Moved to a larger city with bike lines and this one is a bit weird. Can you move like a car as shown as 1a and 3a and or do you have do do that weird turn at point 2 and wait for the signal to turn green and move again.
https://i.redd.it/7viywjap1j2h1.jpeg
Posted by Ok-Cry5081
8 Comments
Diagonal.
As a pedestrian.
I’m from Denmark and live in Germany.
In Denmark, we have quite strict rules for biking and they are enforced by police.
In Denmark, you would have to do 1 -> 2 -> 3.
In Germany, I see people do 1a -> 3a all the time.
1a -> 3a seems really dangerous to me. I wouldnt place myself in the middle of the intersection like that if I was on a bike. I’m not sure if it’s technically legal though.
Both works afaik. Bikes and cars share the road even if there are lanes. Though going with 2 is what I do cause it’s safer.
In terms of legality, in Germany you have the choice between the direct turn 1a->3a or the indirect 1-2-3
Use your best judgment. If unsure, 1-2-3
1-2-3 is without a question the safer way
Ich weiß es nicht, ich bin überfordert
I – personally – would do 1-2-3 as it’s the savest route in heavy traffic (please also always watch for cars turning right while doing 1-2! Many drivers don’t check the bike lanes, even if they would have to and biker lifes are cheap in Germany). Wouldn’t want to be stuck in the middle of the road turning left while waiting for priority traffic.
Both are legal, but in a big city I would probably not feel safe doing the direct path.
I had a similar crossing on my way home from work for multiple years. It was a smaller crossing though. For some time I did the 1-2-3 but eventually I went with 1a – 3a. I felt safe, but it was a smaller street than in your picture and it has a dedicated traffic light for turning left, so there is no risk of someone driving into me unless the car behind me would run into me – but I was always positioned in a way that they would clearly see me.
But for biking, safety should always go first. Doesn’t help if you were right if you are dead. Stick to what you feel safe with