared lane, not left. At some point in the manuver, i will merge left if i have to, or cross to the next lane, to avoid right hooks at the intersections in this type of city riding.

I'm impressed over 65% of the respondents answered one form of "always or almost always".

ALL: Where do you live, and what percent of cyclists in your area also always or almost always merge left away from the right side before crossing an intersection?
Statesville, NC (town of 20K in NC Piedmont region); about 0.1% (ie, mainly just me). Most cyclists here are of the "invisible" variety -- wrong way and/or sidewalk, no helmet (and probably biking of necessity, not choice). Most of the rest are recreational. For what it's worth, I try to set a good example.

On the plus side: lots of wide lanes and traffic is seldom a real problem. However, many drivers here could use some "re-education" -- maybe a camp in Siberia?

As the forward vehicle saw me and realized I was using "their lane" they would peel left into another lane... the following driver would then speed up... then suddenly realize why the first driver peeled off, then they would peeled off left, then the next driver came up and so on...

the first driver peels off and the road is "revealed" to the next driver, they have to realize that there is an "obstruction" ahead. If the second or third driver didn't see me in time to react (remember I am only "revealed" to them as the forward car finally moves to the left lane) they could easily have plowed into me.

Perhaps a bike flag would help? I know it sounds silly, but as a recumbent rider I have found that they can be helpful especially for the types of situations you describe. Or for those situations where the car is so big the driver can't see anything around or behind them despite their best efforts.

I'm not using a flag right now in case you were wondering.

Nova, are you a hunt-n-pecker? Just curious...
As in typing? Heh hell no if so i type upwards of 90wpm.
The double a in my last post was my key getting stuck and me not backspaceing out the last extra. Bef removed them i had like 30 of them heh.

And even among the time spenders on this list, only a certain type are still willing to answer troll polls where the response is likely to be challenged if it doesn't meet the pollster's "approved" response.

I notice you are here... 'nuff said.

It looks like you guys mean merging into the "official" traffic lane at intersections after riding on the bike lane, or on the other side of the fog line, so as to prevent people passing and then turning across your path?

I was coming home the long way last night, on the shoulder of a four-lane divided highway with traffic speeds around 60mph/100kph. There was more traffic than normal, and it was nighttime. Looking back in my mirror, I saw many sets of headlights overtaking me.

I was approaching an intersection where people can pull into a long right-turn lane to decelerate for a turn onto a smaller highway, so I did have this decision to make. The smaller highway is heavily used too, so it was almost guaranteed that there would be people overtaking me that wanted to get into the right-turn lane, as well as oncoming motorists from the other side of the divided highway wanting to make a left turn onto it.

Gauging the traffic in my mirror, and looking at the intersection ahead, I ended up adjusting my speed a little to shoot for a gap in the overtaking traffic, then accelerated to perhaps 25mph/35kph and went down the left edge of the right-turn lane to the intersection, a few feet to the right of the traffic lane. My thinking was:

1) pulling into 60mph/100kph traffic at night in heavy highway traffic is dumb. If there were just a couple cars, with plenty of time to react and open lane space to merge into, then maybe. But not when there's fleets of them in both lanes.

2) someone pulling into the right-turn lane behind me can pass on my right. There's a big shoulder, so they can safely edge further to the right, and they will already be decelerating too.

3) if I use the shoulder at the edge of the road myself, basically I will have to turn onto the small highway and then do a U-turn to get in line to get back onto the big highway. And while that would be the most prudent thing to do, I am a stubborn fellow and also seemed to have a workable opening in the traffic.

So I went up the left edge of the right-turn lane to the intersection, went through the intersection past cars waiting to make both left and right turns onto the big highway (it's a T intersection), and there I was on the shoulder again, on the far side. As I cleared the intersection, the overtaking cars had just closed the gap I'd exploited, and began passing.

All of which illustrates the situation-dependent nature of this question. If I were in the city, with our 30mph speed limits, I would certainly grab the through lane under almost any circumstance. So what do I vote in the poll? :D

So what do I vote in the poll? :D

Do what I do in Presidential and other elections where no candidate passes the smell test, vote for Snoopy! :D

I notice you are here... 'nuff said.
Being here and casting votes in troll polls, are separate issues, independent of each other.

Drawing conclusions from troll poll "results" is too much said.

I just got back from a bike ride around town at about 1/3 of my usual riding speed because of a recent injury.

I found I was all over the road, at intersections and otherwise. Left hand side of a right hand only lane, next to a center-and-left lane, then forward. Center of a lane at a light, then moving right to allow cars built up behind me passing room without breaking their left hand stripe. Left side of a center lane. right side of a left hand lane on a one way. Filtering to the right in a WOL, then taking the lane. Center of the lane the whole way through, or sometimes the left side, or the right. it really depended on a lot of variables. like wether the cross street was a one way, or the street i was on versus what was going to happen in a couple of blocks.

it's real tough to say 'i always merge left.' Rather, I position myself to my best advantage in the lane.

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