Tractor-Trailer Making a Wide Right Turn Beside a Cyclist
You are eastbound on a city street in Grand Island approaching a signalized intersection. A tractor-trailer ahead of you in the right lane has its right turn signal on. As it slows, the trailer's rear wheels drift toward the left side of its lane, and the cab angles slightly left. You are in the lane to its left, and you want to continue straight. A cyclist is in the bike lane on the right, about 20 feet behind the truck's trailer. The light is green. The truck is moving at 10 mph; you are at 20 mph and closing. The right lane is narrow, and there is a concrete median on your left. You have a passenger.
1. What is the tractor-trailer doing, and should you try to pass on the right?
Read the worked answer
The trailer drifting left while the cab angles left is a setup for a wide right turn. Large trucks often must swing left to keep the rear wheels off the curb, and the right side of the trailer sweeps into space the driver cannot see. Passing on the right is the wrong move: the cyclist is already there, and the truck's blind spot is largest along the right side. Do not squeeze between the truck and the curb or the median. Slow down, stay behind the truck's turn path, and let it complete the turn before you continue straight.
2. The truck's right-turn signal cancels as it straightens. Does that mean it is safe to pass?
Read the worked answer
No. A signal can cancel automatically after the wheel returns, and the driver may still be turning or may have forgotten to re-signal. Judge the truck's position and speed, not only the blinker. If the cab is still angled and the trailer is still swinging, assume the turn is continuing. Hang back until the whole rig is clearly through the turn and you can see the driver's intentions. A canceled signal is not proof that the lane ahead is open, especially with a cyclist near the trailer.
3. What is the cyclist's likely risk, and what should you do about it?
Read the worked answer
The cyclist is about 20 feet behind the trailer in the bike lane and may be in the truck's right-side blind spot. If the truck completes the right turn, the trailer's rear wheels can track close to the curb and cut off the bike lane. You should not advance into that space or try to wave the cyclist through; your view is limited and the truck driver may not see either of you. Hold back, give the cyclist room, and let the truck finish. If the cyclist is forced to stop, be prepared to wait rather than create pressure from behind.