FWIW, both bike lanes and wide outside lanes share problems with potential right-hook collisions. Where they exist, perhaps there should be a "right-turn yield to bikes" sign?
Am I right on, or am I missing something?
Such a sign would only encourage the very common sight of a stream of bikes overtaking and passing a car on the right even as it's half-way into a right turn. If you're thinking that this is a safe and legal way to mix bikes and cars, I think you're missing something.
If you're getting your sign painting kit out, whip up some of these:
"bike lane ends - bikes and cars merge" "all vehicles merge right before turning" "through traffic must pass on left"
What is there to do when somebody makes such an impulsive move? Seems like there's less than a second between 'business as usual' and the situation reaching it's climax.
The countermeasure is to ride further into the lane. This compels most motorists to be more cautious (slow down, wait behind, change lanes, etc.) or to have to swing wide to make a right turn in front of you. If they want to do it, they can, but they have to really work for it. Also, if you are further out, you then have leeway to your right to do a Quick Right in the eventuality that you need it.
People can mariginalize bicyclists in spite of your best efforts if they really want to. The point is to reduce the incidence by controlling motorists to the extent that you can.
I've had a couple of motorists over the years screech their tires rushing to turn in front of me. But their idiocy is more annoyance than real danger (assuming they are competent in their maneuver) because I can handle everything they throw at me short of purposefully hitting me from behind.
I've had a couple of motorists over the years screech their tires rushing to turn in front of me. But their idiocy is more annoyance than real danger (assuming they are competent in their maneuver) because I can handle everything they throw at me short of purposefully hitting me from behind.
This is my point. I don't find it difficult to avoid these situations, by riding defensively. If a car comes by me and starts to turn, I can always hit my brakes -- unless I'm going too fast.
A *car* can't do a right hook at 20 MPH either.
Oncoming traffic making a left turn into you is a much greater danger, IMO.
This is why you shouldn't be going 16-20 MPH where you could get right-hooked. I consider right-hook near misses to be a lack of defensive riding on the cyclist's part.
What is the defense? Some months ago, somebody almost nailed me - and looking back on it, I can't figure out what I could have done to prevent it short of riding on the sidewalk and stopping at every intersection/exit lane (which I often do - MTB and all that....)
This one was a clapped-out 1980-something sedan wearing hair curlers, and sucking on a cigarette - probably late for an appearance on Jerry Springer.
Traffic was steady - but moderate - giving her room to punch it in an effort to dive into that turn ahead of me.
What is there to do when somebody makes such an impulsive move? Seems like there's less than a second between 'business as usual' and the situation reaching it's climax. -- PeteCresswell
because I can handle everything they throw at me short of purposefully hitting me from behind.
Don't rule that out. I've witnessed it. Chased the guy in my car until I could flag down a cop. Guy told his story to the cop....got off scott free - not even a ticket.
The biker escaped with bruises and a banged-up bike.
But now there's one more headjob driving around that knows he can do that with impunity. -- PeteCresswell
I've had a couple of motorists over the years screech their tires rushing to turn in front of me. But their idiocy is more annoyance than real danger (assuming they are competent in their maneuver) because I can handle everything they throw at me short of purposefully hitting me from behind.
This is my point. I don't find it difficult to avoid these situations, by riding defensively. If a car comes by me and starts to turn, I can always hit my brakes -- unless I'm going too fast.
A *car* can't do a right hook at 20 MPH either.
Generally true at right angle intersections.
Quoted message said:
Oncoming traffic making a left turn into you is a much greater danger, IMO.
Yea, the Left Cross tends to be more serious because of the higher speed of impact. On the other hand, you can see it coming, and the countermeasure is essentially the same as for Right Hook.
