Safely Bicycling through San Diego Intersections

Build Confidence and Bike Riding Skills

San Diego bicycling proficiency requires the ability to ride through busy intersections. Negotiating these crossroads is an important bike riding skill for cyclists to master. Riders can utilize a range of techniques that comes only with practice. Proper planning and positioning helps cyclists develop confidence to make right and left hand turns or ride through intersections. Cultivating these skills, having a bike in good repair and following bicycle laws may help you avoid a San Diego cycling accident.

Right Hand Turn

When making a right turn, the basic requirements for cyclist mimics the rules automobiles must follow at stop signs or legal turn on red at traffic lights. Yield to traffic approaching from the left, including pedestrians. Ride in the middle of narrow roads and signal right turns by pointing with your right arm.

Left Hand Turn

Often, a cyclist must move across multiple lanes before making a left hand turn. Make each lane change a two-step process. Move to the inside of the lane line, and then go to the far side of the lane. Continue in this manner until you reach the left turn lane. At each signal, turn your head to observe the traffic behind you and negotiate your positioning with motorists. The challenge involves keeping the bike steady and preventing it from swerving when you turn your head. Always try to make eye contact with drivers when trying to request room for you. This technique is one of the best ways to avoid getting involved in a San Diego bicycle accident.

When riding in left turn lanes that also handle “through” traffic, position your bicycle in the center of the lane (just as a motor vehicle would). In “left- turn only” lanes, locate your bicycle to the center or the right hand side of the lane. Do not allow room for vehicles turning left to pass you on the right. Make a deliberate signal with your right hand to make drivers aware of your intentions. Ride straight ahead and enter the middle of the intersection. Allow left turning cars to move to your left. Remember to exercise good bicycle safety skills by yielding to vehicle traffic on the left, right and straight ahead of you.

Straight Through

Stay out of right turn only lanes; vehicles turning right should only pass you on the right side. In lanes marked for “right hand turns” and through traffic, position yourself to the left side of the lane if there is room for you and a motor vehicle. Sometimes, you will have to move into the second or third lane to your left to escape the path of right turning vehicles. When traffic comes to a stop, avoid passing the first vehicle. Permit the first driver to make his or her move, survey the road for pedestrians, vehicles and other cyclists, and then continue.

All cyclists must take responsibility to ensure motorists see them. Position yourself in the intersection and focus your attention on the traffic before you. Be aware of drivers who forget to signal, yield, or decide not to make a turn. Practice these maneuvers in an empty parking lot before going on the roadway. Mastering the techniques may keep you safe and out of a San Diego cycling accident.

San Diego bike accident attorney Frederick M. Dudek, a bicycle commuter, with over 30 years of cycling experience in San Diego and throughout California, offers this resource to you. If you suffered injury or property damage in a cycling accident due to a negligent motorist, contact Attorney Dudek for a free no cost obligation to discuss your case.