[Polar Bear]

Hey cyclists...if you're approaching a roundabout on the street and intend to go straight through...2nd exit typically...what do you consider is the safest way? After awaiting an opening (both lanes) of course, do you turn into the right hand lane and stay there until your exit? Do you head to the inside lane and exit from there? Some other path I may not be considering?

I'm a MMP rider myself, but I do make exceptions sometimes to avoid certain tunnels or other situations. And I just want to know how you think is best to go through the roundabouts.

Thanks.

And please folks, don't turn this into a cyclists-are-bad or MMP-vs-street riding discussion. There are plenty of other threads for that. Thanks for that also.

[anothersteve]

I'm not starting anything here, and I'm not a cyclist, but, I would think since cyclists have to obey all rules and laws of the road, that would apply to roundabouts also? Meaning ride them as you would an automobile?
Steve

[biker1]

Move to the middle of the right lane when approaching the roundabout, stop if necessary to allow for an opening and then stay in the right lane when going through the roundabout. Make eye contact with anyone about to enter the roundabout.

Originally Posted by Polar Bear

Hey cyclists...if you're approaching a roundabout on the street and intend to go straight through...2nd exit typically...what do you consider is the safest way? After awaiting an opening (both lanes) of course, do you turn into the right hand lane and stay there until your exit? Do you head to the inside lane and exit from there? Some other path I may not be considering?

I'm a MMP rider myself, but I do make exceptions sometimes to avoid certain tunnels or other situations. And I just want to know how you think is best to go through the roundabouts.

Thanks.

And please folks, don't turn this into a cyclists-are-bad or MMP-vs-street riding discussion. There are plenty of other threads for that. Thanks for that also.

[Polar Bear]

Originally Posted by anothersteve

I'm not starting anything here, and I'm not a cyclist, but, I would think since cyclists have to obey all rules and laws of the road, that would apply to roundabouts also? Meaning ride them as you would an automobile?
Steve

Agree. But there are multiple legal ways to drive through the roundabout, like the couple I described. I’m just asking the cyclists for what method they think is safest for a cyclist.

Originally Posted by biker1

Move to the middle of the right lane when approaching the roundabout, stop if necessary to allow for an opening and then stay in the right lane when going through the roundabout. Make eye contact with anyone about to enter the roundabout.

That’s what I’ve done so far. It feels pretty good.

[Velvet]

I’d use the blocking position in each lane, like a motorcycle.

[Dr Winston O Boogie jr]

Originally Posted by anothersteve

I'm not starting anything here, and I'm not a cyclist, but, I would think since cyclists have to obey all rules and laws of the road, that would apply to roundabouts also? Meaning ride them as you would an automobile?
Steve

They should also be obeying the law that says that slower traffic should stay to the right.

I guess if they're considering taking the third exit then they'd have to use the left hand lane. Frankly I wouldn't do that on my bicycle as I fear that I'd be placing my life in severe jeopardy.

[Dr Winston O Boogie jr]

Agree. But there are multiple legal ways to drive through the roundabout, like the couple I described. I’m just asking the cyclists for what method they think is safest for a cyclist.

Sorry, but there are only two legal ways of going straight through a roundabout. You may use either lane. Slower vehicles should stay to the right so unless you're bike is capable or maintaining 20MPH you should just stay in the right hand lane. Why would you even think of using the left hand lane. You're already placing your life in danger by riding on a major road or using a roundabout. The left hand lane would increased the danger.

[Velvet]

Hubby suggests, have a LOUD bell. He wouldn’t ride the roundabout, maybe if you go when there is very little traffic?

[ureout]

Originally Posted by Polar Bear

Hey cyclists...if you're approaching a roundabout on the street and intend to go straight through...2nd exit typically...what do you consider is the safest way? After awaiting an opening (both lanes) of course, do you turn into the right hand lane and stay there until your exit? Do you head to the inside lane and exit from there? Some other path I may not be considering?

I'm a MMP rider myself, but I do make exceptions sometimes to avoid certain tunnels or other situations. And I just want to know how you think is best to go through the roundabouts.

Thanks.

And please folks, don't turn this into a cyclists-are-bad or MMP-vs-street riding discussion. There are plenty of other threads for that. Thanks for that also.

I do not ride the roundabouts a lot on my bike but when I do I
stay in the right lane and proceed like a car... if I'm taking the LAST exit I get in the LEFT lane just like a car should do.. if you are in the right lane and try to take the left exit you are definitely looking to get killed by the cars exiting to go straight thru

[vintageogauge]

And then there are the dump trucks and landscapers. I would not do that ever.

[Velvet]

In the blocking position a car can’t pass you and you are visible that is why it’s safe(r).

I think that so many people complain about the roundabouts in TV that they could be made safer by reducing the speed or increasing their diameter as it is in other places. And in TV we have older people with less faster reaction time rather than faster reaction time needed for a tighter roundabout. If there was an accident in a roundabout, the people who made the design and decide the speed should be held responsible.

[Polar Bear]

Originally Posted by Polar Bear

Agree. But there are multiple legal ways to drive through the roundabout, like the couple I described...

Originally Posted by Dr Winston O Boogie jr

Sorry, but there are only two legal ways of going straight through a roundabout...

Heheh. Why are you sorry? You said nothing that contradicts what I said.

Plus, within those legal ways could be slight...absolutely legal...variations, such as which portion of lane to use, which would only be a concern for a cyclist.

[Polar Bear]

Originally Posted by Velvet

I’d use the blocking position in each lane, like a motorcycle.

Honest question from a non-motorcyclist...why are those positions (from photo) considered blocking positions?

[Velvet]

Because you are blocking the cars in your lane. Notice you are on the side of the lane where a car would pass you if they could. Visibility is very important. Cars rarely hit what they see. Also left turns are very dangerous most accidents on motorcycles involve left turns. Cars underestimates how fast you’re going or how far you are.
When you stop you also stop in a blocking position, you angle your bike so it is not parallel to the road. You take up more space, you are more visible.