Bicycle Commuting Guide
Maneuvers
Turns and other Maneuvers
The key to safety is predictability. For the most part, you want to turn, pass and change lanes just as you would in your car.
| To change lanes, look behind you for traffic and signal first. Traffic in the lane you want to move into has the right of way. Look back and wait for an opening in traffic before moving over. Start looking for an opportunity to get in the correct lane at least 1 block before the intersection. |  |
| Use the correct lane for your destination. Go straight in a through lane, not a right turn only lane. Other drivers expect all the vehicles in that lane to be turning right. Make left turns from the left lane, if there is one, or the left side of the through lane. |  |
Left Turns: For bicyclists, there are two legal options:
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| Pass cars and busses on the
left, with at least three feet of clearance. That
is where other vehicles expect faster traffic to be. Passing
on the right could get you squeezed against the curb if the car
or bus pulls over, opens its doors or makes a right turn. |
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How to Avoid a Crash:
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Going straight through intersections: If you are in an extra wide right lane or there is likely to be significant traffic going right, discourage cars from passing you on the left and turning in front of you. Move toward the center or left of the straight-ahead lane as you approach the intersection.
Let other bicyclists know you are going to pass them. Give an audible warning and pass with enough clearance.
On to: Defensive Riding…
Back to: Safety
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