Passing intersection next to large vehicle...tips?
#1
Senior Member
Thread Starter
Passing intersection next to large vehicle...tips?
In the scenario pictured in the attachment, which I often encounter:
I (green) am passing an intersection while riding to the right/rear of a bus or other large vehicle, and an oncoming car/vehicle (red) is waiting to make left turn. If I don't want to wait, then I usually "take advantage" of the bus/truck and follow through next to it. But sometimes this can be dangerous, as the turning car's driver may not be aware of my presence, so if he is also impatient, may hit me.
So in such scenario, is it safer to wait behind the bus so that the turning car driver can see me? (3 possible positions of bike)
I (green) am passing an intersection while riding to the right/rear of a bus or other large vehicle, and an oncoming car/vehicle (red) is waiting to make left turn. If I don't want to wait, then I usually "take advantage" of the bus/truck and follow through next to it. But sometimes this can be dangerous, as the turning car's driver may not be aware of my presence, so if he is also impatient, may hit me.
So in such scenario, is it safer to wait behind the bus so that the turning car driver can see me? (3 possible positions of bike)
#2
Senior Member
Join Date: Apr 2012
Location: Memphis TN area
Posts: 7,391
Bikes: 2011 Felt Z85 (road/commuter), 2006 Marin Pine Mountain (utility/commuter E-bike), 1995 KHS Alite 1000 (gravel grinder)
Mentioned: 25 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 676 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 13 Times
in
13 Posts
Get in the lane behind the bus. Move left of center in the lane so that oncoming cars turning left have the best possible view of you.
Lots of great info here: Bicyclist Behaviors & Crash Risk - i am traffic
And also here: FAQ: Why do you ride like that? | CyclingSavvy
Lots of great info here: Bicyclist Behaviors & Crash Risk - i am traffic
And also here: FAQ: Why do you ride like that? | CyclingSavvy
#3
Senior Member
Thread Starter
Thank you so much!--and for the links, too!
But what if I had been riding on the right side of the rightmost lane all along and will continue to stay on that side? Wouldn't it be odd to move to the left lane just to pass the intersection?
But what if I had been riding on the right side of the rightmost lane all along and will continue to stay on that side? Wouldn't it be odd to move to the left lane just to pass the intersection?
#4
Senior Member
Join Date: Apr 2012
Location: Memphis TN area
Posts: 7,391
Bikes: 2011 Felt Z85 (road/commuter), 2006 Marin Pine Mountain (utility/commuter E-bike), 1995 KHS Alite 1000 (gravel grinder)
Mentioned: 25 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 676 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 13 Times
in
13 Posts
Perhaps, but it's still the safest place to be. That's why I ride in the lane by default, so I'm not always weaving back and forth.
#5
Senior Member
Thread Starter
In the speed that I ride, if I take the lane, all the drivers would be honking at me . But I get it from you that this is yet another case when I should be away from large vehicles.
#6
Senior Member
Join Date: Apr 2009
Location: New Rochelle, NY
Posts: 38,716
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: 5787 Post(s)
Liked 2,580 Times
in
1,430 Posts
I routin ely use trucks and buses as blockers coming through intersections.
However, I have rules. I don't ride forward of the rear axle unless I'm 100% sure the bus or truck is going straight. I prefer being just aft of the rear axle, or even hanging on the rear corner, or a few feet behind.
But the one thing you absolutely don't want to do is be more than a very short distance behind. In that position the bus screens you from sight and a person timing his left to just clear will nail you.
So the key, either be in plain sight well back of the bus, or use it as a blocker, but not in between.
However, I have rules. I don't ride forward of the rear axle unless I'm 100% sure the bus or truck is going straight. I prefer being just aft of the rear axle, or even hanging on the rear corner, or a few feet behind.
But the one thing you absolutely don't want to do is be more than a very short distance behind. In that position the bus screens you from sight and a person timing his left to just clear will nail you.
So the key, either be in plain sight well back of the bus, or use it as a blocker, but not in between.
__________________
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
Senior Member
Join Date: Jun 2008
Location: Rochester MN
Posts: 927
Bikes: Raleigh Port Townsend, Raleigh Tourist
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 36 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 11 Times
in
8 Posts
Please do not ride alongside the right side of a large vehicle. Yes, they do have mirrors, but a cyclist is relatively small and easy to miss if the vehicle decides to make a right turn. If you don't want to move to the left of the traffic lane, drop back far enough that there is room for a the car to make its turn between the vehicle and you.
#8
Senior Member
Join Date: Apr 2009
Location: New Rochelle, NY
Posts: 38,716
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: 5787 Post(s)
Liked 2,580 Times
in
1,430 Posts
Yes, between the axles on a long vehicles is the kill position. However, staying behind the rear axle, and moving at the same speed can be safe if you stay alert. This is especially true if the front is well into the intersection coming off a stop. The speed is well within your maneuvering range, and if the front is well past the turning point you know he's not going to 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.
#9
contiuniously variable
I just do my own thing based on the situation unless i need to make a turn. If i need to turn left, i'll be at the left side of the lane.
