Things You'll Need:
- Bicycle
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Step 1
Work your way across traffic slowly in order to do a left turn bike signal at the right time. You need to shift from the right side to the left side of your lane of traffic by working with motorists on your tail through informal hand signals.
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Step 2
Stay in the right side of the left lane as you make a left turn bike signal. Your bike needs to stay on the right side of the road after your turn is complete to travel legally.
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Step 3
Reach your left arm outward as if you were grabbing a stationary point on the sidewalk. Your arm should be parallel with the street without any bend in your arm to make an effective left turn signal.
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Step 4
Place your left palm forward as you make a left turn bike signal. Your fingers should be straightened out with your palm perpendicular to the street to complete your signal.
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Step 5
Use your peripheral vision to watch traffic from all sides as you complete a left turn. You need to keep you eyes open for cars coming from the opposite direction as well as cars trying to edge out your bike.
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Step 6
Lean your bike to the left as you head into the next lane to make a tight left turn. A slight lean allows you to get back to full speed without sacrificing bike control.
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Step 7
Grasp your right handle bar as soon as you put up a left turn bike signal to maintain bike control. Your right hand needs to sweep forward gradually to initiate the turn and return to its original position without excessive jerking.
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Step 8
Anticipate quick turns on the next street after you make a left turn bike signal. You need to bring your left arm back to a resting position and raise your arm again swiftly to help control traffic.
