when making left turns on my bicycle, should use the left turn lane or the corss walk?

I make the decision based on the road, traffic, and weather conditions. Yes, you can move to the left lane and make the turn just like any other vehicle, and I do that most of the time. However, there are times and places where its more prudent to use the crosswalk. Getting there and back alive is more important than proving a point to motorists whose vehicles outweigh you by thousands of pounds.

Something to consider: On the way to or from work, the sun may be in motorists eyes and they may not see you at all.

In my state, a bicycle is considered a vehicle and has the same rights as a car (but of course with some rules). So yes you can cross traffic and make a legal left turn from the left turn lane providing you yield to traffic obviously. You're also allowed to get off your bike and use the crosswalk as a pedestrian (though whether you actually have to walk the bike across seems debated).

I personally find traffic scary while on a bike and unless I have to do otherwise, I keep to the sidewalks.

left turn lane

crosswalk is risky too and takes 5 times as long

if it is REALLY busy maybe do that

but try the 'act l ike a car' method

with reason

don;t pull in front of a car going 50 mph

you may have to wait for a long opening

you can also change one lane at a time

though if you wait too long in one land a car may come up behind you going fast

no one but you can decide

left lane is better if you can do it

wle

You're supposed to use the left turn lane. It can be risky sometimes but if you speed up as your approach the turn lane then you're speed diference between the cars won't be as great which makes it safer. You should also signal your intent to turn left clearly and well ahead of time. Try to keep that arm out for your signal as long as you can so that they know whats up.

Although using the turn lane is what you are supposed to do, no one is going to mind if you use the crosswalk on a busy turn.

Left lane. Don't ride your bicycle..."drive your bicycle". Use it the same way any other "vehicle" would. A bicycle is legally a vehicle in all 50 states, Canada & all over Europe.

Read this from cover-to-cover...http://www.bikexprt.com/streetsmarts/usa/index.htm

Use your left arm to furnish standardized course alerts. Up for suitable turn. horizontal for left turn and elbow bent and arm down for quit. otherwise use the crosswalk for extra effective protection. pondering the idiots who think of their telephone call is extra substantial than your existence. For them roll up by ability of their window, smile and ask to confirm their telephone. Then toss it interior the decrease back seat and bypass away.