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Until further notice (or more persuasive activism), most American streets will remain designed for car traffic. Thus, a big part of cycling safety involves co-existing with millions of motorists. When it comes to making a turn, the trick is to not let it take drivers by surprise: Make your presence known and signal your intentions.
Making a Left Turn
It's pretty straightforward: While maintaining control of your bike with your right hand, extend your left arm outward to indicate your intention to turn left. To avoid putting your left arm in danger, use your mirrors to check for cars approaching too closely or at an unsafe speed.
Making a Right Turn
This one can be trickier. The old school method is to extend your left arm (as above) but then bend it at the elbow and point your flat hand straight up to signal a planned right turn. Checking mirrors first, of course.
Some folks believe this bended arm approach only confuses drivers and it's best to simply extend your right arm to signal a right turn. Either way, the important part is to make it clear to motorists in your vicinity that you are about to turn.
Signaling a Stop
Following the approach described above, check mirrors for nearby cars, extend your left arm then bend it at the elbow and point your flat hand straight down to signal an impending stop. Needless to say, since the bended arm stop signal is not always recognized by motorists, a brake light http://lucidbrake.com can be awfully helpful.
General Advice
1. Wearing bright colors and using reflective strips and bike lights will make you more visible as you initiate your turns.
2. Automated turn signals are becoming more popular.
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