16.2.96. How will the cyclist, who is turning left, pass this intersection?
UAЯк велосипедист, що повертає ліворуч, проїде дане перехрестя?
This is an exam question from the Traffic Rules of Ukraine about the safe passage of intersections and yielding the right of way during maneuvers. Most mistakes by drivers and cyclists occur specifically during left turns, as the trajectory crosses the oncoming direction, and any inaccuracy in priority can lead to an accident. Therefore, the traffic rules require a clear understanding of who has the right of way on roads of equal priority.
The theoretical exam checks the section of the Traffic Rules regarding passing intersections and maneuvering rules, in particular the application of clause 16.13. If two vehicles are moving on roads that are equal in priority, before turning left, the driver of a non-rail vehicle must yield to oncoming traffic going straight or turning right. In this situation, the cyclist is also considered the driver of a non-rail vehicle, so they must yield to an oncoming car going straight, and only after that complete the maneuver without creating an obstacle (according to the meaning of the term "yield" in clause 1.10).
The first option is incorrect because the right of way when turning left is not given to the one turning; on the contrary, they must yield to oncoming vehicles going straight, according to clause 16.13. The second option is correct precisely because of this requirement to yield. The third option is also incorrect: the prohibition for cyclists to turn left applies to roads with two or more lanes in one direction (clause 11.14), but when there is one lane in each direction, the maneuver itself is allowed, but must be performed while observing the priority at the intersection.
Clause 16.13
Before turning left or making a U-turn, the driver of a non-rail vehicle must yield to a tram moving in the same direction, as well as to vehicles moving straight or turning right on an equivalent road in the oncoming direction.
Application: a cyclist (non-rail vehicle), when making a left turn, must yield to a vehicle coming from the opposite direction that is moving straight (a car).
Clause 16.11
At an intersection of roads with different priorities, the driver of a vehicle moving on a secondary road must yield to vehicles approaching on the main road, regardless of the direction of their further movement.
Application: this clause checks understanding of intersection priority based on the "main/secondary road" feature (if, according to the diagram, one of the directions is secondary). In this situation, both vehicles are on the main road, so priority between them is determined by the rules for turning left (clause 16.13).
Clause 11.14
Drivers of bicycles and mopeds are prohibited from turning left or making a U-turn on roads that have two or more lanes in one direction.
Application: the task checks whether the cyclist has the right to make a left turn; if there is only one lane in each direction, clause 11.14 does not prohibit it, and the maneuver is allowed provided the priority requirements are met.
Clause 1.10 (term "Yield (do not create an obstacle)")
Yield (do not create an obstacle) — a requirement for a road user, meaning: they must not start, resume, or continue movement or perform any maneuver if this may force other road users who have the right of way to change their direction or speed.
Application: explains that "yield" actually means to let the car pass (not to create a need for it to change speed/direction) before making a left turn.
Thus, the correct answer is "Will proceed, yielding to the car.", given that according to the definition of the Traffic Rules, when turning left, the cyclist as a non-rail vehicle must yield to a vehicle coming from the opposite direction that is moving straight (clause 16.13), and "yield" means not to create an obstacle for it (clause 1.10).
At this intersection, the cyclist and the car are approaching on roads that are main for both of them, meaning there is no priority between them according to signs or markings. In such a situation, the order of passage is determined by the rules for maneuvering and mutual right-of-way on roads of equal importance (clause 16.11 of the Traffic Rules).
The cyclist intends to turn left, as indicated by the hand signal. Turning left is a maneuver that potentially crosses the path of oncoming traffic, so before performing such a maneuver, the driver must assess the oncoming flow and comply with the requirement to yield the right-of-way.
According to clause 16.13 of the Traffic Rules, before turning left, the driver of a non-rail vehicle must yield to vehicles moving straight or turning right on an equivalent road in the oncoming direction. In this case, the car is approaching from the opposite direction and continues straight, so it has the priority, and the cyclist must let it pass.
After the car passes through the intersection, the cyclist will be able to safely complete the left turn without creating obstacles or danger for oncoming traffic.
Therefore, the correct answer is "Will proceed after yielding to the car," because when turning left, the cyclist is required to yield to a vehicle moving straight on an equivalent road in the oncoming direction (clause 16.13 of the Traffic Rules).