The traffic rules are quite simple and clear on where bicycles should stop at traffic junctions. Like all other road users, cyclist have to stop before the traffic crossing line.
This would be the typical area where cyclists stop when they are at road junctions, in the tiny space between the first car, and the kerb. Occasionally this space is being shared with motorcycles. This space can be dangerous for a variety of reasons.
Blind spot of large vehicles If the first vehicle is a large vehicle, the cyclist would be in its blindspot.
Cars turning left If the first vehicle is turning left, the driver might turning without checking the left side of his vehicle.
Impatient drivers Some cars might want to accelerate quickly off a junction, and because bicycles can be the fastest off the line, a careless impatient driver might drive dangerously close to the cyclist.
Lane width changes While there is space for both a bicycle and a car to share the lane on the near side, sometimes the far side is narrower and does not have enough room.
While it is illegal to do this, this is the position that I usually stop at when I am at a junction. Most traffic junctions in Singapore are large enough that my bicycle would not be a major hinderance to pedestrians crossing. The reasons are clear.
Visible Being right in front of all the vehicles, I am visible to them, whether they are large trucks, vehicles turning left or going straight.
In the way Stopping in the way of the vehicle behind means that they are forced to move off slower and hence does not attempt to share the lane with my bicycle. This means that I can cycle into a narrower lane road without worry of being muscled out.
Once again, I am just stating what I do. Readers need to assess their own road conditions, cycling habits and local driving culture, to decide for themselves the merits of my cycling style. Junction designs might vary from street to street, as well.
For junctions that have a left turning arrow during a red light, I prefer to stop on the right edge of the left lane. Especially if the first car in the junction has already signaled an intention to turn left. This means that I do not get in the way of the turning traffic.
Familiarity of your commuting route will help you cycle in a way to avoid dangerous situations and possible confrontations.
Left filter lane Many roads of short left filter lanes. These pose less risk to cyclists, as the amount of time the bicycle would be blocking left turning traffic is minimal. Some roads of particularly long left filter lanes, these are usually necessary in junctions that have heavy traffic.
The problem is impatience. Drivers who do not wish to wait for a bicycle to clear the entire filter lane would sometimes speed up and try to turn left in front of the bicycle. This is a very dangerous situation that occurs all too commonly. Drivers might find out too late that they have a very small room to make the turn. The resulting panicked decision might result in an accident.
Vehicles too close to the kerb Some vehicles like to stop very close to the kerb so that bicycles cannot make it to the front of the junction. This forces cyclists to stop inbetween vehicles. Buses and large lorries are particularly fond of this, even though the lanes are wide enough for them not to.
I have encountered a situation where I stopped behind a car, only for a car coming from the back to knock into my bicycle. The car was moving very slowly, and luckily, my wheel was not damaged. However, I realised how blind and assumptious drivers can be.
Some cyclists decide to cycle between cars to get to the front of the junction. This can pose a danger to crossing pedestrians. It is definitely not advisable to do this. The traffic lights can change while the bicyle is in an awkward position.
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