08-03-2003, 03:54 AM
|
#32 (permalink)
|
| | Re: Entering the queue at a stop sign
rolypoly_man@yahoo.com (Roly Poly Man) wrote in message news:<ef3e9e44.0307231353.462464f5@posting.google. com>...
>
> Most of the time I have seen cyclists fly by all the traffic right
> up to the stop sign. Isn't this kind of dangerous? I know it's
I try to ride following the same rules a when I'm
driving. COnsistency simplifies life.
However, I find I'm having problems with exhaust fumes
(especially truck and diesel) so have started to position myself
to avoid having fumes pipe blasting straight into my face (I
should get a hose so that no fumes are lost between the tailpipe
and my lungs). This means slowly / carefully proceeding to
the stop line at a traffic light. If traffic is flowing at a
stop sign, I usually take my position in the line. If it's a
difficult intersection, e.g. a side road and a busy highway,
I'll pull up to the stop line so I'm not sucking fumes for
ten minutes.
Be aware of visibility issues, especially with large trucks.
And those schoolbus side-mirrors are deadly. :-(
(schoolbus drivers are often part-time, and many seem
completely unaware of where the bus is on the road)
>
> On the other hand, I can't see a cyclist entering the queue with
> vehicles. At least I don't think I've ever seen this done.
Why not ? Among other advantages, it annoys the ^%$# out of
drivers :-)
>
> Also, what is the proper way to make a left turn at a typical
> busy 4-lane or 6-lane boulevard? Do you keep to the right and
> make two crossings?
Depends on traffic and your comfort level. I have used
the left-turn lane and done the same turn I'd do in the
mothership, I've ridden across in the curb lane, then
repositioned to wait for the light to change, and I've WALKED
across the pedestrian crossing and then remounted to wait for
the light to change the other way. Some intersections are just
plain ugly, and I have enough gray hair.
Everyone develops their own comfort levels and
practices. These are just practices I've adopted, which may not
conform to the strict letter of the law, and may not suit other
cyclists.
hth
|
|
|  |