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Do you pass cars on the right stopped at intersections?
OptionResults
Yes16 Votes - [22.22%]
No31 Votes - [43.06%]
Sometimes - See explanation below18 Votes - [25%]
Only with great caution.7 Votes - [9.72%]

2009-08-11 3:22 PM

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Regular
187
100252525
Barrie, Ontario, Canada
Subject: Do you pass cars on the right stopped at intersections?
I am curious to see what other, more experienced cyclists do when approaching a red light at an intersection.  I see quite a few people on bikes passing a line of cars and stopping at the front of the line only to be overtaken again after the light turns green.  I can see why drivers get frustrated with cyclist who do this traffic light after traffic light.

I always stop behind the right tail light (taking enough of the lane that a vehicle can't pass me while stopped) of the last car stopped at a red light.  When the car ahead of me starts moving, I follow until I can't keep up and then move over to the right to allow vehicles behind be to pass.

I ride my bike just like I drive my car, only slower (and I take more liberties with rolling stops at stopsigns) and to the right of my lane to allow faster vehicles to pass.

Am I normal?


2009-08-11 3:28 PM
in reply to: #2342224

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Extreme Veteran
452
1001001001002525
Ottawa, Ontario
Subject: RE: Do you pass cars on the right stopped at intersections?

I totally agree - I drive my bike just like my car (except of course that the bike is more fun and I actaly DRIVE it).  Stop lights though require some judgement - it depends on the number of cars at the intersection and the likelyhood of another cyclist coming up behind me who is most likely not going to understand and try to squeeze by me on the right as well.

Left hand turns though I never sneak by on the right - I always take my lane.

D

2009-08-11 3:38 PM
in reply to: #2342224

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Champion
8766
5000200010005001001002525
Evergreen, Colorado
Subject: RE: Do you pass cars on the right stopped at intersections?
If it was a HUGE line of cars I probably wouldn't chance it.  But a more typical situation for me is to come upon a red light with 3-5 cars sitting there.  And with extreme caution I usually mosey around the right hand side...taking extreme care to look for people potentially trying to turn right (into me).

If I am making a left turn I will come up on the right hand side of all the cars waiting to turn left.

I figure I am safer as the first person to proceed into an intersection versus staying in the middle of the cars.  If I'm in the middle of the cars who knows if they will see me or not.  If I'm out in front of everybody I am much more visible.  Yes it stinks that a car might have to pass me twice...maybe it will make them think about getting out of their car and onto a bike.

And of course, this all applies only if we are completely stopped.  If traffic is inching I am much more likely to stay in line and inch along....goes along with the aforementioned possibility of people not looking before turning, etc.  But if cars are stopped with nowhere to go?  Oh heck yes I come up on the right hand side of them.
2009-08-11 3:41 PM
in reply to: #2342224

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Champion
7558
500020005002525
Albuquerque, New Mexico
Subject: RE: Do you pass cars on the right stopped at intersections?

The law sez I'm a vehicle when I'm riding my bicycle and who am I to argue with the law?? 

If the light is red, I line up behind the preceeding car in the right-most appropriate lane.  I don't need to give drivers a second opportunity to hit me by passing them at a light. 

2009-08-11 3:45 PM
in reply to: #2342224

Subject: ...
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2009-08-11 3:50 PM
in reply to: #2342224

Elite
3471
200010001001001001002525
Evergreen, CO
Subject: RE: Do you pass cars on the right stopped at intersections?
It depends how big the shoulder is.  If I will go thru the light on the right and will be back on the shoulder I pull up next to the 1st car.  If there's no shoulder and I'll be riding on the road I stop behind the last car in line and hang on behind them as long as I can, especially if there are cars parked on the right side of the road.


2009-08-11 3:53 PM
in reply to: #2342224

Master
3127
2000100010025
Sunny Southern Cal
Subject: RE: Do you pass cars on the right stopped at intersections?

If there's a bike lane, no big deal.  In a turn lane, I typically line up with the cars.  I've been with groups where people line up to the right of the rightmost turn lane and then swing wide to the curb. 

