Positioning yourself to turn: the 3-step method
⏱️ 2 min read
Turning is not something you improvise: you prepare it before the junction. The method comes down to three words — signal, position, give way — and where you position yourself depends on which side you are turning.
✨ Key takeaways
- The method: signal, position, give way — in that order, before the junction.
- Turning left: towards the centre line on a two-way street, as far left as possible on a one-way street.
- When turning left, you give way to oncoming traffic going straight ahead.
- Never ride along the right-hand side of a vehicle indicating right: you are in its blind spot.
- Do a shoulder check before any sideways move.
1. Signal. Every change of direction must be signalled in good time: use your indicator if your moped has one, otherwise extend your arm on the side you are turning. And you cancel the signal as soon as the manoeuvre is complete.
2. Position. To turn right: move gradually towards the right-hand edge. To turn left, the rule depends on the street: two-way carriageway → move towards the centre line (the middle) without crossing it; one-way carriageway → position yourself as far left as possible.
3. Give way. When turning left, you give way to traffic coming from the opposite direction and going straight ahead — even if you got there first. In both directions, pedestrians crossing the street you are turning into go before you.
| Step | Turning right | Turning left |
|---|---|---|
| Signal | Indicator / right arm | Indicator / left arm |
| Position | Move to the right-hand edge | Towards the centre line (two-way) or as far left as possible (one-way) |
| Give way | Pedestrians crossing | Oncoming traffic + pedestrians |
Before any sideways move, do a shoulder check: the mirror does not show everything, and one twitch of the handlebars is enough to unbalance you if someone is coming. Look, signal, then move.
You are turning left from a two-way carriageway. You position yourself…