Signalling on roundabouts

[marooncat]

I have a real bugbear about drivers who do not indicate on roundabouts when I am driving, and therefore feel as a cyclist I should be good about it as well.

I suppose I am really think about when I am going right at a roundabout. I am fine with getting into the right lane going into the roundabout and signalling then but what should I do, if anything, when I am actually going round the roundabout? Espically when I am wanting to move from the right to the left lane? The roundabouts I tend to do this manovour on are not that busy so I have not had any problems but I am wondering what the "offical line" is on when you should or should not signal for future knowledge (however I am the first to admit my method of crossing a really busy one would be push bike along verge)

 

[4F]

but what should I do, if anything, when I am actually going round the roundabout? Espically when I am wanting to move from the right to the left lane?

Check lane is clear with an overshoulder look and pick your gap, signal your itention to the vehicle behind and move across when safe to do so.
Be safe and be assertive.

 

[Arch]

Ideally, I suppose, you should follow the same rules as drivers (assuming they ever do!). Of course, it's trickier, when you have to have one hand off the bars. You can probably use your road positioning in some way to indicate your intentions. And frequent looks over your shoulder to eyeball drivers behind can help to show that you are about to do something.

I think you're right about really busy roundabouts - some of them just aren't worth the stress. On the other hand, it can be very difficult to cross the exits as a pedestrian due to volume of traffic, unless there are lights. I got stuck for ages once on tour, trying to cross the A1 on foot - I might actually have got across quicker with the traffic.

 

[montage]

all I have to say on the matter is
I HATE roundabouts....I usually get beeped at every time on a busy one

 

[marinyork]

Same as in a car. Be assertive, signal right and signal left all the time being aware of things crossing you or about to jump out. I strongly recommend against using the Highway Code's alternative cyclists method for taking roundabouts, that's dangerous.

 

[gbb]

Its easy and correct to indicate as you approach a roundabout, but i go further..(when its safe to do so)
As i'm on the r/a turning right, if a car approaches r/a and hes turning left...i'll use my right arm to let him know i'm either going straight on or right. This leaves him free to make his manoever, knowing i'm not taking his left.
I'd like to think it fosters good relations...and hopefully reminds him about indicators too.

 

[gbb]

Same as in a car. Be assertive, signal right and signal left all the time being aware of things crossing you or about to jump out. I strongly recommend against using the Highway Code's alternative cyclists method for taking roundabouts, that's dangerous.

Expand please

 

[tyred]

I'd like to think it fosters good relations...and hopefully reminds him about indicators too.

Unless he's driving a BMW where indicators appear to be an optional extra

 

[summerdays]

Expand please

I assume he means taking the suicide route around the edge. I'm sure I've seen that in the highway code.

You should cycle as if you are a car in the primary position on the approach and on the roundabout.

 

[PpPete]

Cycle primary is the key. I tend to take most roundabouts as fast as I possibly can, that way my speed is (hopefully) close to that of the cars. Indicating to turn on or off or change lane on roundabout is then at exactly same place as I would as if I was in a car.

 

[Night Train]

I tend to cycle in primary and belt along as fast as my legs can carry me to maintain traffic speeds. I signal as I would in a car and ensure that I hog my lane for safety.

The main roundabout I use is one that is on a motorway junction and so even though it has traffic lights the cars are fast and the trucks often don't stop on red.
I only ever get to go straight on as left or right are onto the motorway slip roads. Not all drivers understand that I don't have the exit options they have and still assume that I might have pull off for the first exit.

 

[numbnuts]

I had one the other day, I’m in the middle lane, taking the third exit, mini in outside lane, must be taking the forth exit, NO he cut right in front of me and took the second !!!

 

[marooncat]

Thanks for all the replies, given me food for thought.

I do always try the looking back at the cars behind and find it does seem to work.

If I can get onto the roundabout without stopping do try and keep my speed up as much as I can, but if I am going from a stop it can take me a wee bit to get going

What I need to do is "practice" signalling and road position on the quiet roundabouts with no cars around which should get me more confident on the busy ones.

 

[marinyork]

Roundabouts
77

You may feel safer walking your cycle round on the pavement or verge. If you decide to ride round keeping to the left-hand lane you should

* be aware that drivers may not easily see you
* take extra care when cycling across exits. You may need to signal right to show you are not leaving the roundabout
* watch out for vehicles crossing your path to leave or join the roundabout

This is what I'm refering to and it's specifically in the current cycling section of the highway code and is alluded to later on in the general section.

 

[Dave5N]

That's dangerous nonsense. Get where you can be seen and maintain a good pace. Communicate well.