I almost got hit once when I came up on the right side of cars turning right, and I was seriously overheated and out-of-it.  That one would have been my fault.  On the other hand, there have been several times that I'm the first one at an intersection waiting for a green/pedestrian light (having hit the button), and someone comes up and make a right turn into me as the light turns green and I have already clipped in and am starting to go.  I always hate that situation.

2009-08-11 4:02 PM
in reply to: #2342224

Pro
4277
20002000100100252525
Parker, CO
Subject: RE: Do you pass cars on the right stopped at intersections?

I almost always go to the right of the car.  I don't cut in front of them after I passed, I stay to the right.  Seldom do I stop behind the cars at a traffic light.  The reason is I did stop behind them at one time.  This all stopped when there were several cars that were also behind me.  When the light cycled green somehow I did not get clipped in my pedals as fast as the driver behind me wanted me to.  He darted around me and the car behind him did the same thing...a little too close for comfort!  I stay to right...usually look over my shoulder to be sure they see me and make sure i am clear (to the right of the car) when the light turns green.  Seems the safest to me.

eta:  if this is a turning lane I would not go to the right.



Edited by rayd 2009-08-11 4:20 PM
2009-08-11 4:02 PM
in reply to: #2342224

Regular
68
2525
Katy, TX
Subject: RE: Do you pass cars on the right stopped at intersections?
Like others have said, it will depend on traffic and road conditions.  If no shoulder/bike lane, then I almost always wait in line like a car. The only exception is if traffic suggests that I may cause more problems by doing that.  If that is the case, I may go to the front if I think I can move out of the way to the right of the intersection so that all the cars can pass me before the intersection ends.   If there is a shoulder (and it continues past the intersection) then I'll move to the front in the shoulder area. 

I know I'm kind of breaking my own rules by making the exception, but my "excuse" is that whereas cars can accelerate quickly enough to get through the light in one cycle, I may not be able to do so and could end up making other cars wait an extra light just because I was there and couldn't pick up the speed fast enough. 

Edited by jtbaldwin 2009-08-11 4:02 PM
2009-08-11 4:02 PM
in reply to: #2342262

Master
2381
2000100100100252525
Dallas, Texas
Subject: RE: Do you pass cars on the right stopped at intersections?
jldicarlo - 2009-08-11 3:38 PM If it was a HUGE line of cars I probably wouldn't chance it.  But a more typical situation for me is to come upon a red light with 3-5 cars sitting there.  And with extreme caution I usually mosey around the right hand side...taking extreme care to look for people potentially trying to turn right (into me).

If I am making a left turn I will come up on the right hand side of all the cars waiting to turn left.

I figure I am safer as the first person to proceed into an intersection versus staying in the middle of the cars.  If I'm in the middle of the cars who knows if they will see me or not.  If I'm out in front of everybody I am much more visible.  Yes it stinks that a car might have to pass me twice...maybe it will make them think about getting out of their car and onto a bike.

And of course, this all applies only if we are completely stopped.  If traffic is inching I am much more likely to stay in line and inch along....goes along with the aforementioned possibility of people not looking before turning, etc.  But if cars are stopped with nowhere to go?  Oh heck yes I come up on the right hand side of them.


Sorry, but this logic makes no sense.  You're having the same cars pass you multiple times PLUS the other vehicles that are further back that catch up to you pass you also.  You are effectively increasing the number of vehicles passing you with each light. 
2009-08-11 4:05 PM
in reply to: #2342224

Master
2381
2000100100100252525
Dallas, Texas
Subject: RE: Do you pass cars on the right stopped at intersections?
I never pass cars on the right.  How many drivers expect a vehicle to pass them in the gutter of the road on the right?  Answer: none.  That's a good way to have a car turn into your.  Besides it's agains the law.  If you want to be respected as a legitimate vehicle on the road then act like one.  I ride in the right hand tire track of the road, stop at lights and stop signs and generally just act like another car on the road.


2009-08-11 4:08 PM
in reply to: #2342307

Extreme Veteran
547
50025
Atlanta
Subject: RE: Do you pass cars on the right stopped at intersections?

SevenZulu - 2009-08-11 4:53 PM

If there's a bike lane, no big deal.  In a turn lane, I typically line up with the cars.  I've been with groups where people line up to the right of the rightmost turn lane and then swing wide to the curb. 

