Left turn at a signal — bicycle riding alongside
Look at the picture, read the situation, and mark each of the three statements true (○) or false (✕). All three right scores 2 points.
You are about to turn left at a signalized intersection at 30 km/h. A bicycle is riding alongside you, just ahead on your left, and there is a pedestrian crossing with a pedestrian on the road you are turning into. Answer true or false for each of the following.
- (1)You have put on your turn signal, so you turn left right away without checking behind you.
- (2)Before turning left, you check for the bicycle at your left rear using the left side mirror and a direct look over your shoulder.
- (3)The pedestrian at the crossing on the road you are turning into is still far away, so you complete your left turn before they get there.
Show the answers and explanation
- (1) ✕ FalseYou have put on your turn signal, so you turn left right away without checking behind you.
- (2) ○ TrueBefore turning left, you check for the bicycle at your left rear using the left side mirror and a direct look over your shoulder.
- (3) ✕ FalseThe pedestrian at the crossing on the road you are turning into is still far away, so you complete your left turn before they get there.
Explanation
The biggest risk in a left turn is catching a bicycle or pedestrian at your left rear on the inside of the turn (Rules of the Road (kyōsoku), Ch. 5, Sec. 7, 1(3)). The side mirror alone is not enough; you must also look directly. When there is a pedestrian crossing on the road you are turning into, pedestrians have priority under the Road Traffic Act, Art. 38, so you must be ready to stop before you change course.
Source: Rules of the Road (kyōsoku), Ch. 5, Sec. 7, 1(3) (checking the left rear when turning left) / Road Traffic Act, Art. 34 (how to turn left) / Road Traffic Act, Art. 38
