Originally Posted by Brian Ratliff
I encounter a similar dilemma at 'T' type intersections, where I have a red on the top of the 'T', with a clear bike lane ahead. I see absolutely no issue with running the red because there will be no cars crossing my path. However, I am unclear on the legality of this (actually, I kind of think it is illegal), but at the same time, it is one of those laws which does not make sense. So every time I am in this situation I am very tempted to run the red.
My take on California law is that this is illegal, even if the bike lane is unbroken by a crosswalk or limit line.
Don't forget there could be other cyclists making the left turn from the cross street into the bike lane. There's an intersection like this in my area, but I'm usually approaching from the bottom of the "T" and making a left turn. I have almost been, ummm, "T-boned", by cyclists who have run the red in the situation you describe.