maneuvering in city streets

[PscyclePath]

Thanks for the lenthy response, Tom. In my route home I sometimes ride on the left side (again, all one-way streets) because I will eventually be turning left in a couple blocks and also to avoid those elephants. Is that still a no-no? Seems safer that way and I'm probably more predictable to drivers.

Thanks!
Rebecca

Rebecca:

On a one-way street, you may ride in either the left or the right lane. Remember the rule about speed positioning (stopped vehicles at the curb, slower vehicles to the right, faster vehicles to the left), but if you're setting yourself up for a left turn, or there are hazards in the right lane (like debris, parked cars, or stopped buses) ride as far to the left as you feel you need to be safe.

Give yourself some time to set yourself up and move over to the left lane if you're making a left turn. You should be looking and thinking at least one, preferably two blocks ahead of where you actually are... this gives you a little space to yield to overtaking traffic, signal, and smoothly move to the left turn lane.

It's really bad practice to make a left turn from the far right side of the roadway (e.g., your typical bike lane), because you have to cross all those traffic lanes suddenly to get where you need to be. Look and plan ahead, and give yourself room to be safe.

tom