Making Left Turns and other questions

[Kimmyt]

Like others said, you have to weigh alot of factors along with what you feel comfortable with. On my commute home I have to make a left across 2 lanes of almost standstill traffic. The part where I would have to get into the left lane is so far away from the turn, due to this traffic, that I would be off an on my bike frequently. Also, the part where I would switch lanes is on or right before a large blind hill during which drivers might not be able to see me and could easily hit me. I am not a fan of riding on sidewalks, but here I will do it. I cross at a light that sees no traffic, so that I am usually the only vehicle going through the light, cut through a parking lot of a store, and ride on the sidewalk on the wrong side of the road (it is a narrow walk over a bridge with a cement barrier to my right seperating me from traffic) and then ride the sidewalk up to where I connect to a bike trail.

The other day SEPTA was doing construction and had closed the sidewalk, but I didn't realize this until I was on it and had to walk my bike up against oncoming traffic. It was not a good situation, but the only option I had. Next time I do the commute, I will probably ride on road through traffic and up to a stoplight, where depending on the traffic level, I will probably walk or ride my bike, do a U-turn and then make another left later on.

It is a messy situation, but the way I do it varies depending on traffic levels, road hazards (i.e. the construction), etc.

As to your last question, I do ride alongside them, I just make sure that there is plenty of room so that I don't have to veer into another lane suddenly.

Good luck!

K.

[Offthegrid]

I try my best not to make cars pass me twice. So if I am going straight at a light, I will generally get behind the last car and take the lane. I don't want someone turning right in front of me. Halfway across the intersection, I get to the right again.

As for that road you described, I would probably walk it across. There's one section on my commute that is only one lane each way that I walk across on the way home. (On the way in, it's no problem because there's hardly any traffic there at 6 a.m.)