11 replies to this topic

[gusmiller]

I think that I do a good job of being nice to drivers and following the rules but I guess Im not sure the best way to do that in some situations. When I pull up to a stoplight on a 4 lane road I get to the left side of the right lane so traffic behind me turning right can do so without cutting me off and oncoming traffic turning left can see me much better. Today a driver decided to get to my right, I thought to turn right, and proceeded straight. While it was really not an issue, I would prefer to not have that happen again. Is there a preferred method of handling this? I would hate to block the lane entirely but it seams to be the safest thing to do at a light.

[John_Kuthe...]

Unfortunately you can't cure stupid. I often do exactly what you described to allow right-turning cars space to turn right when I'm going to go straight. I'd say the safest thing to do is seize the lane. Of course then "stupid" that's turning right will honk at you.

[gusmiller]

Maybe I will take the lane then when someone comes behind me I will just look for a blinker and give them some room. Not sure I have any safer options.

[S&M]

That's always worked well for me. If you don't use your signals except during Xmas, then you can wait until I'm out of the way. Until then, I hog the lane. I'll also wave them on if i see their blinker so they know it's OK to invade my personal space.

[cleeland]

I take the lane. If a car pulls up behind me and I'm first in line, I'll look back and, either vocally or thru hand gestures, ask the driver if they are turning right. If they are, I move to the left sufficient to let the squeeze by, but not so much that a straight-through would misinterpret. I also make sure that I do not block the turner's line-of-sight. Seems to work well and usually gets an appreciative wave from the driver.

(null)

[MugBan]

I take the lane and don't look back. Scooting to the left in slippery cleats trying to be Mr. Nice Guy just puts me in danger and reinforces the idea that bikes don't have a right to be there if it conflicts with the desires of a motorist. You don't see small cars or motorcycles moving out of the way to let cars behind them turn right.

Only once have I ever been honked at for not moving, and it didn't really hurt that bad.

[live2beoutside]

As mentioned by others, I set up towards the left, leaving room for people wanting to turn right to get through.  In years of doing this, I have twice had people do what Gus described....pull up on my right and proceed straight. Like John said, you can't cure stupid....although the first time this happened, I was able to catch the goof-ball at the next light and force him to listen to an explanation of why I was positioned to the left - to allow people to turn right.  He seemed totally embarassed by the entire scenario....probably mostly that he was driving a Porsche Carrera 911 and got caught by a bicycle.....

[nippontei]

Ive tried giving space to the right turning cars at the light, positioning left in the lane , only to get cussed out for being in the road in the first place, he was very confused.

[John_Kuthe...]

nippontei, on 09 July 2012 - 02:42 PM, said:

Ive tried giving space to the right turning cars at the light, positioning left in the lane , only to get cussed out for being in the road in the first place, he was very confused.

Ya can't fix stupid! :-(

John Kuthe...

[campiello zen]

I position myself in the middle of the right lane and check back for a turn signal on the car behind me (or some other verbal or nonverbal indication that the driver would like to make a right turn). Then I will move over to give room for a right turn, if I can do so safely.

[live2beoutside]

nippontei, on 09 July 2012 - 02:42 PM, said:

Ive tried giving space to the right turning cars at the light, positioning left in the lane , only to get cussed out for being in the road in the first place, he was very confused.

I find it fascinating how variable the behavior of drivers is across this area.  I regularly commute through the downtown area and place myself towards the left at several intersections along my route to allow drivers room to move by me on my right to execute a right turn.  Other than the two incidents I detailed earlier, drivers not only politely take advantage of my positioning, I've had several give me a polite wave to thank me for leaving them room to get through.

[2 π R]

Did they shout out "track" as they passed?