Beginner Question

TheNap

I've recently started to cycle to work . Got a nice bike and only takes me 30mins from my house to my desk.

Just one question as its the only thing im not confident with.

If im cycling in a bike lane or just to the left of main road and i intend to turn right at the lights , what would be the correct way of going about it ?

I never really thought about it until i came across it this morning and luckily the lights turned red before i got there.

thanks

Einstein?

Lucky you have lights so I presume incoming traffic is stopped? I would suggest you carefully (by checking over your shoulder) join the main road and filter towards the right side of the lane (or middle of the whole road). If the light is red, you're in luck. If not there are two options: (most common) if there is a lane for going straight and a lane for turning right, just hang on the lane for turning right as a car would. Take care with buses passing on your left though! (less common) If there is just one lane, then take care and stay on the middle of the road - don't be rushed to make a decision by cars behind you - you have just as much right to be there as a car.

eeeee

Take it as you would in a car except merge sooner to the filter lane (if there is one) and throw your right arm out to signal your intentions. Take a good few looks over your shoulder and you're grand. If there's no filter lane, do as above but head out to the middle of the lane.

Basically look, signal, position.

OldBean

When you're quite a bit before the lights, have a quick look over your right shoulder and see what the situation is behind you. Decide whether you should take the middle of the lane early (Often called primary position, as you're ensuring you're on the road, and have a presence there) and whether you would need to slow down or speed up to fit into the lane to turn right.

When it's safe, pop out your right hand to indicate you're going to switch into that lane. I know it's counter-intuitive, but if you're feeling threatened by other traffic, take the middle of the lane. Other traffic will pay heed to you, and will pay attention to your indications. Keep checking over your shoulder. If there's a car following close, try make brief eye contact with the driver.

As Einstein said, buses or large vehicles, hold back behind them, they've plenty of blind spots. You'll make life easier for all involved to just follow them 'round the turn and find a safer chance to overtake.

the world wonders

gadetra wrote: »

Take it as you would in a car

Yep, mirror (i.e. look over shoulder), signal, mirror, maneouvre.


If traffic is travelling at higher speeds on multiple lanes you may want to consider a box turn instead.

TheNap

Thanks folks.

Done it this morning with no issues.

Fian

the world wonders wrote: »

Yep, mirror (i.e. look over shoulder), signal, mirror, maneouvre.


If traffic is travelling at higher speeds on multiple lanes you may want to consider a box turn instead.

Box turn also essential if e.g. you want to turn right on crossing the canal - where there is no right turn permitted. I do a box turn daily after crossing the baggot street bridge to head up the canal before turning towards Ranelagh.