Hello, I'm looking to start cycling to work when the weather warms up, but I'm not sure the best way to get from house to work, specifically 1 intersection just before my workplace. I'd travel southbound and make a left hand turn to go east. Unfortunately there is no crosswalk, just traffic lights. I've always been told to ride close to the curb so I'm not too sure what to do here. Google maps route has me travel from a neighbor across the 4 lane highway completely unprotected. Need advice. (Google maps images of the intersection and how I need to travel)
by sonofrageandlove12
10 Comments
If you can get into the turn lane safely that would be best. Otherwise do a two stage turn by going straight, stopping on the far side of the intersection, and then going straight again. Bascially a big L. This will put you in conflict with vehicles turning right though.
The conflict with right turns is why we should ban right turn on red
Any chance you can reroute to a safer/smaller intersection? I try my best to avoid major intersections and interchanges even if it means the route is slightly longer.
Do what Macquarrie1999 says. Make sure you use obvious hand signals when changing position on the road.
I used to have no problem keeping up with cars in the left turn lane and just taking a spot in line right between them. Sometimes if it was a longer left turn line and I was a bit further back it was more of a sprint to keep up before we entered the intersection. Then after the intersection instead of following them into the lane, I’d get in the bike lane on the shoulder and catch my breath while they all safely filed by.
Be wary staying as close to the curb as you can. There can often be lots of debris, sewer grates, and the risk of hitting the curb of course. It can also encourage drivers to pass too closely, sometimes you need to take the full lane to discourage someone behind you from trying to pass when it isn’t safe, such as if there is an oncoming car or if you will need to pass a parked car. Make sure to try to be aware of what the car behind you is doing as well while doing this, don’t just assume that because you signalled they will slow, or even understand it when they should.
Vehicular cycling is fact of life. Learn how to take the lane, change lanes, signal your intentions, etc. I see no issue with this intersection, it’s just another stroad like any other.
I took a look at the intersection on street view. You have the defined lanes working in your favor here. Heading south on Avon, left lane can only turn left, center can only go straight, right can only turn right. So, you have a protected left turn. About 100 yards back from the light, start transitioning from the bike lane/right shoulder of Avon over to the left turn lane. When you get to the signal, go all the way to the front, this is the safest place for you to be. You want to be at the front, just over the “wait here” line. When your signal turns green, go almost all the way through your side of the intersection before you begin your left turn (obviously, beware of oncoming traffic). You are going to be turning directly into the right shoulder of US 36 East. It seems like the vast majority of traffic stays left based on the tire marks.
Remember, when you’re riding on the road. The rules all apply to you. So if the right lane is “right turn only” and you go straight, you’re not following the agreed upon rules and you’re setting yourself up to get disappeared by an F350 (or a Nissan Cube).
Turning from the dedicated turn lane is your safest, legalest option. If you’re intimidated by the intersection (which is totally fine! Intersections are fuckin’ spooky on a bike at first.) then incorporating some medium sized intersections into your “for fun” rides is good practice. Eventually, it’s just like driving in a car. Do what the signs say, and it’s usually just fine. Sometimes it’s not though. We cross those bridges as we get to them.
I would stay on Avon, crossing over Rockville, and turn left at the Frost Bite on Galen drive. It loops back over Rockville and then you can turn right. Alternatively you could turn right on Maple before you get to Rockville, ride around the back of the Kroger and then turn left on Rockville there, probably less traffic to deal with.
What about sidewalks and pedestrian crossings?
Safetest way to turn there is don’t turn there. If there are no alternative routes I would give up commuting to work via bike.
I would rather take a 2 mile detour than cross there.