Originally Posted by
CharlesZ
The references recommended are all outstanding. Thanks to all.
Here's a big problem I'm encountering-- fairly big intersection ( 2 lanes each way) and I want to make a left. There is a left turn lane. Traffc speed varies from 30-50 mph. Do I physically put myself in the left turn lane? That would mean crossing 2 lanes of traffic going in my direction to sit in the left turn lane. If I survive that maneuver, do I sit in the row of cars as if I were just another vehicle?
Yes. Basically, you follow all laws everyone else on the road does, plus any laws particular from bikes. In most states, this entails keeping as far right as is safe. Other than that, pretty much all road interactions are theoretically the same as in a car. Check to make sure it's clear, merge over one lane at a time into the left turn lane, sit and wait with everyone else. How this will actually apply in practice may vary based on your particular situation.