How do you turn left if you're riding in the bike lane?

While in a bike lane on the left part of a right turn lane, how do I make a right turn safely with traffic?

• Yeah I'm extremely new at biking, and what I've been reading didn't exactly give me the clear picture I wanted in this situation. The right turn lane is towards the mall too so its always busy. I'm thinking I have to leave the bike lane early to make a right but not sure in what way. So if anyone would like to give me a few tips for this and in general that would be awesome.

• Answer:

  You merge early - as you suggested - into the right turn lane, just as you would if there were no bike lane there. Don't ever allow the existence of a bike lane to fool you into ignoring the standard rules of the road. You must always use the rightmost lane that serves your destination. Many cyclists are killed or injured through trying to turn from a bike lane that was designed poorly - one that failed to serve the cyclist's desired destination. This is one reason why bike lanes are more dangerous - they increase complication on the roads and increase the potential for conflicts at intersections. If your state allows it, avoid using them - use the standard-width traffic lanes instead, like other road users. That way, road users around you can be clear about what you're doing. Also, ride far enough into the lane so that drivers aren't tempted to try to squeeze past you. If the lane is narrow, ride so that cars must change lanes to overtake. This reduces the chance of a side-swipe or right hook. Don't be intimidated - if you're ahead of other vehicles, you have the right of way. Cars have brakes - they can and will slow down for you, but only if you take your rightful place in the lane.