Originally Posted by genec
The only problem I have with being in the center lane, is that you then have to merge right... back into traffic at the left turn lane... it just means one more merge vice just controlling a lane for a bit.
Yeah it's a fine tuning issue, but I cannot think of any real negative about it, except if you are in the center lane so soon that approaching traffic from the other side can hit you as they move into the center lane for a turn. (hence the reason the nickname "suicide lane").
Granted they should see you and not get into the lane... but then they should see other cars and not do that too... but it happens.
Thanks Gene and Bek and Diane and Brian -all good thoughts.
Quoting only Gene as I don't understand your first sentence about merging back right - most like a confusion in what I am describing - the shared center turn lane aka suicide lane turns into the LT only lane at the intersection (via changes in striping only) So once I am in the center turn lane I can keep riding straight, the 'danger' is where a vehicle that was originally behind me in the left most straight lane decides to turn left too and may try and beat me to the LT lane at which point they may be merging in at the legal place to do so so I have to yield to them in theory.
As to the name 'suicide' lane - the danger is really at (approaching and leaving) intersections - I would never ride in it in places it passes or has just passed other intersections where there would be a reason for another vehicle to turn in or out of it - that greatly helps reduce the risk. So as to Genes second comment, there is no intersection just behind me that may result in an oncomming vehicle to turn into lane.
So for interest sake, how far would one ride (technically illegally) in the center lane if it was not passing any intersection of any kind (not even driveways, etc.) There are some intersections where there is a good 1/4mi of center lane that is never used by any turning vehicle. Sure it is a bit more dangerous and illegal, but if there is a big gap in traffic 1/4mi back from the intersection you are turning at, (1) would you cross over into it and ride in it for 1/4mi? Or (2) would you start the turn later, sometimes struggle with negotating thru a cloud of heavy traffic. Or (3) would you use the gap 1/4mi back to merge left and stay in the inner (non center) lane and hold up the inner lane for just under 1/4mi when the cloud of traffic gets to you?
I've never done (1), but most often do (2) sometimes with a bit of (3), then moving into center lane a few dozen yards before the official LT lane.
Al