Claire Petersky said:"Sorni" <[email hidden]> wrote in message
news:[email hidden]...
Quoted message said:I'm still trying to figure out why Claire is waiting through two long
light cycles (no pun) in a left turn lane (?). One of the benefits
of being on a bike is moving right up to the front at stop lights
and signs (carefully, of course). This actually allows the rider to
get OUT of the cars' way faster and sooner and /more safely/ than
"acting like a car". Never once had a problem doing that.
Some folks mentioned this, and I'll tell you why I don't filter to
the front in this intersection.
A. This is Chinatown, so the streets are relatively narrow and there
are parked cars on both sides of the street. To filter to the front
would not just mean riding in the door zone (and weren't you doored
at one time, Bill?)
No, I was on a ride when someone else (HWNBNBM) was doored.
Quoted message said:, but a very narrow door zone. If the light turns
green while I'm filtering, I could easily get whacked, and there's no
escape.
B. If I filter to the front, then what do I do when I reach the
intersection? I want to turn left, but I'm now on the far right.
When I go (not filter) to the front of a left turn lane, I do so on the
right side of that left turn lane -- slowly and cautiously. I then confirm
that the lead car is indeed turning left (easier when they /can't/ go
straight of course) and can see me.
Still, I understand some situations are too dicey or tricky or outright
dangerous and accommodations must be made.
Quoted message said:If I filter to the front, and the light turns green, then I have
all these right-turning cars to cope with. I run the risk of being
whacked.
Somewhat, I guess. I sort of ease /in front/ of the lead car and sprint out
ahead so I can get across the intersection and safely to the bike lane or
far right ASAP. I make a point to look /right in the eyes/ of the oncoming
turners, so I at least am pretty darned sure they see me.
Quoted message said:D. If I filter to the front, and the light turns green while I'm
filtering, then because the space is so narrow, cars might side swipe
me. And I take major responsibility, because I squeezed myself into a
space where it is hard for them to pass me, rather than just
remaining patient and waiting my turn. And then when I actually get
to the intersection, I have to deal with B and C above.
True, you have to know the light timing or be ready to try Plan B. I would
think your way is dangerous because you might be a lot slower than cars
trying to make the light, and they might try to squeeze around you.
Quoted message said:
I will admit that I have filtered to the front at this intersection
on the *left*. I've done this when there's a line of cars in front of
me that clearly have their turn signals going indicating their
intention is to turn right on Dearborn, and there's sufficient room
that I feel comfortable doing this.
Now you lost me. I thought this was a left turn only lane.
Quoted message said:Warm Regards,
Right back at ya
