Cycling on road- did I do something wrong?

Question

I was cycling today when I came up to a T-junction. I moved over to the right hand side of the road in plenty of time, then made the right turn. I chose not to indicate because my position made it obvious I was turning right and I didn't want to fall off my bike (I slowed but didn't stop). Anyway the car behind me turned right too, and came up on my left side a bit as I was making the turn. I got screamed at by the driver.. "what the **** are you doing..." etc.

I'd like to know if it was the car driver or myself who was in the wrong, as this does nothing to help my already low confidence level on the road.

Answer 1

It is a good idea to signal (and technically required by the law in most places).  Unfortunately, in our society (the US) bikes are considered a nuisance by most non riders.  You will have to get used to a certain amount of idiots like that as you ride.  My recommendations (1) signal your turns.  I don't use the standard ones but rather point a finger/arm straight right or left for turns (people understand what it means better than the pledge of allegience right turn bit). (2) Buy a rear view mirror for your helmet.  Cycle Aware makes a great one for about $15.  This makes it easier to see when someone is coming up behind you (especially if they are too close or doing something even dumber, like reaching out.  Rare, but not unheard of.)  (3) CONTROL YOUR LANE.   A lot of beginning and experienced cyclists don't understand that if you right right against the edge that cars will often come dangerously close or clip you.  I ride about 2 feet from the edge.  Using my mirror, I can see when a car is coming up.  As they come around me I tend to move inward.  This gives an added measure of safety.  I will also tend to move out towards the center (crowd the lane) if it is not safe to pass (blind hill or oncoming traffic) as a disincentive.  Once it is clear/safe, I will generally move in and/or motion (hand down, waving forward) to encourage the person to pass.  Most cities don't have good bike lanes so it is frustrating for cars as well.  If you are in a tight area and see traffic backing up, and have the ability to pull over (into a right turn lane, etc.) to allow the cars to pass, do so.  They will appreciate the courtesy. The great thing about $5 gasoline is that many people may start to look at bicycles in a different way (a la Europe).  I would certainly welcome a more bicycle friendly society.  Happy trails.

Answer 2

Since you are from England where people drive on the left side of the road, many of our US answers may be incorrect.

This would be us American drivers substituting left where you say right??

So Were you always riding with traffic, as in the same direction?

If not, that is a problem.

But this left side right thing has me  way too confused.

Answer 3

A right turn should never invoke the kind of response you got.    You should be riding on the right edge of any road anyway;  no 'move to the ride hand side of the road' should be necessary.   This leads me to believe you were in the middle of the lane or even on the left side and then moved over;  your idea of 'plenty of time' may not be accurate as cars are moving waaaay faster than us.   Not signalling is also not cool when in traffic;  you must do all you can to make sure vehicles see you and know your intentions.   Chalk it up to experience and an car driver having a bad day.

Answer 4

Car driver was wrong, Highway Code, "to be aware of the road at all times".

You were cut up it is illegal to pass on the inside.

Answer 5

Hard to say without being there, but it sounds like the driver is wound a little too tight.

Still, you should have come to a full stop as required by law (I'm assuming there was a stop sign).   You also should have signaled your turn BEFORE changing lanes and BEFORE  braking for the stop.    You're supposed to signal well before making your move both for lane changes and turns, just like in a motor vehicle.   Signaling while turning is too late and helps no one figure out your intentions.  

I'm also assuming you're in the U.S.   If you're in the UK, then the other driver has every right to be upset because you changed lanes without warning.

Answer 6

Inconsiderate ignorant driver.