Old 05-27-10 | 04:05 PM
  #17  
Pscyclepath
LCI #1853
 
Joined: Mar 2008
Posts: 663
Likes: 0
From: Scott. Arkansas

Bikes: Trek Madone 5.2, Fisher Caliber 29er, Orbea Onix

It depends if I'm making a turn at that intersection, or going straight through...

Ride in the right-most lane that's going to wherever you're going. If there's a bike lane running alongside that stretch of road, I will almost always merge into the traffic lane and get in line with the cars. This prevents my getting clocked by a right-turner while I'm in the bike lane.

Mentally divide the lane into thirds (this methods is called the "rule of thirds"); if you plan to turn right, position yourself in the right-hand third of the lane. Stop, check to be sure there's no crossing traffic, then make your right-turn-on-red if the intersection allows that.

If you're going straight through the intersection, then position yourself in the center third of the lane. Stop, wait for the green light (or until crossing traffic has cleared if it's a stop or yield sign), then go ahead on your route.

If you're turning left, place yourself in the left third of the lane. Once you've got a signal to go, yield to any oncoming traffic, make your left turn, and move into the rightmost lane going your way.

If the intersection has a right-turn-only or left-turn-only lane, and that's where you need to go, then use those lanes just like any other driver. If there's multiple turn lanes in the same direction, then use the rightmost to make your turn.

Cyclists are safest when we act, and get treated in return, just like any other driver on the roadway.
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