I can see that it’s trying to keep the cyclists in the right lane. But this only works on green arrow left turns. If it’s solid-green left turn, you have to yield to both incoming and opposing traffic to turn left or wait twice as long at the traffic light. You also have to contend with drivers turning right on the road you’re coming from, the lane in front of the turn box, and the right turn lane perpendicular to the turn box.
There are way too many variables to keep track of, and it fully depends on everyone in the intersection being aware and not hitting you from 3 different directions. If you go in the left turn lane, then at least people will slow down to turn left
by BeneficialNatural610
5 Comments
This is an attempt to route bicycles the same way as dutch-style protected intersections, except without the actual protection.
Why not implement an actual dutch intersection? Probably because that wasn’t invented here, and it’s more expensive than paint.
There is no good solution besides an actual dutch intersection. Everything else is a death trap of one sort or other.
It makes it a two step process, but shouldn’t increase your risk of getting Tboned. You go through intersection (northbound let’s say)on green and proceed to the box, orient your bike to the left but remain stopped in the box until the light turns green to proceed westbound. I think the design is ok. In very light traffic I will simply use the left turn lane that the cars use because it’s more efficient.
I have an intersection I use almost daily like this,but the “part 2” doesn’t tend to have many people turning right,and I believe there is a “no turns on red” sign,which hopefully this intersection has.The left turn lane on my route doesn’t have weight sensors for a bike,so you’ll sit there forever which might be the issue. If you time it right and are in the line of cars turning left you should be ok,I do it when it’s convenient+lots of hand points and taking the whole space of a car.
This *can* be easier and safer than a standard left—it all depends on the traffic and road design. You do have to wait for the light twice but during part 2 you should not be disadvantaged compared to a pedestrian.
They should loose the “Bicycle Friendly” stamp in the left turn lane