Intersection protocol/safety.
Ultimate HDF Member
Joined: Aug 2008
Posts: 6,235
Likes: 65
From: Joliet, Illinois
Pointing, flashing high beams or any other signal might be taken as a "Go Ahead" by the other driver. A far better tip is to try to time it so you pass through the intersection with another vehicle. If there is no other vehicle heading in the same direction, time it so you pass through well ahead of the approaching vehicle or slow down so you pass through after they make their turn. If you are watching far enough ahead, you can do this at most intersections.
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Tourer
Joined: Sep 2009
Posts: 479
Likes: 4
From: Nanaimo, Vancouver Island
Thanks, we all had similar thoughts on this one. I would think, as well, that he/she was pointing for me to go first. Great idea on sticking with a vehicle. I will often wear a bright neon lime jogging shell over my leather jacket when I ride solo. I don't care how I look on my bike, I just want to be as visible as I can. Never thought of turning on my high beams though. Gonna do that next time I go out, which will probably be today. The sun is shining.
Outstanding HDF Member
Joined: Aug 2008
Posts: 3,078
Likes: 6
From: Michigan
Thanks, we all had similar thoughts on this one. I would think, as well, that he/she was pointing for me to go first. Great idea on sticking with a vehicle. I will often wear a bright neon lime jogging shell over my leather jacket when I ride solo. I don't care how I look on my bike, I just want to be as visible as I can. Never thought of turning on my high beams though. Gonna do that next time I go out, which will probably be today. The sun is shining.
Road Captain
Joined: Apr 2007
Posts: 505
Likes: 1
From: Pennsylvania
REMEMBER: Even if you are dressed in a Yellow Big Bird outfit that other driver may be on the cell phone, texting fiddling with their INFOvision screen, lighting a smoke, yelling at the kids, putting on makeup etc...
Road Master
Joined: Sep 2009
Posts: 892
Likes: 11
From: Northern NY
Right of way means nothing after you been killed in a traffic wreck!!!!!!!!!!! Drive with extreme predjudice.
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Road Master
Joined: Sep 2007
Posts: 899
Likes: 2
From:
I've been commuting to work for awhile and I find the best way to go through an intersection is offset behind a car (behind him in the adjacent lane) or close behind a car in front of me going through the intersection. If they see the car, they'll see you also. I never leave too much space so a car turning might misjudge how far I am behind the car. I always ride with my auxillary lights on. I've read bright colored clothes helps make you more visible also. Occassionally I've seen riders with bright red stripes on their jackets like road workers use. May not look too sleek but it is effective.
IMHO, the safest place to be going through an intersection is beside a car or a truck going the same way. Otherwise, I'm going to do whatever I can to make myself obvious but expect them to turn in front, particularly if there is a vehicle a ways behind me that the left turner may be focusing on.
Outstanding HDF Member
Joined: Aug 2008
Posts: 3,078
Likes: 6
From: Michigan
Which is why I swerve back and forth a bit to draw their attention, even been know to do a short blast on the air horn if the person doesn't look like they are paying attention. but definately right next to a car that the driver sees is a good place to be unless that jack off is on the phone or something.