The question: Can motorists enter the bicycle lane when approaching an intersection with the intent of making a right turn?

The answer: Yes, according to Sgt. Philip Brooks of Lost Hills Sheriff's Station.

"A bike lane is usually a solid white line and at the intersection it'll be a dashed line, indicating that you can enter the bike lane to make the right," Brooks said.

"You're supposed to be closest to the right-hand edge of the roadway when you make your right turn."

Some bike lanes don't have the dashed line near intersections, but Brooks said motorists could still enter the lane to make their right turn.

He warns, however, that traffic officers can ticket motorists if they use the bike lane to drive long distances or use the lane to skip ahead in heavy traffic.

"You can go into the bike lane at the last reasonable distance to make your turn," Brooks said. "You can't drive in it for half a mile," the sergeant said.

Have a traffic-related question or concern? Send it to "Acorn Traffic Man" in care of the address on page 4 or by e-mail to pic@theacorn.com. We'll try to respond as soon as possible.

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