I almost got hit once when I came up on the right side of cars turning right, and I was seriously overheated and out-of-it.  That one would have been my fault.  On the other hand, there have been several times that I'm the first one at an intersection waiting for a green/pedestrian light (having hit the button), and someone comes up and make a right turn into me as the light turns green and I have already clipped in and am starting to go.  I always hate that situation.

Pardon me if I'm not understanding correctly, but why would you be hitting the button for the pedestrian light while on your bike?  Were you on the sidewalk waiting to go through the cross walk?

I say do as cars do.  I will stay somewhat towards the right of the road if I'm going straight, but still stay in line.  If turning left, I'll line up right in the middle so everyone sees me and knows I'm turning left.



Edited by jessica71980 2009-08-11 4:11 PM
2009-08-11 4:09 PM
in reply to: #2342224

Resident Curmudgeon
25290
50005000500050005000100100252525
The Road Back
Gold member
Subject: RE: Do you pass cars on the right stopped at intersections?
What's a red light?

(s) Country Cyclist
2009-08-11 4:24 PM
in reply to: #2342351

Master
3127
2000100010025
Sunny Southern Cal
Subject: RE: Do you pass cars on the right stopped at intersections?

jessica71980 - 2009-08-11 2:08 PM

SevenZulu - 2009-08-11 4:53 PM

If there's a bike lane, no big deal.  In a turn lane, I typically line up with the cars.  I've been with groups where people line up to the right of the rightmost turn lane and then swing wide to the curb. 

I almost got hit once when I came up on the right side of cars turning right, and I was seriously overheated and out-of-it.  That one would have been my fault.  On the other hand, there have been several times that I'm the first one at an intersection waiting for a green/pedestrian light (having hit the button), and someone comes up and make a right turn into me as the light turns green and I have already clipped in and am starting to go.  I always hate that situation.

Pardon me if I'm not understanding correctly, but why would you be hitting the button for the pedestrian light while on your bike?  Were you on the sidewalk waiting to go through the cross walk?

I say do as cars do.  I will stay somewhat towards the right of the road if I'm going straight, but still stay in line.  If turning left, I'll like up right in the middle so everyone sees me and knows I'm turning left.

Sometimes on an early morning ride, I will get to an intersection when there are no cars going my direction (or opposite).  The light won't change for me if I can't get it to sense my bike, and I really have no way to know if it sensed my bike or not without waiting for a very long time.  So I will roll up the ramp, hit the ped button, and circle back down to the side of the road at the edge of the intersection where I wait for the traffic signal to switch for the ped button.  I could blow the light if there's no cross traffic, but sometimes there's a good amount of cross traffic and none at all in my direction.  That's why I venture over and hit the walk button.  It would be much nicer if there were a button for the bikes that could be easily reached without having to maneuver over to the walk button, but I only know of one intersection in my area where that is installed.  It is very convenient.

2009-08-11 4:24 PM
in reply to: #2342351

Extreme Veteran
510
500
Falls Church, VA
Subject: RE: Do you pass cars on the right stopped at intersections?

jessica71980 - 2009-08-11 4:08 PM

SevenZulu - 2009-08-11 4:53 PM

If there's a bike lane, no big deal.  In a turn lane, I typically line up with the cars.  I've been with groups where people line up to the right of the rightmost turn lane and then swing wide to the curb. 

I almost got hit once when I came up on the right side of cars turning right, and I was seriously overheated and out-of-it.  That one would have been my fault.  On the other hand, there have been several times that I'm the first one at an intersection waiting for a green/pedestrian light (having hit the button), and someone comes up and make a right turn into me as the light turns green and I have already clipped in and am starting to go.  I always hate that situation.

Pardon me if I'm not understanding correctly, but why would you be hitting the button for the pedestrian light while on your bike?  Were you on the sidewalk waiting to go through the cross walk?

I say do as cars do.  I will stay somewhat towards the right of the road if I'm going straight, but still stay in line.  If turning left, I'll line up right in the middle so everyone sees me and knows I'm turning left.

In my area I'd say 9 out of 10 lights will not be tripped by a bike.  So unless you want to run a red or wait for a car to come by to trip it you push the crosswalk button.

