North Carolina Coalition for Bicycle Driving

Bicyclists are Drivers of Vehicles

Road Vogue

Intersection Intelligence

Important insights for interested individuals.

i. Be in the Right Spot.
Approach intersections in the correct position for your destination. Turn left near the center line, right near the curb, and for straight thru stay in between these extremes. Follow lane markings; do not go straight in a right-turn-only lane.

ii. Send the Right Message.
When turning, convey your intention with proper lane positioning and hand signals. When going straight through an intersection, keep pedaling rather than coasting. Moving legs mean business and help attract attention.

iii. Learned Left Turns.
Shown here are two ways:
VEHICULAR and 2-STEP. For VEHICULAR style, move to the left side of the lane or leftmost lane well in advance of your turn. On a multi-lane road, you should Use Full Lane as you move each lane over. It should rarely be a necessity, but use a 2-STEP turn if traffic is too heavy for you to turn left like other vehicles. Go through the intersection, align your-self facing left, and proceed when clear or on the green if at a signal. There are also the OVERSHOOT-3-RIGHT-TURNS and RIGHT-TURN-U-TURN styles.


Next: Junction Function