it's called a suicide turning lane for a reason

[suzuki2000]

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sorry but i need to get on my soapbox...

Last night in Beamsville about 7:15

one lane each way with a centre left/right suicide turn lane. A dual sport coming the other direction chooses to pass a car ahead using this turning lane. No wonder some people dislike bikes.
it's a turning lane not a passing lane, the car did not appear to be going slow or below the speed limit.
probably the type that uses on/off ramps or weigh stations to pass on the highway too.
Rider will be someone we will read about in the fallen riders section


end of my rant

 

[RedDogDarren]

sorry but i need to get on my soapbox...

Last night in Beamsville about 7:15

one lane each way with a centre left/right suicide turn lane. A dual sport coming the other direction chooses to pass a car ahead using this turning lane. No wonder some people dislike bikes.
it's a turning lane not a passing lane, the car did not appear to be going slow or below the speed limit.
probably the type that uses on/off ramps or weigh stations to pass on the highway too.
Rider will be someone we will read about in the fallen riders section


end of my rant

Idiotic if there are current and oncoming cars. If there is room to pass then it's no worse than any other time or on a single lane.

 

[mimico_polak]

I get guys in cars/bikes pass me on Lakeshore all the time in Mississauga/Oakville in this left turn lane...not sure how legal it is but it's annoying as hell.
Also, when I first started driving an I was making a turn out of a drive way on Browns Line...2 lanes stopped to let me out but because some ********* in a pickup decided to use this lane to bypass the stopped traffic he rammed into me and almost wrote off my car...unfortunately I was at fault. Ah well...many years ago so it's no longer on insurance!

 

[kiwi]

sorry but i need to get on my soapbox...

Last night in Beamsville about 7:15

one lane each way with a centre left/right suicide turn lane. A dual sport coming the other direction chooses to pass a car ahead using this turning lane. No wonder some people dislike bikes.
it's a turning lane not a passing lane, the car did not appear to be going slow or below the speed limit.
probably the type that uses on/off ramps or weigh stations to pass on the highway too.
Rider will be someone we will read about in the fallen riders section


end of my rant

What are the markings on the road? Solid YEllow lines? Maybe someone can enlighten us on this.. but even if its solid yellow, you would be allowed to pass given that there is no other dangers - ie. hills, oncoming traffic in that lane etc. - UNLESS there was a white sign saying not to use centre lane to overtake.

edit: Just looked it up..

here is what the drivers handbook says:

http://troymi.gov/TrafficEngineering/centerlane.pdf

also

http://www.mto.gov.on.ca/english/dandv/driver/handbook/section2.6.5.shtml

ome roads have special lanes for vehicles turning left (Diagram 2-29). At an intersection where left-turn lanes are marked on the pavement, make your turn from the marked lane. Keep this lane position as you turn onto the other road.

Diagram 2-29


The centre lane of some roads is used as a two-way left-turn lane (Diagram 2-30). This lets left-turning vehicles from both directions wait for a chance to turn without holding up traffic. To use a two-way left-turn lane, follow these steps:

1. Signal and move into the centre lane shortly before your turn. Slow down.
2. Carefully move forward to a spot opposite the road or driveway where you want to turn.
3. Make your turn when the way is clear.

Remember that vehicles from the opposite direction also use this lane to turn left. As they wait in front of you, it may be hard for you to see oncoming traffic. Only go when you are sure the way is clear. These left turn lanes are not to be used for passing.

Diagram 2-30



Here are details of people getting ticketed for using as a passing lane:
http://www.ontariohighwaytrafficact.com/topic1205.html

BUT act 154(b) permits this:

(b) in the case of a highway that is divided into three lanes, a vehicle shall not be driven in the centre lane except when overtaking and passing another vehicle where the roadway is clearly visible and the centre lane is clear of traffic within a reasonable safe distance, or in preparation for a left turn, or where the centre lane is at the time designated for the use of traffic moving in the direction in which the vehicle is proceeding and official signs are erected to indicate the designation;

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