NY Traffic Question

Serendipity
Serendipity Posts: 6,975
edited July 2008 in The Clubhouse
When turning right from a three lane street onto a one way street, you can turn from:

(a) The right lane
(b) The middle lane
(c) Any of the three lanes

There is an intersection near where I live in which MANY drivers are puzzled as to which lane they should turn in, and this causes congestion. The only sign there says "Right Lane Must Turn Right," but doesn't say anything about the other lanes.

This intersection is not only annoying, it's an issue because I bike up that road frequently to get to GameStop, and it's very difficult to avoid traffic as a cyclist or pedestrian. It's also unpredictable as sometimes people turn right from the outer lane.

So which is the definitive answer?
polkaudio RT35 Bookshelves
polkaudio 255c-RT Inwalls
polkaudio DSWPro550WI
polkaudio XRT12 XM Tuner
polkaudio RM6750 5.1

Front projection, 2 channel, car audio... life is good!
Post edited by Serendipity on
· Share on FacebookShare on Twitter

Comments

  • Serendipity
    Serendipity Posts: 6,975
    edited July 2008
    This is similar to what I am talking about:

    bluelane.jpg

    I'm riding my bicycle, and someone decides to turn right. What am I supposed to do if someone decides to turn right from one of the other lanes?

    Argh :(
    polkaudio RT35 Bookshelves
    polkaudio 255c-RT Inwalls
    polkaudio DSWPro550WI
    polkaudio XRT12 XM Tuner
    polkaudio RM6750 5.1

    Front projection, 2 channel, car audio... life is good!
    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • bobman1235
    bobman1235 Posts: 10,822
    edited July 2008
    What are you supposed to do? Try not to get hit? You're a bike in NYC, knowing what the "official" rule is really isn't gonna help you much, is it?
    If you will it, dude, it is no dream.
    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • Serendipity
    Serendipity Posts: 6,975
    edited July 2008
    bobman1235 wrote: »
    What are you supposed to do? Try not to get hit? You're a bike in NYC, knowing what the "official" rule is really isn't gonna help you much, is it?

    Well, I just want to know the "official" rule so that I don't get hit.

    Besides, when driving, it's completely possible to turn right from the middle lane (there are no indications whatsoever on the lane), but it's just confusing to both the cyclist and drivers in this situation.

    So is it (a), (b), or (c)?
    polkaudio RT35 Bookshelves
    polkaudio 255c-RT Inwalls
    polkaudio DSWPro550WI
    polkaudio XRT12 XM Tuner
    polkaudio RM6750 5.1

    Front projection, 2 channel, car audio... life is good!
    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • obieone
    obieone Posts: 5,077
    edited July 2008
    Road Rules DON'T apply to ANY major city in the N.E. United States.
    But, if you want to know them, I suggest going to the DMV website to either look them up, or order the state handbook.
    Stay safe.
    I refuse to argue with idiots, because people can't tell the DIFFERENCE!
    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • Serendipity
    Serendipity Posts: 6,975
    edited July 2008
    obieone wrote: »
    Road Rules DON'T apply to ANY major city in the N.E. United States.
    But, if you want to know them, I suggest going to the DMV website to either look them up, or order the state handbook.
    Stay safe.

    I can understand that.

    The problem with this intersection is that there are NO markings on the road except for a "Right Lane Must Turn Right" sign (accompanied by a right turn arrow).

    The ambiguity is what's confusing.
    polkaudio RT35 Bookshelves
    polkaudio 255c-RT Inwalls
    polkaudio DSWPro550WI
    polkaudio XRT12 XM Tuner
    polkaudio RM6750 5.1

    Front projection, 2 channel, car audio... life is good!
    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • petrym
    petrym Posts: 1,912
    edited July 2008
    NY Drivers's Manual
    Prob no help, but I tried! :D
    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • bobman1235
    bobman1235 Posts: 10,822
    edited July 2008
    appadv wrote: »
    Well, I just want to know the "official" rule so that I don't get hit.

    Right, that's what I'm saying, knowing the rule won't tell you jack ****. People don't follow the rules. You already said you see people turning from the middle and left lanes. NO matter what the rule is, that's what you have to be ready for if you don't wanna get hit.
    If you will it, dude, it is no dream.
    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • phuz
    phuz Posts: 2,372
    edited July 2008
    They should probably clarify by adding arrows to the other lames, but if there are no other markings then the other lanes are meant to go straight. The turning lane is the far right lane only. The answer is A.

    File a statement or complaint with your local officials or DMV and they should address it.
    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • Serendipity
    Serendipity Posts: 6,975
    edited July 2008
    bobman1235 wrote: »
    Right, that's what I'm saying, knowing the rule won't tell you jack ****. People don't follow the rules. You already said you see people turning from the middle and left lanes. NO matter what the rule is, that's what you have to be ready for if you don't wanna get hit.

    I understand that. And I always stay far away from traffic when on my bike.

    So I'm trying to figure out all the situations in which traffic could be going in this intersection.
    polkaudio RT35 Bookshelves
    polkaudio 255c-RT Inwalls
    polkaudio DSWPro550WI
    polkaudio XRT12 XM Tuner
    polkaudio RM6750 5.1

    Front projection, 2 channel, car audio... life is good!
    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • Serendipity
    Serendipity Posts: 6,975
    edited July 2008
    phuz wrote: »
    They should probably clarify by adding arrows to the other lames, but if there are no other markings then the other lanes are meant to go straight. The turning lane is the far right lane only. The answer is A.

