Thank you for all the great advice, everyone! Let me address this particular reply o clarify my situation and share with you what I believe I should do now.
Originally Posted by
Maelochs
Third, there is a car or cars closing from behind me, which might try to pass on the left as I slow. THIS is exactly why I would take the lane. I can see the cars in scenarios One and Two ... but I cannot watch the cars behind me so the only way to work with them in a safe fashion would be to ... Take The Lane. The cars can pass on my right if they are that impatient.
Yes, I take the lane exactly because I don't want drivers to try and pass me on the left before and while I turn left. Even so, some drivers have crossed the double yellow into the oncoming lane to pass me. I'd like to be able to signal to reduce the risk of being hit by those impatient people.
This is also problematical, because you would be crossing mid-street ("jaywalking") and cars might not see you. it is however a valid option, so long as you manage the risk.
The tricky thing is that it's a T-intersection where I turn left, so the street has no crossing street on the right. It means there's really no safe spot to stop and wait for the traffic to clear. As such, there are no marked crosswalks, either.
Here is an option no one seems to have considered: Slow Down.
If the OP knows he needs to take a right tun partway down the hill, why not brake intermittently so that you can approach the turn at a speed which permits safe signalling?
Why? Because the thrill of riding fast is greater than the desire to signal the turn?
The main reason is just mental. When I take the lane and cars are behind me, I feel pressured to go fast. But you're absolutely right.
I should overcome that pressure and keep the speed under control so I can safely signal before I turn.
I quoted
Maelochs specifically, but many others have given useful pieces of adivce as well. Again, thank you all.