For cyclists and scooter riders, navigating an intersection can feel dangerous and intimidating. A right turn, or traveling straight, is often easier for most riders. Turning left is when riders are at the most risk and feel the least comfortable.
When approaching an intersection, move to the correct lane position, depending on which direction you want to go (right, left, or straight ahead). This may mean leaving your normal position near the right side of the road or in the bicycle lane. If you're turning right, keep to the right. If you're going straight, set up between the right- and left-turning vehicles. If there is a bicycle lane present, follow the path the lane delineates.
At a stop sign or a traffic light where you can legally turn right on red, yield to through traffic coming from the left and to pedestrians on crosswalks. Always remember that riders are obligated to follow the same rules as drivers including yielding to pedestrians and stopping at stop signs and red signals.
When making left turns, it may seem dangerous to move to the middle of the street, but this is the best position for a left turn. It puts all the traffic you have to deal with in front of you. Because you're to the left of the through traffic coming from behind, you don't have to look back before turning left. Instead, you can fully focus on the traffic from the left, right and front.
Alternately, riders making a left turn may ride straight through an intersection and then stop at the opposite side before turning left and following the crosswalk across the street.
It is important for both drivers and micromobility users of all types to understand that every person on a bicycle or scooter is granted all the same rights, and are subject to all of the same duties, as motor vehicle drivers. (NJ39:4-14.1). This includes the ability to ride in the travel lane when bicycle infrastructure isn’t present.
