Bicycling and the Law
Richard L. Duquette
EP67 When Is a Turning Movement Illegal?
Turning movements include 90-degree turns and lane changes. When done properly, they keep a bicyclist safe on the road. When is a turning movement illegal? Tune in!
The California Vehicle Code 22017 states that turning movement must be done with "reasonable safety." For that, the bicyclist must provide a signal before making a turn.
Sometimes a car will speed up and try to catch up with the bicyclist. It is important for the bicyclist to protect himself and abide by the law when making a turn.
Bicyclists should use turn signals. It is important to consider if a vehicle may be affected by the turn.
Unfortunately, not all vehicles are paying attention when a signal is given. They could be busy texting, listening to the radio, or distracted. Nonetheless, Richard suggests to make it a habit to use turn signals for protection.
Many don't use signals when riding alone on a road. When an accident has occurred, they often say they did not see a car.
The California Driver’s Handbook suggests that the driver should give a signal even when there appears to be no other vehicle around. According to the Handbook, "The vehicle you don't see might hit you."
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