Safe and proper (or vice versa) left turn in traffic I'm new to commuting in traffic, and I realized immediately that the left turn (US traffic rules, right turn in UK) in an intersection with a traffic light is just dangerous.  My basic questions are:


Do I pretend I'm a car and get in line behind the last car waiting?
Pros: I'm forcing people to think of cyclist 'as another car' which is half the battle as far as I'm concerned.
Cons: I don't like sprinting against cars once green if the line is long.
Cozy up next to the first car in line waiting for the light?
The proper and safest option is to 'claim' the lane and act as if you were a car by sitting in the turning lane. This ensures that you are visible to motorists and if you follow the road rules you are more likely to gain respect of those around you.

In a number of countries there are cyclist boxes in controlled intersections which offer even more security when sitting in front of traffic. In these instances you move to the front of the traffic during the red light phase.

There are some motorists who dislike this however and you need to be watchful (and mindful) of irrational drivers who may take offence.