Road riding question
Hi All,
Just purchased my first road bike a couple of weeks ago. My goal is to ride the full leg of the mutual community challenge next year - not sure if thats a bit adventurous, but willing to put the time in to achieve it - so will be hitting roads solo and on as many group rides as I can. I havent done any road cycling before - apart from a group ride last saturday - and have a quick question.
I'm curious at to what is the correct procedure when wanting to turn right at traffic lights. I have looked at the cycling information on the transport sa website, and they talk about doing "hook turns". Are these the legal requirement, or is it ok to use the turn right lanes? I can imagine the hook turns would be safer in certain situations, but would also add plenty of time to a ride.
Thanks in advance
Liam :)
Replies to This Discussion
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Permalink Reply by Clive Palfrey on -
Hook turns are legal and usefull in heavy traffic situations or where there are multiple right turn lanes but you are not required to make hook turns. It really comes down to confidence, if you feel confident enough to turn right from the right turn lane then go for it.
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Permalink Reply by Liam Sloan on -
Awesome. Thanks for the reply. Just didnt want to set any bad examples or break any laws.
Cheers,
Liam
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Permalink Reply by Roger ... on -
Its not so much about breaking laws while you ride just staying safe. In the middle of the road some cars might try and buzz you, they wont ever hit you but just give you a scare so be aware of the little game they play, also the centre of the road in a busy intersection isnt the place to have cleat problems.
Personally I would choose to turn right from the left on West Terrace during business hours
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Permalink Reply by Alastair (A-Man) Dowler on -
I agree with Roger, this one always makes me think twice, your own ability to snap into the pedal quickly. I often do hook turns, depending on time of day and traffic, it also gives me a chance to catch my breath and have a drink.
I to am looking forward to doing the full 135km community challenge, in the weeks leading up I think me and the old free way up to the bollards will be best of mates. One thing that concerns me is the weather on the day, at what temp do you consider your health.
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Permalink Reply by Wombat on -
Hook turns are a great tool during peak periods or when the r/h turn arrows are not in operation, such as at the South Rd/Daws Rd intersection. I will often still make the right turn from the turn lane, as long as there is not a line of cars waiting to turn. I can usually get through on the orange and thereby put myself ahead of the traffic and well into the bike lane (which starts about 30 - 50 m from the intersection) before the cars reach me from Daws Rd. Otherwise, I take up a lane in front of the traffic if I cannot get across to the right turn lane or if there is a line of cars, and have to do the hook turn.
Basically, you have to play it by ear. With practice and confidence you will learn better what you are capable of. Until then the safer option will usually be the hook turn.
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Permalink Reply by Darren Bosanko on -
After some close calls with traffic skimming past I always try and do a hook turn. It takes no more time to get around the corner and gives you an opportunity to clip in and get going without the pressure of cars up your behind.
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Permalink Reply by Belinda Hoare on -
I've been riding for close to 6 years now, and I still judge each right-turn option on its merits - hook turn, or turning lane. Totally depends on the traffic conditions. When I do decide its safe enough to use a right-hand turning lane, I make sure that I keep to the left of the turning lane, AND stay in the line of traffic - I only filter up to the front on the far left of the road, not in a turning lane.. I have no idea if that's less aggravating to the cars behind me, but it certainly feels safer!
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Permalink Reply by heather on -
I have been cycling for years in the inner city, which includes peak hour traffic. I also judge the traffic and decide if a hook turn or the turn right lane.
I can understand why a cyclist keeps to the left of the turn right lane, in between cars, although it can be squeezy. I still do this most of the time when using the turn right lane. However, word of warning. One time when little traffic, I was IN the turn right lane, but more to the left. Turning right and east from SW section of Victoria Square into the centre. A car came through on my right, going straight ahead. I would have been hit if he had not sounded the horn. He realised I was turning right, so raises the question of why he went straight ahead on my right. So now I sometimes take up the middle of the lane.
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