- Andy
- Andy
#10
Senior Member
Thread Starter
Thanks--I'll keep all your tips in mind. Btw, I don't know about others, but for myself, I often fail to pay attention to the oncoming left-turning cars (the same when I am a pedestrian crossing a street), as my attention is devoted to the cars behind or passing me.
#11
Senior Member
Join Date: Apr 2011
Location: Vancouver,Washington
Posts: 2,280
Bikes: Old steel GT's, for touring and commuting
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 39 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 1 Time
in
1 Post
In the scenario pictured in the attachment, which I often encounter:
I (green) am passing an intersection while riding to the right/rear of a bus or other large vehicle, and an oncoming car/vehicle (red) is waiting to make left turn. If I don't want to wait, then I usually "take advantage" of the bus/truck and follow through next to it. But sometimes this can be dangerous, as the turning car's driver may not be aware of my presence, so if he is also impatient, may hit me.
So in such scenario, is it safer to wait behind the bus so that the turning car driver can see me? (3 possible positions of bike)
I (green) am passing an intersection while riding to the right/rear of a bus or other large vehicle, and an oncoming car/vehicle (red) is waiting to make left turn. If I don't want to wait, then I usually "take advantage" of the bus/truck and follow through next to it. But sometimes this can be dangerous, as the turning car's driver may not be aware of my presence, so if he is also impatient, may hit me.
So in such scenario, is it safer to wait behind the bus so that the turning car driver can see me? (3 possible positions of bike)
I either:
1) I usually choose a position between A and B, giving me room to hit the brakes and have the big vehicle pass in front of me if it starts merging into my space and keeping me in the shadow of the big vehicle as far as the oncoming turning traffic or:
2) take the lane behind the big vehicle, positioning myself to the left of the lane so that I can be seen by the oncoming traffic.
Which I choose varies depending on the exact traffic situation at that moment and my mood.
#12
Senior Member
Join Date: Apr 2011
Location: Vancouver,Washington
Posts: 2,280
Bikes: Old steel GT's, for touring and commuting
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 39 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 1 Time
in
1 Post
Yes, between the axles on a long vehicles is the kill position. However, staying behind the rear axle, and moving at the same speed can be safe if you stay alert. This is especially true if the front is well into the intersection coming off a stop. The speed is well within your maneuvering range, and if the front is well past the turning point you know he's not going to turn.
I'm all for vehicular cycling, but I'm flexible too, this is a place where you can use your judgement and cycle safely, taking advantage of the cover the big vehicle provides, particularly if you are starting out far to the right and going to end up there anyway.
#13
Senior Member
Join Date: Apr 2011
Location: Vancouver,Washington
Posts: 2,280
Bikes: Old steel GT's, for touring and commuting
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 39 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 1 Time
in
1 Post
Ignore the cars behind you. Do you have a mirror? The amount of time you devout to vehicles behind you should decrease some with one, or at least you are still facing forward and spending less time on checks to your 6. If you've positioned yourself to the far left of the lane or in the shadow of the big vehicle, you shouldn't have to worry too much about the left turning vehicles anyway.
#14
Senior Member
Thread Starter
Ignore the cars behind you. Do you have a mirror? The amount of time you devout to vehicles behind you should decrease some with one, or at least you are still facing forward and spending less time on checks to your 6. If you've positioned yourself to the far left of the lane or in the shadow of the big vehicle, you shouldn't have to worry too much about the left turning vehicles anyway.
#15
Fahrradfahrer
Join Date: Sep 2014
Location: Anchorage, Alaska
Posts: 367
Bikes: n+1
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 1 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 1 Time
in
1 Post
Get in the lane behind the bus. Move left of center in the lane so that oncoming cars turning left have the best possible view of you.
Lots of great info here: Bicyclist Behaviors & Crash Risk - i am traffic
And also here: FAQ: Why do you ride like that? | CyclingSavvy
Lots of great info here: Bicyclist Behaviors & Crash Risk - i am traffic
And also here: FAQ: Why do you ride like that? | CyclingSavvy
#16
Senior Member
Join Date: Apr 2009
Location: New Rochelle, NY
Posts: 38,716
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: 5787 Post(s)
Liked 2,580 Times
in
1,430 Posts
Also, do a check to make sure crossing traffic with a red is actually stopping, until they confirm that by slowing, you have no idea what they'll do.
All of this, checking shoulder, left front, and both cross directions is a quick head swivel, and there's plenty of time at bicycle speeds. You just train yourself to run the checks the way a quarterback checks of his receivers working down to backup targets.
__________________
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.
#17
Senior Member
Thread Starter
#18
Registered User
Join Date: Jan 2011
Location: NA
Posts: 4,267
Bikes: NA
Mentioned: 1 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 9 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 7 Times
in
7 Posts
I typically split lanes and pass the bus on the left. Riding on the left increases your visibility to oncoming traffic and typically provides room for an emergency bailout in the *unlikely* event the larger vehicle turns left (rare for buses). If you are a slower rider then getting behind the bus is a better idea. Don't tail gate. I've seen terrible facial injuries on cyclists who did not have time to respond to a vehicle that emergency brakes.