2009-08-11 4:33 PM
in reply to: #2342342

Extreme Veteran
510
500
Falls Church, VA
Subject: RE: Do you pass cars on the right stopped at intersections?

zia_cyclist - 2009-08-11 4:05 PM I never pass cars on the right.  How many drivers expect a vehicle to pass them in the gutter of the road on the right?  Answer: none.  That's a good way to have a car turn into your.  Besides it's agains the law.  If you want to be respected as a legitimate vehicle on the road then act like one.  I ride in the right hand tire track of the road, stop at lights and stop signs and generally just act like another car on the road.

That a bike is just like a car with the full rights of any other car is a concept and generally not the law.  I'm don't know about TX but in the states I am familiar with, riding as you say you do in the right hand tire track on a full width road is impeding traffic and is against the law.  Bikes are rquired to share the lane if there's room and passing a car on the right in the same lane is not agianst the law.



2009-08-11 4:39 PM
in reply to: #2342404

Champion
10020
50005000
, Minnesota
Bronze member
Subject: RE: Do you pass cars on the right stopped at intersections?

In Minnesota it's the law that you have the same rights and responsibilities of a car.   I would have ventured that "most" states DO have this as law, since I see it a lot around here.  But I suppose it's fair to say we shouldn't assume we know the law and should do our research for sure. 

I will sometimes pull up to the right of cars at a light, if there's a ton of room, to give them a chance to go by me when the light turns.  But I always, always, get into the left lane if I am turning left.  Or whichever lane I'd be in, if I were turning left in my car.  Try to mix a little common sense, but still "hold the lane" when possible. 

StarGazer - 2009-08-11 4:33 PM

zia_cyclist - 2009-08-11 4:05 PM I never pass cars on the right.  How many drivers expect a vehicle to pass them in the gutter of the road on the right?  Answer: none.  That's a good way to have a car turn into your.  Besides it's agains the law.  If you want to be respected as a legitimate vehicle on the road then act like one.  I ride in the right hand tire track of the road, stop at lights and stop signs and generally just act like another car on the road.

That a bike is just like a car with the full rights of any other car is a concept and generally not the law.  I'm don't know about TX but in the states I am familiar with, riding as you say you do in the right hand tire track on a full width road is impeding traffic and is against the law.  Bikes are rquired to share the lane if there's room and passing a car on the right in the same lane is not agianst the law.

2009-08-11 4:45 PM
in reply to: #2342224

Master
1993
1000500100100100100252525
Riverside, IL
Subject: RE: Do you pass cars on the right stopped at intersections?
I have to admit I am guilty of passing stopped cars on the right, at stoplights.  But I DO assess each situation before making the decision to ride up alongside on the right.  If it's a very long line of cars and not enough space for me to safely ride up on the right...then I will wait behind the last car.  But if it's only a few cars and there is room for me to fit through, I will ride up to the front (but still stay to the far right) of the line. 

For left turns, if it's just 1 or 2 cars...I will take the entire lane and wait behind the last car.  But...if it's a longer line of left-turning vehicles, then I generally will ride up along the right side of the lane and scoot in front of them.  I'd rather be more visible by being the first turning vehicle, rather than being hidden within a bunch of cars and risk not being seen.   Yes, I realize I'm breaking the law in some of those situations...but, I sometimes feel it's actually safer for me to do so in certain situations
2009-08-11 4:53 PM
in reply to: #2342427

Pro
4578
20002000500252525
Vancouver, BC
Subject: RE: Do you pass cars on the right stopped at intersections?

nscrbug Yes, I realize I'm breaking the law in some of those situations...but, I sometimes feel it's actually safer for me to do so in certain situations

I generally follow the law, but I safety and common sense rule most for me.

We have pedestrian controlled lights and there is usually a post for cyclists to activate them too. At a busy cross street, I think cars actually appreciate me passing them on the right to push the button.

If I'm going straight through and waiting at a redlight, and there is a car behind me that wants to turn right, then I move over to the very left of the lane and they turn right behind me.

I generally try to tick not cars off and generally they tick don't me off. Works fine.

ETA: My grammar isn't usually so bad, but a word got sensored.

