You likely commute along a particular route several times a week. It might be to go to the store, to or from work or to a regular coffee meet with friends. Regardless of your destination, making one change to that route could make your journey safer.
Statistics show that left turns are more dangerous than right turns because you must cross the flow of oncoming traffic when making them. If a car driver is not looking out for you, or if you misjudge the available gap or find yourself in the wrong gear, it could be the last turn you ever make. By contrast, you can more safely filter off when making a right turn without the need to cross any oncoming vehicle’s path.
Sitting waiting to make a left turn is also a time of vulnerability as a cyclist, as you are in the middle of two sets of drivers, either of which could make a mistake while you are stationary.
UPS reprogrammed its route planning software software to eliminate left turns for its drivers. They believe it allows more of their drivers to return home at the end of the day without having been injured, killed or involved in a near miss. You, too, can replan to reduce left turns regardless of whether you plan your cycle routes in your head, on a map or with a GPS,
Increased safety is not the only advantage
Making this change can also keep you flowing toward your destination, avoiding the often interminable waits to turn left. This is of particular advantage if you treat your ride as training and prefer to keep your legs turning.
Taking such steps can be beneficial as a cyclist because it is a sad fact of life that many drivers out there are not sufficiently protective of your safety.
