BIKE: Turn-only INCLUDING cyclists on 360?

[Fred Meredith]

There is a possible problem there. Technically, they are right. When 
that is marked as a right turn only lane and no special signage 
exists for bicyclists, they are SUPPOSED to move to the right side of 
the rightmost through lane.

This presents a problem especially on 360 because of the high speeds 
involved in the travel lanes and the fact that most of those right 
turn only lanes are carved out of the shoulder where cyclists are 
usually riding.

I know many are uncomfortable moving into the actual travel lane on 
360, but that is technically where you are supposed to be at 
intersections, if you are going straight through. And, if you are 
turning left, you are technically supposed to be over on the inside 
or the left turn only lane and true, most times of the day that is a 
low comfort thing to do for many riders. Of course, there is the 
alternative of making a right turn, a U turn and then crossing 360 in 
the left turn lane.

There is much unspoken (even by John Forester) about how to treat 
roadways like Loop 360. While it is not a limited access freeway (so 
is still legal for bicycles), it does also have some exit and 
entrance ramps which can be difficult to deal with in congested, 
high-speed traffic.

Common sense and predictability should be the first order guidelines. 
Not everyone's solution will be exactly the same. Whatever your 
decision, make it a safe one.

Fred Meredith

At 9:18 AM -0600 12/8/04, Lane S. Wimberley wrote:
>A few months back, I'd mentioned that police had stopped some cyclists
>out on 360 and informed them that it is illegal to use the right turn-
>only lanes as through lanes for bikes (they are frequently marked that
>way in the city).  I think the UTC (or a relevant subcommittee) was
>going to take this up at a meeting in November, and I'm wondering what
>was discussed there.  Maybe the police have stopped enforcing this?
>Or, maybe they discovered it was a non-law?  If not, then I think
>something is in order, like signage.
>
>Thanks,
>
>-Lane
>
>_______________________________________________________________________
>Lane Wimberley, Wayport, Inc.,  512.519.6195 (voice)  512.519.6200 (fax)
>Southpark Commerce Center II, 4509 Freidrich Lane, Austin, TX 78744
>
>
>_______________________________________________
>Get on or off this list here:  http://BicycleAustin.info/list


-- 
When in doubt ... ride your bike (or at least write about it).

Fred Meredith
P.O. Box 100 (12702 Lowden Ln for UPS/FedEx)
Manchaca, TX 78652
512/282-1987 (office/home)
512/282-7413 (fax)
512/636-7480 (wireless)
More than you want to know at: http://2merediths.com