Usually, I pull right up to the front, place my right foot on the curb, and wait for all those vehicles turning right to make their turns. If things look too congested, with too many vehicles, then I just do what Andy does below:
Originally Posted by
andyprough
...at rush hour, drivers aren't paying any attention, so a lot of times I'll go up on the sidewalk, punch the walk button, and use the pedestrian lanes to cross. I see a lot of bike riders around Austin doing the same at these high-traffic intersections.
There's one particularly bad intersection where I'll go in the pedestrian crosswalks opposite the flow of traffic for much higher visibility both for myself and the cars that are turning.
The problem with pulling up behind the last car in the line of traffic, is the fact that most drivers take exception to a slower vehicle (like a bicycle) being located directly in front of them. I'd rather just let the vehicles pass as I either stay to the right, or cycle in the bike lane.
I always let drivers know that though I'm NOT in competition with them, I do demand an equal share of the road...
Usually, strong hand signals and direct eye-contact can communicate these things.