Intersections, Signals, and Right-of-Way
Right-of-way basics
- A driver turning left across your path must yield to oncoming traffic - that maneuver is the classic motorcycle killer.
- At a four-way stop, the first vehicle to stop goes first; if you stop at the same moment, yield to the vehicle on your right.
- Right turn on red is allowed after a full stop unless a sign forbids it; pedestrians in the crosswalk have priority.
- Oregon allows a left turn on red from a one-way street onto another one-way street after stopping, unless posted otherwise.
- Signal at least 100 feet before a turn and continuously for lane changes; cancel the signal afterward.
Being seen at intersections
Approach with the brake covered and stay in the left third of your lane, watching the front wheels of cross traffic for the first sign of movement. Never assume eye contact means the driver registered you. Don't be the rider who "goes first" just because the bike is small and quick.
Hand signals
Left arm straight out means left turn; left arm bent up at 90 degrees means right turn; left arm down means slow or stop. These are valid when your turn signals fail.
Worked example
You reach a four-way stop at the same instant as a car on your right. Reasoning: you stopped simultaneously, so the tie-breaker applies - the vehicle on the right has right-of-way and goes first. Rolling through because "I was here" earns a ticket and a crash statistic.
Second example
A driver waves you through a left turn. Reasoning: the wave may be a courtesy the driver doesn't realize conflicts with the lane beside them. Verify the other lanes yourself before committing.
Traps
- Reading eye contact as proof of being seen.
- Passing on the right at an intersection.
- Turning left on red onto a two-way street.