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Ride on rightmost lane that goes straight or right yield to drivers?

Bicycles Asked on June 15, 2021

Sometimes I ride in the middle of a right most lane that can go either straight or right. Sometimes I get honked at red light cause drivers want me to move so they can pass me and make right turn. Is it cool if I block the whole lane during red light? USA

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2 Answers

At least in Austria and Germany the only situation where you can be required to drive on the left is when taking a left turn. (e.g. Austrian STVO: § 12. Einordnen)

Per default you have to drive as far right as is reasonable.

That being said, if it doesn’t endanger or inconvenience you, it doesn’t hurt to accommodate other driver’s needs.

Answered by Michael on June 15, 2021

I do this regularly biking in the US. Taking the lane at an intersection reduces many dangers at intersections. If there was a car in the lane that was going straight the cars behind would also not be able to turn right on red. At the light, you are moving at exactly the same speed as a stopped car going straight and so there is really no reason for you to not use the same amount of space.

I am not a lawyer and the exact laws around biking vary between states in the US so this is not legal advice. Though for reference my state would require me to ride "as far to the right as is safe/reasonable" so I believe that my suggestions follow this.

Also as an aside, cars turning right on red is really dangerous and shouldn't be a normal thing.

Answered by GageMartin on June 15, 2021

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