Advocacy & Safety - Double Right Turn Lanes

Hello All,
On my commute there is a very large intersection I must contend with. There are two left turn lanes, two lanes going straight through, and two right turn lanes. The leftmost right-turn lane is a combo lane allowing drivers to go straight or turn right. So there are actually three lanes going through the intersection. Drivers are allowed to right on the red.

On the opposite end of the intersection, the road narrows to 3 lanes. The "bike lane" disappears. So no matter what, I'm taking the rightmost lanes as I cross the intersection.

If I am going through this intersection (ie, neither turning right or left):

1) What is my safest position to be in if the light is green as I approach the intersection?
2) What is my safest position to be in if the light is red and I have to wait for it to turn green?

BTW, the location of this intersection is in Costa Mesa, CA - corner of Sunflower and Bristol. I am traveling eastbound on Sunflower (crossing Bristol).

Thanks,
Darren

I looked up the intersection - I couldn't see any bike lane, so I assume it ends quite a bit before the intersection.

That said, I would take the lane in the left-most of the two right turn lanes in both scenarios. Ride straight through as with everyone else.

-Kurt

Hello All,
On my commute there is a very large intersection I must contend with. There are two left turn lanes, two lanes going straight through, and two right turn lanes. The leftmost right-turn lane is a combo lane allowing drivers to go straight or turn right. So there are actually three lanes going through the intersection. Drivers are allowed to right on the red.

On the opposite end of the intersection, the road narrows to 3 lanes. The "bike lane" disappears. So no matter what, I'm taking the rightmost lanes as I cross the intersection.

If I am going through this intersection (ie, neither turning right or left):

1) What is my safest position to be in if the light is green as I approach the intersection?
2) What is my safest position to be in if the light is red and I have to wait for it to turn green?

BTW, the location of this intersection is in Costa Mesa, CA - corner of Sunflower and Bristol. I am traveling eastbound on Sunflower (crossing Bristol).

Thanks,
Darren

Typical lousy car culture type layout...

The best thing to keep in mind is to always put yourself in the right most lane that goes where you want to go.

Since that is the left most right hand lane... that is where you should be... I would probably ride that in the left tire track.

Typically right turn on red is for the right lane only.

Stay in the left most of the 2 right turn lanes.

no doubt associated with an entrance to a limited access freeway or similar motorist-centric type facility.

:(

Like others have said, I'd take the left right-turn lane. If that doesn't feel safe, hop off and use the crosswalk.

Pretend your a car. Use whatever lane you would if you were driving through like a car. It will be your safest bet, as you shouldnt need to worry about anyone trying to make a right and run into you.

Aggressive drivers around here often use RTOL to jump the queue and go strait.

Often as in, at least one guy every light cycle.

Two lanes worth of those guys could get interesting.

Ditto: "the right-most lane that serves your destination."

Note that it also serves the Principle of Least Astonishment for the motorists. They'll understand what you're trying to do.

Don't make the mistake of hugging so far over to the right that a motorist thinks you're inviting him to buzz you as you go through the intersection. I think you owe it to yourself to claim the lane at the intersection (since there's no bicycle lane), only going over to the shoulder when you're safely clear of the intersection.



The best thing to keep in mind is to always put yourself in the right most lane that goes where you want to go.