Last edited by spare_wheel; 09-26-14 at 08:50 AM.
#19
Senior Member
Thread Starter
Yours truly had an accident four years ago: riding just behind a bus that was going slow, so slow that I lost balance, fell behind the bus. My metal front basket hit my ankle, which to this day still has the visible scar. Handlebar also twisted and basket both twisted.
#20
contiuniously variable
I should add that the SEPTA bus drivers around here are usually amazing at passing me with me being in the lane on the right side and not encroaching much on the opposite lane. One of these spots has no shoulder. I have called a few times to note this to SEPTA so the bus operator gets my thanks.
I think the most important thing to do when near larger vehicles, is be predictable, and if possible stay visible/in their mirror. If you see these vehicles being operated unsafely/illegally definitely stop and call the cops if you can, as there are a lot of overloaded and mechanically unsafe rigs out there being driven without insurance and by people with expired or no licenses.
- Andy
I think the most important thing to do when near larger vehicles, is be predictable, and if possible stay visible/in their mirror. If you see these vehicles being operated unsafely/illegally definitely stop and call the cops if you can, as there are a lot of overloaded and mechanically unsafe rigs out there being driven without insurance and by people with expired or no licenses.
- Andy
#21
Resident smartass.
Yes. I would stay behind the bus, in a position where you can be seen by both the driver of the bus in his/her left side mirror, as well as being visible to the driver who is turning left. As soon as you're past the intersection, then you are free to return to the right portion of the lane, unless of course the bus is stopping.
#22
meh
Join Date: Jul 2014
Location: Hopkins, MN
Posts: 4,704
Bikes: 23 Cutthroat, 21 CoMotion Java; 21 Bianchi Infinito; 15 Surly Pugsley; 11 Globe Daily; 09 Kona Dew Drop; 96 Mondonico
Mentioned: 22 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 1110 Post(s)
Liked 1,013 Times
in
519 Posts
What this video, it will help when you think about bike position around large vehicle:
As a former commercial driver, I can tell you, as hard as you try to watch blind-spot, it is hard to see everything.
As a former commercial driver, I can tell you, as hard as you try to watch blind-spot, it is hard to see everything.
#23
Senior Member
Join Date: Aug 2006
Location: Portland OR
Posts: 7,639
Bikes: 61 Bianchi Specialissima 71 Peugeot G50 7? P'geot PX10 74 Raleigh GranSport 75 P'geot UO8 78? Raleigh Team Pro 82 P'geot PSV 86 P'geot PX 91 Bridgestone MB0 92 B'stone XO1 97 Rans VRex 92 Cannondale R1000 94 B'stone MB5 97 Vitus 997
Mentioned: 146 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 392 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 49 Times
in
31 Posts
In general, I'd ride slightly behind the right rear corner of the bus or truck.
However, if it is a bus and there is a bus stop at the beginning of the next block, there is a good chance the bus will pull to the right to get to the bus stop, leaving you stopped and trapped behind it. In that case I ride behind the center of the bus so that I can move left and pass the bus as it slows and moves right.
Don't ride to the right of the central part of the bus or truck, you are at risk of being invisible to the driver and getting right hooked or squeezed.
However, if it is a bus and there is a bus stop at the beginning of the next block, there is a good chance the bus will pull to the right to get to the bus stop, leaving you stopped and trapped behind it. In that case I ride behind the center of the bus so that I can move left and pass the bus as it slows and moves right.
Don't ride to the right of the central part of the bus or truck, you are at risk of being invisible to the driver and getting right hooked or squeezed.
#24
Senior Member
Join Date: Apr 2010
Location: Nanaimo, BC
Posts: 2,014
Bikes: 1997 Kona Hahana Race Light, 2010 Surly LHT(deceased), 1999 Rocky Mountain Turbo
Mentioned: 34 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 86 Post(s)
Liked 0 Times
in
0 Posts
Probably been said but I would ride on the extreme left of the lane.
The bus can see me in his drivers side mirror. I can see past the bus. I can see on coming traffic and the hopefully see me.
Just keep eyes peeled for someone pulling in from the right behind the bus/truck.
It also gets you away from a bus pulling up to a stop without seeing you on the right.
The bus can see me in his drivers side mirror. I can see past the bus. I can see on coming traffic and the hopefully see me.
Just keep eyes peeled for someone pulling in from the right behind the bus/truck.
It also gets you away from a bus pulling up to a stop without seeing you on the right.
#25
Senior Member
Join Date: Apr 2010
Location: Nanaimo, BC
Posts: 2,014
Bikes: 1997 Kona Hahana Race Light, 2010 Surly LHT(deceased), 1999 Rocky Mountain Turbo
Mentioned: 34 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 86 Post(s)
Liked 0 Times
in
0 Posts
That is an excellent video. I always they to ensure I can see the drivers face in the mirror, it seems to work so far