While riding a bicycle, when is it acceptable to temporarily leave the right side of the road?

When riding a bicycle, it is important to follow traffic rules and ensure safety on the road. Temporarily leaving the right side of the road is generally acceptable when making a left turn at an intersection. This maneuver is necessary as it allows the cyclist to position themselves correctly to safely execute the turn. By moving out of the right lane, cyclists can enter the intersection more effectively, ensuring they are aligned with the direction they intend to go.

In contrast, other situations do not specifically require or justify leaving the right side of the road. When obeying traffic signs, cyclists should still be able to navigate within their designated lane. If a bicycle lane is available, the cyclist is expected to use it, rather than diverging from the right side of the road. Similarly, while avoiding debris on the road is a critical safety concern, it's advisable to do so while still making every effort to stay within the designated area for cyclists. Therefore, the act of turning left at an intersection presents a legitimate reason for temporarily leaving the right side of the road to ensure a safe and proper maneuver.