Right of way question

[SavageHoutkop]

If there is a cycle lane (one of the ones painted on the left of the road), and you (the cyclist) approach a junction intending to go straight, and there is a vehicle on your right intending to turn left, who has right of way?

I've found this in the highway code, but it's not one of those 'MUST' / 'MUST NOT' rules...

I'm thinking here of my own experience - which is usually with car drivers - rather than the cyclists who get 'left hooked' by a truck, but I suppose that's the same problem? Have any legal rulings come in after some of those accidents?

Turning left

182

Use your mirrors and give a left-turn signal well before you turn left. Do not overtake just before you turn left and watch out for traffic coming up on your left before you make the turn, especially if driving a large vehicle. Cyclists, motorcyclists and other road users in particular may be hidden from your view.

183

When turning
• keep as close to the left as is safe and practicable
• give way to any vehicles using a bus lane, cycle lane or tramway from either direction

 

[magnatom]

My advice would be to avoid using the cycle lane and take a more prominent road position to dissuade any left hooks.

Have a look at this video.

 

[marinyork]

You have priority. It is provisioned that you aren't miles back and reasonably close to the vehicle trying to cut across. Although you unambiguously have priority, most drivers will pay no attention to this.

**waits for millions of angry CC and cycle lane haters to wade in**

 

[trustysteed]

Do not overtake just before you turn left

there's the clue...

 

[BSA]

I agree you have priority but I would take primary until I was clear of the junction to stop any left hooks.

 

[marinyork]

Absolutely. Being in primary doesn't stop all left hooks, just the majority.

 

[SavageHoutkop]

This junction is one where the traffic is largely stationary - so not riding in the cycle lane means you're stuck with the rest of the cars / busses (the bus lane has just vanished, hence the traffic jam!).

Perhaps it's time to find an alternate route....

 

[marinyork]

This junction is one where the traffic is largely stationary - so not riding in the cycle lane means you're stuck with the rest of the cars / busses (the bus lane has just vanished, hence the traffic jam!).

Perhaps it's time to find an alternate route....

Not necessarily. Depends how direct it is. You'll get left chopped in loads of places.

 

[GrumpyGregry]

Absolutely. Being in primary doesn't stop all left hooks, just the majority.

indeed. it's a sound tactic.

I sometimes use tertiary*, even further to the right than primary, which forces them to go through me Getting shouted a couple of times a month is a small price to pay.



*patent pending

 

[CotterPin]

This junction is one where the traffic is largely stationary - so not riding in the cycle lane means you're stuck with the rest of the cars / busses (the bus lane has just vanished, hence the traffic jam!).

Perhaps it's time to find an alternate route....

In this scenario my suggestions (in order of preference) would be
1. Filter down the outside of the traffic if you want to progress
2. Sit in the traffic, moving on when you can
3. Use the bike lane but constantly check what is coming up behind you

 

[Origamist]

indeed. it's a sound tactic.

I sometimes use tertiary*, even further to the right than primary, which forces them to go through me Getting shouted a couple of times a month is a small price to pay.



*patent pending

Sounds like "Ultra-Primary" - dont make me go to the Intellectual Property Office...!

 

[marinyork]

I use ultra primary or extreme primary. I don't have intellectual rights to the honking and aggressive driving behind on that stretch of road, if someone else wants to claim them and take them away I'll be quite happy .

 

[Origamist]

I'd filter forwards on the approach to the the junction, then merge with the traffic, holding the centre of the lane until I'd passed the junction.

 

[GrumpyGregry]

Sounds like "Ultra-Primary" - dont make me go to the Intellectual Property Office...!

given that I'm dozey enough to have almost rammed you on Saturday whilst grasping for the non existent brake leavers you are entitled to damages for my infringement of Ultra-Primary

 

[Lizban]

I'd filter forwards on the approach to the the junction, then merge with the traffic, holding the centre of the lane until I'd passed the junction.

+1 - Behave like a car - if the car in front of you is turning left when you are driving you slow down and let them go.

If you are in front of the car and you are turning left you have right of way - which you assert by using the uber-duber primary position.