ETA again: Okay, came up with a synonym.



Edited by jeng 2009-08-11 4:55 PM
2009-08-11 5:26 PM
in reply to: #2342224

Extreme Veteran
419
100100100100
San Jose, CA
Subject: RE: Do you pass cars on the right stopped at intersections?
If the bike lane goes all the way up to the intersection, sure, why not, I'm staying in my lane and not anyone else's. If there is not a bike lane and many cars backed up at the light, no, I'll stay behind them and move forward with them at the green.
2009-08-11 5:38 PM
in reply to: #2342342

Master
1903
1000500100100100100
Portland, Oregon
Subject: RE: Do you pass cars on the right stopped at intersections?
zia_cyclist - 2009-08-11 2:05 PM I never pass cars on the right.  How many drivers expect a vehicle to pass them in the gutter of the road on the right?  Answer: none.  That's a good way to have a car turn into your.  Besides it's agains the law.  If you want to be respected as a legitimate vehicle on the road then act like one.  I ride in the right hand tire track of the road, stop at lights and stop signs and generally just act like another car on the road.


Not true everywhere. In Oregon, it is legal to ride up to the light and stop at the crosswalk to the right of the cars. In some places there is a "bike box" striped out in the area at the head of the line of cars, right behind the crosswalk. If you're at the front of the line, people see you better. This came after several instances where cyclists were killed because cars turned right across bike lanes and cut off/hit the cyclist. Regardless of the legality, however, in some situations it can be safer to hang back a bit. It's different downtown than the suburbs given the timing of the lights and speed of the cars.


2009-08-11 5:48 PM
in reply to: #2342441

Master
3127
2000100010025
Sunny Southern Cal
Subject: RE: Do you pass cars on the right stopped at intersections?

jeng - 2009-08-11 2:53 PM

nscrbug Yes, I realize I'm breaking the law in some of those situations...but, I sometimes feel it's actually safer for me to do so in certain situations

I generally follow the law, but I safety and common sense rule most for me.

We have pedestrian controlled lights and there is usually a post for cyclists to activate them too. At a busy cross street, I think cars actually appreciate me passing them on the right to push the button.

If I'm going straight through and waiting at a redlight, and there is a car behind me that wants to turn right, then I move over to the very left of the lane and they turn right behind me.

I generally try to tick not cars off and generally they tick don't me off. Works fine.

ETA: My grammar isn't usually so bad, but a word got sensored.

ETA again: Okay, came up with a synonym.

So you try not to tick off cars, but then you like to push pedestrian's buttons?

2009-08-11 6:03 PM
in reply to: #2342224

Pro
6520
50001000500
Bellingham, WA
Subject: RE: Do you pass cars on the right stopped at intersections?
Only if there is a well marked bike lane. It really annoys me when cyclists take liberties that just get motorists angry at the next guy, usually me. I go out of my way to behave like I should and will sometimes get a nod or wave for it.
2009-08-11 6:11 PM
in reply to: #2342549

Pro
4578
20002000500252525
Vancouver, BC
Subject: RE: Do you pass cars on the right stopped at intersections?

SevenZulu - 2009-08-11 3:48 PM

jeng - 2009-08-11 2:53 PM

nscrbug Yes, I realize I'm breaking the law in some of those situations...but, I sometimes feel it's actually safer for me to do so in certain situations

I generally follow the law, but I safety and common sense rule most for me.

We have pedestrian controlled lights and there is usually a post for cyclists to activate them too. At a busy cross street, I think cars actually appreciate me passing them on the right to push the button.

If I'm going straight through and waiting at a redlight, and there is a car behind me that wants to turn right, then I move over to the very left of the lane and they turn right behind me.

I generally try to tick not cars off and generally they tick don't me off. Works fine.

ETA: My grammar isn't usually so bad, but a word got sensored.

ETA again: Okay, came up with a synonym.

So you try not to tick off cars, but then you like to push pedestrian's buttons?

Nice!

2009-08-11 7:06 PM
in reply to: #2342342

Regular
96
252525
Plainfield, IL
Subject: RE: Do you pass cars on the right stopped at intersections?
I ride like I drive my car
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