When making a left turn at a stoplight, I do my damndest to merge into the left turn lane via looking back and merging. If I get really stuck I'll go through the intersection and stop on the far right at the curb, turning my bike so it's now like I'm in the front of the line, ready to go straight when this new light turns green. Though this is not possible if there are cars at that corner wanting to turn right.
Reasons why I like riding in Boston later at night than during the day/rush hour.