Intersections are where all of your traffic-riding skills come together. If you ride smoothly through the intersections, you can handle almost any riding environment.
At intersections, move to the correct lane position depending on which way you'll be going. Often, you'll need to move away from your normal position near the right side of the road. If you're turning right, keep to the right. But, if you're turning left, move to the center of the road. If you're going straight, go between the right and left-turning traffic.
Right Turns
Right turns are the easiest. Just stay in the right lane, look around for traffic, and go around the corner. To avoid being squeezed against the curb; ride in the middle of the right lane if it's narrow, just as you would on a straighaway. Remember that the rear end of a car pulls to the right as it makes a right turn.
At a stop sign or legal right turn on red, yield to traffic comng from the left on the cross street. You're always required to yield to pedestrians in crosswalks. Bicyclists follow the same set of rules as drivers do.
A right-turn signal is a useful courtesy to drivers who would have to wait for you, if you were going straight. Make your right-turn signal by pointing with your right arm.
Changing Your Lane Position
To prepare most intersection maneuvers, you need to change your lane position. Even between intersections or when making a right turn, as just described, you may have to move farther into the right lane. So far we've gotten by with a quick description of how to look back and check for traffic.
But when making a left turn, you often have to move across more than one lane. It's time to go into more detail. Before you change your lane position, you must always look back for traffic. Your sense of balance is in your head, so you need some practice to turn your head without swerving.
Some bicyclists change lane position without looking back, because they are afraid of swerving. Don't trust your ears! Many cars are very quiet, and a bicyclist behind you is quieter.
In an empty parking-lot practice area, ride along a straight, painted line. Turn your head to glance back, and then look forward again to see whether you're still riding straight. To keep from swerving, think about the position of your arms. If you don't turn the handlebars, you won't swerve.
Turn your head to look, even if you have a rear-view mirror. A mirror can help you to keep track of the traffic directly behind you, but no mirror will show cars or bicyclists at your side.
The best way to look back depends on your riding position. If you're sitting upright, swivel your neck and your back. If you're in a low crouch, duck your head sideways. Some bicyclists look over their shoulders and some even duck their heads underneath their arms.
