[SDCBC] avoiding the right hook, was Re: Gilman / I-5 interchange

[Bicyclist]

At 04:29 PM 2/20/2007, JonIsaacs at aol.com wrote:
- snip -

>But I have to ask this question:  Do you or Jim or Serge or John E. 
>or John F. or anyone think that riding in the bike lane in the 
>region where motorist frequently make that illegal right across the 
>bike lane is a reasonable thing to do??  This is not a retorical question.

First, traffic situations vary, minute to minute, day to day. The 
variables aren't endless though so some general "rules" can be offered.

I ride and teach these general principles.

Use the lane furthest to the right that offers the desired destination.

Use a position in the lane to indicate the desired 
destination/direction of travel; right side for right turn, left... etc. etc.

The location of a shoulder or bike lane strip is just one factor 
among all those to use to establish a best position for dealing with 
the present traffic situation. The location of the bike lane strip 
may not indicate the best riding positions for the situation at hand.

I avoid being to the right hand side of others who may turn right 
into my path. When I'm aware enough of approaching those situations, 
I begin as soon as possible to scan, adjust my speed if 
possible/appropriate and merge to a desired position; usually far 
enough to the left to be able to pass the right turners in front of 
me on their left, and also far enough to the left to encourage - herd 
- those behind me to my right if they wish to turn right or to wait 
and/or move to my left to pass on my left.

It's more fun and productive to do this than to try to describe what 
happens.... and traffic situations vary.  
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