Road Junctions - turning right at a crossroads.. methods of turning

[Arjimlad]

I wonder whether, as a cyclist, you use right-side to right-side, or left-side to left-side methods of turning right at a crossroads .. explained at Highway Code rule 181 here

http://www.direct.gov.uk/en/TravelAndTransport/Highwaycode/DG_070332

There's a junction on my ride where I prefer to use right to right sides but when I position myself for this, oncoming motorists get aerated... If someone else is there before me turning right from the other direction then my positioning is dictated by them.

 

[boydj]

Left to left seems to be the standard these days. I'd say that it's easier and safer on a bike too as you're free to go as soon as oncoming traffic is clear without having to worry about vehicles crossing the other way.

 

[Arjimlad]

Perhaps it depends how much space there is ?

 

[summerdays]

Can depend on the junction layout too - if slightly staggered, but I would say left left on smaller junctions and right right on larger ones perhaps?

 

[ufkacbln]

My preference is left to left as you can maintain eye contact, signal intentions and both have full view.

However as above it depends on the junction. The slightest "stagger" on the junction can change things dramatically

 

[growingvegetables]

Hmmm - I'd prefer right-to-right. But it depends on the junction - aye and the cues the driver is giving?

The "left-to-lefts" I remember ...... weren't! They felt like the guy was barging .

The ones I really like - the guy's who realise you're turning right ....... and stop, to allow you to do it! Had one last night .

 

[HLaB]

I'd say left to left normally but at certain junctions where there is substantial right turn storage, it becomes right to right.

 

[Bicycle]

If both are turning, both have slowed almost to walking pace. Both will be aware of the presence and intention of the other. If either is unaware, this will be plain for the other to see.

In the HC passage in the link, the junction in the right-to-right diagram shows a staggered junction. This plays a part.

My preference is right-to-right if it's a true crossroads (simply because it doesn't involve crossing the path of an approaching vehicle) but in most of these situations eye contact has been made and somebody has waved the other through.

In my experience (both as a driver and a cyclist) the driver will generally nod the cyclist through, but I seem to cycle amongst more benign motorists than many on this forum.

If being nodded or waved through or if crossing in front of the approaching vehicle a cyclist needs to be super aware of any other traffic. Some people get uppity about nods and hand signals not included in the HC, but in truth most negotiation of position and priority on the highway is done with an unofficial nod or wave. Just be super aware of what else is going on.

 

[siadwell]

The danger with planning to turn right-to-right is that you rely on the other turner knowing that this is the "preferred" method and doing the same thing. At a crossroads near me, the majority of drivers cut the corner off to pass left side and if they try to nip across in front of you as you get are getting into position to turn, you risk a collision.