    What if someone wants to make a left turn? You would assume they have to be in the left lane, right? Not always the case in this intersection.
    polkaudio RT35 Bookshelves
    polkaudio 255c-RT Inwalls
    polkaudio DSWPro550WI
    polkaudio XRT12 XM Tuner
    polkaudio RM6750 5.1

    Front projection, 2 channel, car audio... life is good!
    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • phuz
    phuz Posts: 2,372
    edited July 2008
    You said it was a one way street?!
    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • Serendipity
    Serendipity Posts: 6,975
    edited July 2008
    phuz wrote: »
    You said it was a one way street?!

    One way street on the right, different street (and IIRC different street name) on the left.

    All I understand from this intersection after going through it frequently is:

    1. Left lane can turn right
    2. Right lane can only turn right
    3. Right lane can't turn left
    polkaudio RT35 Bookshelves
    polkaudio 255c-RT Inwalls
    polkaudio DSWPro550WI
    polkaudio XRT12 XM Tuner
    polkaudio RM6750 5.1

    Front projection, 2 channel, car audio... life is good!
    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • Serendipity
    Serendipity Posts: 6,975
    edited July 2008
    Oh yeah and middle lane can go in any direction :eek:
    polkaudio RT35 Bookshelves
    polkaudio 255c-RT Inwalls
    polkaudio DSWPro550WI
    polkaudio XRT12 XM Tuner
    polkaudio RM6750 5.1

    Front projection, 2 channel, car audio... life is good!
    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • devani
    devani Posts: 1,497
    edited July 2008
    NYC taxi's are above pedestrians...just stay away from them....honestly i would walk the bike when crossing intersections.
    Video: LG 55LN5100/Samsung LNT4065F
    Receiver: HK AVR445
    Source: OPPO BDP-93
    HT: POLK SPEAKERS RTi6, FXi3, CSi5, VTF-3 MK2
    2Ch system: MC2105, AR-XA, AR-2A, AR9, BX-300, OPPO BDP-83
    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • Serendipity
    Serendipity Posts: 6,975
    edited July 2008
    devani wrote: »
    NYC taxi's are above pedestrians...just stay away from them....honestly i would walk the bike when crossing intersections.

    I should get into the habit of doing that.

    So its A? Then they should, in theory, say "Left Lane Must Turn Left" or add the appropriate arrows.
    polkaudio RT35 Bookshelves
    polkaudio 255c-RT Inwalls
    polkaudio DSWPro550WI
    polkaudio XRT12 XM Tuner
    polkaudio RM6750 5.1

    Front projection, 2 channel, car audio... life is good!
    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • Serendipity
    Serendipity Posts: 6,975
    edited July 2008
    phuz wrote: »
    File a statement or complaint with your local officials or DMV and they should address it.

    I think I will do this, and tell them that there should be more arrows clarifying which direction the unindicated lanes should go in, for example:

    Middle lane must go straight, or
    Middle lane can go straight or turn right
    Left lane must turn left
    Left lane can't turn right (obviously), but it's not indicated AT ALL :eek:
    polkaudio RT35 Bookshelves
    polkaudio 255c-RT Inwalls
    polkaudio DSWPro550WI
    polkaudio XRT12 XM Tuner
    polkaudio RM6750 5.1

    Front projection, 2 channel, car audio... life is good!
    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • bobman1235
    bobman1235 Posts: 10,822
    edited July 2008
    phuz wrote: »
    File a statement or complaint with your local officials or DMV and they should address it.

    He's talking about MANHATTAN. There is no chance they address it before ... say 2026.
    If you will it, dude, it is no dream.
    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • brettw22
    brettw22 Posts: 7,623
    edited July 2008
    The problem with that picture that you posted is that the bike lane should be a hash'd white line where it slants, so that drivers don't 'read' it as a force to the left where they would ultimately be turning right from the middle lane...........
    comment comment comment comment. bitchy.
    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • brettw22
    brettw22 Posts: 7,623
    edited July 2008
    And to answer your question, based on the picture shown, the only lane that should be turning right is the right lane (which is the one to the right of the bike lane at the intersection). The middle lane has clearly painted on arrows indicating straight forward, and the left has arrows painted turning left.............
    comment comment comment comment. bitchy.
    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • devani
    devani Posts: 1,497
    edited July 2008
    arrow doesn't mean anything in NYC...you are only supposed to turn from right lane...but not in NYC
    Video: LG 55LN5100/Samsung LNT4065F
    Receiver: HK AVR445
    Source: OPPO BDP-93
    HT: POLK SPEAKERS RTi6, FXi3, CSi5, VTF-3 MK2
    2Ch system: MC2105, AR-XA, AR-2A, AR9, BX-300, OPPO BDP-83
    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • SKsolutions
    SKsolutions Posts: 1,820
    edited July 2008
    bike-lane-paint-error.jpg
    -Ignorance is strength -
    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • obieone
    obieone Posts: 5,077
    edited July 2008
    Let me know WHEN your done getting Manhattan traffic straightened. I'll send ya up to Bahston! You can fix all those Squares!....Harvard, Kenmore, Kendall...a Whole BUNCH!:p
    I refuse to argue with idiots, because people can't tell the DIFFERENCE!
    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • NotaSuv
    NotaSuv Posts: 3,860
    edited July 2008
    devani wrote: »
    arrow doesn't mean anything in NYC...you are only supposed to turn from right lane...but not in NYC

    actually besides NYC there are many places that let you turn right from the right 2 lanes....
    on this take Bobs advice.. it dont matter and dont get hit..:)..i grew up in NYC and anything goes.....rules and laws..yeah right.....do as you please and when you please but never use a blinker cause no one will let you in..and dont get hit.....if you want their attention install a train air horn..i did in my Jeep...oh yeah they JUMP outta the way now... :D
    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter