Handling Right Turn Only Lanes
 

On my ride to and from work I encounter a few spots where the bike lane dumps into a right turn only lane. If I am approaching a red light I have been jumping up on the sidewalk at the driveway nearest the intersection to leave room for the right turn only guys to make their move. I also make eye contact with them to let them know we see each other so when the light turns green I don't get run down. I have thought of posting up between the right turn only lane and the lane just to the outside but that just feels more dangerous to me as I am stuck out in the middle of two lanes. I will sometimes stop on the right of the right run only lane but since I have to look behind to see the driver it also feels a little weird.

How would you all handle the situation?

move to the next lane to the left and take the lane.

I move over into the through lane long before I get to the intersection. If the light is red, or turning red, I stop in the middle of the through lane away from the right turn lane traffic. I do not filter to the front nor put myself anywhere near the right turn lane traffic because I don't want to be trapped between the moving car and a car to my left. As soon as I get across the intersection I'll move back right if it is safe to do so.

Unless it's a super busy street with no chance of wedging in I'd take the lane next to the right-turn. Letting cars sandwich you between the right and the thru lane is a bad, bad idea, and so is taking that sidewalk in most cases. The one time that the eye contact is misinterpreted by the driver, and you forget to make sure the driver knew what the heck was going on, will be the time you get into a collision.

Sorry, I am a little confused. Perhaps a picture can fill in my blanks.

Intersection

I added a Google maps link above so show one intersection I encounter. Maybe with this you guys can describe what you are talking about above. I apologize for the ignorance. The majority of my bike riding was when I was a young sprout riding in residential streets. Being 32 and now seemingly more responsible I wanna make sure I don't kill myself or make some bone head move that would endanger anyone/anything. You can see the bike lane on the right and it just dumps out. Just to the right of the van up ahead is where the right turn only lane picks up.

Then dismount the bike and walk through this intersection using the pedestrian crosswalk.

Thus why I am asking here. Gotta learn somewhere.

I'd move to the right most straight through lane before getting to the point where the bike lane becomes a right turn lane. You're not turning right. Staying in that lane encourages right hooks. You want to move left so that people who want to turn right go past you on the right. If the light is going to be red, I would (I do in these situations) move to the left side of the right most lane since the right turn lane is very narrow. This allows people to turn right on red past you.

yes, 2 good suggestions were offered :
or at least to the right side of the continuing traffic thru lane, to your left.
and,
Japan and British commonwealth drivers [other than Canada]
RH wheel, driving on the left lane,
passing on the right . Reverse right and left .

Sounds good, I have no problem taking the lane just to the left of the Right Turn lane but didn't want to be the dumbass in the middle of the street. Easy enough. Thanks.

I should also add that I spose I am more concerned with the drivers wondering WTH a bike is doing over in "their" lane and wanted confirmation that being there was a legit spot for me to be.

I wear a Neon Lime Green Parka with ANSI broad reflective stripes..

hard to say S.M.I.D.S.Y* after that..

[sorry, mate, I didn't see you !]

("fines double" when hitting the Road workers wearing the same Kit)

experience has shown that this is best for me too.

Move into the non-turning lane early, well before the right turn lane. Signal your intentions before you make your move. If a driver lets you in, convert your signaling gesture into a friendly thank-you wave. Control the lane by positioning yourself so no-one will be tempted to pass you. Stay alert, and position your self as if you were a motorcycle as you near the intersection. Watch out for idiots. It is disconcerting at first to ride this way, but it is the safest, most efficient way. You will be positioned where motorists will see you. Once in a great while some idiot may honk at you, but at least the see you!

EDIT: If the traffic is significantly faster, and/or there is enough room, you can stay to the right in the thru lane and allow cars to pass. Just don't be shy to assert yourself if you don't wish to be passed.

Before the bike lane ends, throw out the left hand/arm turn signal, check over shoulder and move into the through lane when there is a spot for you to merge. Continue straight through in that lane until past the intersection and then merge back into the bike lane.

Sounds good. Thanks y'all. I have another sticky spot on my route that I am curious how you guys would handle but I may save that for another day.

if the light is green, i ride about an inch left of the next lane over

if the light is red, i take over the whole next lane

of course after checking if the lane is clear


*edit* just saw the pic you posted. id probably hang out on the sidewalk at that intersection

also at that intersection, i would possibly also just ride straight in the turning lane since cars already have to significantly reduce their speed to make that right turn right there.. while keeping an ear out for a car that may want to turn into the parkinglot up ahead

Ya, that is why I was torn. Shady spot on the street as it is and just feels better on the sidewalk but wanted to throw it out there for the pros to take a looksie.

Either that or stay to the left of the right turn lane (if the shoulder/bike lane picks up across the intersection)

Ride the paint that separates the right turn lane from non turning traffic.

What the hell? Here is my interesting part of the ride. Follow the google car to see the whole thing but basically it is.

1. Right lane leads to Freeway
2. Next left lane leads to Freeway or straight through
3. After the light the right lane is the Off/On ramp for the freeway with people merging in and out and paying more attention to making sure they get where they want to go.



Here is my "fun" one

Now what would y'all do?

Don't know what route you are going but the next crossing up seems to be must less complex. If that interchange is too intense you could change your route.

Otherwise I'd probably just take the right through lane and keep the lane through all that mess.

TAKE THE LANE
is what i would do

..but even that is scary as hell cuase you become invisible the moment you enter the shade under the overpass

Run lights front and back if you go under poorly lit areas even during the day. Flashing lights if you can. Reflective bright attire.
In some of these situations I've gotten through the first intersection then pulled off the road to wait for a logical break in traffic before proceeding across a lane where fast traffic is merging in with sub-par visibility.

Bad idea, since there's no guarantee they're going to make their move before you start moving.

Eye contact does not imply brain contact which is necessary for them to avoid running you over.

Act about like any other vehicle and use the next lane to the left, taking the lane if there isn't enough room for both myself and a car going straight.

...if you want to have your third dimension invalidated. This maneuver just begs motorists to try and squeeze past you.