Re-verifying Bicycle Intersection Traffic Rules: Correct Riding Methods for Left-Turn-Only Lanes and T-Junction Right Turns

2026-08-30

In urban areas and beyond, roadways are becoming increasingly complex, and there are more situations where riding a bicycle through intersections feels difficult. Especially when approaching an intersection with a left-turn-only lane or attempting a right turn at a T-junction, many people likely wonder how they should proceed.

Based on official rules from the Metropolitan Police Department, this article explains the correct transit methods and key precautions for the following two cases, along with illustrations.

When you want to go straight through an intersection with a left-turn-only lane
When you want to turn right from the left side of a T-junction (the top bar of the T) downward

Common Dilemmas: Where is the Correct Place to Ride?

Misconceptions When Going Straight in a Left-Turn-Only Lane

Bicycles are classified as light vehicles, and it is a common misconception that they cannot go straight through a left-turn-only lane.
In reality, it is “exceptionally permitted to go straight," and attempting to change lanes can actually be dangerous.

Lack of Clear Guidelines for Turning Right from the Left Side of a T-Junction

While the Metropolitan Police Department’s explanations cover “turning right from the bottom to the right," they do not touch upon “turning right from the left downward."
This is a point where confusion easily arises in actual traffic situations.

Concrete Solutions: Learn How to Ride Safely

[Case 1] When You Want to Go Straight Through a Left-Turn-Only Lane

According to the Metropolitan Police Department, it is explicitly stated that bicycles are permitted to go straight through left-turn-only lanes. Therefore, there is no need to forcefully enter the right-hand straight-through lane; doing so is actually dangerous.

Correct Method:

Proceed straight along the left side of the left-turn-only lane.
Ride slightly behind or stop to avoid being caught in turning vehicles.

[Case 2] When You Want to Turn Right Downward from the Left Side of a T-Junction

In this case, a “pseudo two-step right turn" is considered appropriate.

Procedure:

Proceed straight from the left side of the horizontal bar (the top of the T) to the center of the intersection or just before the crosswalk.
Wait for the traffic light to change and rotate the orientation of your bicycle by 90 degrees.
Proceed forward in the downward direction on the green light.

Although this method is not explicitly codified, treating it the same as a right turn at a four-way intersection makes it the safest and most rational approach in traffic practice.

Summary

Case	Method	Precautions
Going straight in a left-turn-only lane	Proceed straight through the lane	Watch out for interference with turning vehicles; avoid forced lane changes
Turning right from the left side of a T-junction downward	Pseudo two-step right turn	Pay attention to stopping position; ensure you do not obstruct traffic when waiting in the center of the intersection