Double turning lanes

[milhouse]

So for some reason, all the cagers seemed especially keen on killing me today. Multiple near misses.

The worst was at a double turn lane (turning right). I took the left turn lane and as I was completing the turn the pickup truck on my right decided that he'd make a three lane turn in order to make a left at the next light. So he turns over three lanes, squeezing me over. I was able to gas it and get past him, but it was close.

I was wondering when there is a double turn lane (either left or right), what lane do you guys usually take? Is it always best to take the inside lane to minimize the risk of cagers turning into your lane?

Also, for those in CA do you filter in this scenario? I usually only filter through when I'm going straight.

[cbinker]

I like the inside lane, that way no one is attempting to turn wide into my lane.

[Vergil]

Same for me usually. Wherever I can get the most space away from cars. Too often though has someone tried to merge into me and I do the same to get away.

Three times when I've used my horn to signal them they slam on the brakes and veer erratically into other lanes endangering other drivers. So I don't use my horn that often

[CZroe]

Originally Posted by cbinker

I like the inside lane, that way no one is attempting to turn wide into my lane.

I find that with dual left-turn lanes, the people in the outer lane are MORE likely to cross the line into my lane.

[fishdip]

Originally Posted by CZroe

I find that with dual left-turn lanes, the people in the outer lane are MORE likely to cross the line into my lane.

Yep I have had more ppl cut the corner and come in to my lane then ones that have gone wide.

[sLick415]

Depends on where I need to be after the turn. There's this double turn I always take after work (turning right) and after the turn I need to be in the far left lane so I'm always in the outside one. One day at the turn, I had a hunch and I honestly don't know why but I had a feeling the guy on the inside turn lane was gonna go straight. So I took it slow when the light turned green... AND I WAS FRIGGIN RIGHT!!

[csmith12]

Originally Posted by CZroe

I find that with dual left-turn lanes, the people in the outer lane are MORE likely to cross the line into my lane.

Ain't that the truth. This is my 2nd pet peeve of cagers. They start in the far lane and somewhere during the turn they become owners of the entire road and choose whatever lane they want. This behavior seems to get worse the closer you get to the mall or grocery store.

For me, I am nearly always far left or far right. I will take the curb/sidewalk before oncoming traffic any day. The answer to this question is... what lane offers the rider their best escape route.

[Motofool]

Originally Posted by csmith12

.........The answer to this question is... what lane offers the rider their best escape route.

The Golden Rule !!!

For the case of the OP, I would add:

Move faster than others.

Stay away from others' blind spots.

Use your peripheral view to keep track of others' position and intentions.

Those are things that have helped me in the roundabout that I frequently have to ride.

[adouglas]

This.

Every day I pass through a double left turn lane on my way home. The number-one thing I do is get ahead of the car next to me so he can see me. Even on a 250 you've got a big acceleration advantage. Use it... put yourself off the front fender of the guy next to you... inside or out, right or left, doesn't matter. The key is to put yourself where they can't miss seeing you.

In my experience they'll let you slot in in front of them if you need to.

Make sure to thank them with a wave.

[rojoracing53]

I almost always take the left of the two lanes because its ether empty or has less traffic. I also expect every car in the right lane to cut across my lane as they proceed through the turn so I make sure to avoid them.

It's nothing new and certainly nothing to lose sleep over. Over 90% of motorist car, bike, truck, what ever don't know how to drive or ride and it isn't going to change any time soon.

[iceknyght]

Originally Posted by CZroe

I find that with dual left-turn lanes, the people in the outer lane are MORE likely to cross the line into my lane.

I usually find the opposite where I am! LOL! Usually the inner person either mis-gauges the angle or they just don't seem to care about going into the other lane (don't realize it's 2 turning lanes)... I'd say a good 8-9 times out of 10, this happens... Whether I am on a bike or in my car!

[Lychee]

Originally Posted by milhouse

So for some reason, all the cagers seemed especially keen on killing me today. Multiple near misses.

The worst was at a double turn lane (turning right). I took the left turn lane and as I was completing the turn the pickup truck on my right decided that he'd make a three lane turn in order to make a left at the next light. So he turns over three lanes, squeezing me over. I was able to gas it and get past him, but it was close.

I was wondering when there is a double turn lane (either left or right), what lane do you guys usually take? Is it always best to take the inside lane to minimize the risk of cagers turning into your lane?

Also, for those in CA do you filter in this scenario? I usually only filter through when I'm going straight.

In California, the risk is minimized (for me anyway) by filtering to the front and being first off the line. Which lane at that point does not matter. I take these kind of turns daily. In a turn with two right turn lanes you can filter up either between the lanes or to the left of the leftmost turn lane. Vice versa in a turn with two left hand turns. You can lawfully lane share to the right and pass on the right if the lane being shared is a controlled left turn.

If you assume that the car will go into your path regardless of the lane, filtering and being first when the light turns green is really the only safe option.

[dfox]

i do it every day that I commute.

dual left turn lane, the road you turn onto doesn't have any lane markings, and the outside lane (right), also goes straight and right, but 90% of the cars turn left (grocery store is straight).

since I have to take an immediate right, I'm usually on the outside. I slot myself between cars so that in case someone does run wide, I can avoid them. The cars run wide about 50% of the time since there's no lane markings.

Whenever the left lane is open, no cars in front, I take that and just accelerate past everyone.

[cbinker]

Originally Posted by CZroe

I find that with dual left-turn lanes, the people in the outer lane are MORE likely to cross the line into my lane.

most of the left turn lanes in my area go from 2 lanes to a 3 lane road, i have noticed that many many people suck at following the lines no matter what i am operating. I like turning along the right portion of the lane in my F-250, makes people go wide.

[ChaoSS]

FWIW, I never filter to a turn lane. I just figure that if I start moving and turn, and the car wants to take the turn a bit wider, then could go right into me. I guess I also figure that I accelerate a little slower into a turn than when going straight.

Not saying it can't be done safely, just don't think that it would be safe for me to do it, and I almost always filter lights.

[NathanUc]

If you normally turn in the left lane, you'll notice the right lane drivers over-steer often.

If you normally turn in the right lane, you'll notice the left lane drivers under-steer often.

Such is life on the roads. Luckily, we are on motorcycles and have plenty of lane to move around usually.

[milhouse]

Thanks for great advice guys.

When possible, I'll just start using whichever lane leaves me closest to sidewalk. Getting run into the sidewalk definitely sounds nicer than oncoming traffic.

[Jiggles]

I split the middle

[CycleCam303]

Wait its ok to split when there is a solid white line? Why aren't they clear about the lane sharing rules around here

[iceknyght]

I was stuck in traffic (like dead stop traffic) a few times in the past few weeks and saw bikes riding "filtering" on the shoulder... Apparently the 'rules' are more like guidelines and up for interpretation...

[Jiggles]

Yea don't go on the shoulder. The only time I go on the shoulder is on those freeway ramps that are heavily banked and I only do it when traffic is stopped

[iceknyght]

Originally Posted by Jiggles

Yea don't go on the shoulder. The only time I go on the shoulder is on those freeway ramps that are heavily banked and I only do it when traffic is stopped

Oh, I know, but these clowns apparently didn't... One of those "where is a cop when you need one" moments...

[quicklooker]

Originally Posted by fishdip

Yep I have had more ppl cut the corner and come in to my lane then ones that have gone wide.

I experienced this as well.

[ChaoSS]

Originally Posted by iceknyght

Oh, I know, but these clowns apparently didn't... One of those "where is a cop when you need one" moments...

Don't worry about it, they will learn their lessons soon enough.