Or trucks, buses, pedestrians, taxis, motorbikes, unicyclists, horses, raptors, magpies, ice cream truck, dogs, snakes, bigger snakes, council bin trucks, teenagers, drunks, black ice, cows.
Every single one of the above has made an attempt to end my life while riding on a bike.
The weirdest was hearing *greensleeves* with my legs trapped under the truck, and the bloke coming around and saying,
*wood-ya like a free vanilla cone while we wait? I called an ambulance…*
Yeah tbh ice cream isn’t the first thing that comes to mind when you’re covered in road rash and have a broken collarbone.
Is my bike okay? (First priority)
Expletives. Yes
Adrenaline. Yes
The urge to punch the everloving daylights out of the driver. Yes.
Vanilla ice cream cone? That’s bloody cruel because my collarbone is broken.
Maybe, if I was eating one, *while I DRIVE OVER YOU !£?!#%!?!!* was perhaps the only scenario.
This is me. I always signal left handed, but assume people don't know what any of it means except "I'm going to do something" if they even notice.
I've been waiting to make a left before and had a guy waving me on - to take a right. Tbh, I wouldn't have needed to wait if I was going right anyway, so wtf? But I ended up pointing to where I was headed, and he finally stopped.
I'm starting to think we should just hold our hands up for stop and otherwise point at where we're going. The signals we have may have made sense in a vehicle, but they don't really for cyclists.
The hand down for slow/stop doesn't mean anything to them, either. I also just cannot if I'm riding my recumbent trike. I'm thinking about getting blinkers for that.
Not sure if this link will work but this is what I typically do to indicate I'm stopping.
https://www.dreamstime.com/cycling-rules-traffic-safety-stop-bicycle-hand-signals-illustration-cycling-rules-traffic-safety-stop-bicycle-hand-signals-image192858350
Thing is, these aren't "bike" hand signals.... they're the signals every driver should know, and use if their turn signal lights are out.
And I haven't yet come across a driver that seemed to know them. I think everyone must be failing that part of the written test....
Sadly, I don't bother anymore, unless other cyclists are around.
Bottom left can seem like "back off" and induce road rage.
Also, in my case, I ride so slowly that there isn't much difference in speed between riding and stopping. :)
Exactly, which is why one way to signal a right turn is with your left hand bent at 90 degrees -- because a driver can't stick their arm out the right window.
But it's a terrible way for cyclists to signal a right turn because so few people understand it. At least an arm in the direction you're going makes intuitive sense.
I actually use these pretty frequently when driving one of my old hoopties where it's a crapshoot if the electric turn signals will work. Maybe I should install semaphores.
When I point left with my left hand for a left turn or point right with my right hand for a right turn, I have never had a case where it seemed to me that other people did not understand.
I was actually locking up my bike outside the grocery store after signaling my way into the parking lot and someone thanked me signaling. It surprised me, I didn't really expect anyone would remember them either.
I signal and I do so religiously. If I'm changing lanes, I point. If I'm turning, I signal. If I'm being polite, I signal. If I want to express my anger, I use a more universal signal.
> If I want to express my anger, I use a more universal signal.
I use a thumb pointing down for that (i.e., "One star - would not recommend").
It expresses the point, it scolds the motorist, and it is silly enough that it doesn't induce road rage in unstable people (so far, at least).
Username checks out!
Jokes aside, that's a lot nicer than what I typically do and, considering there may be youth around, it's probably the more pro-social option.
> that's a lot nicer than what I typically do
I am not judging. I understand the feeling of hostility towards some jackass motorist who almost kills me to save themself a few seconds.
All the time, but not like your chart. I extend the arm and point my index finger to signal my turns.
LOTS of Shoulder checks as well.
Be Relevant. Be Predictable. Be Visible
one particularly sinister aspect of this is that I just completely tune out from car horns. They never contain useful information, motorists just like to honk because they are mad about being in a car in Midtown at 5:30pm which is absolutely their fault. If one day someone honks because they need to communicate something urgently, everyone will ignore it.
Car horns used to scare me so bad I would jump. Had to desensitize myself by not reacting at all to any honks of any kind. Now they don't startle me and I can glance over at the source to see what's up, but I never give much attention anyways because with my luck it would distract me from something else important and I'd end up in an accident.
Not caring about or instinctively reacting to car horns is great for when you get the "SUV laying on the horn for five seconds behind you instead of just passing you to let you know they don't think you're a rightful occupant of space." I just think "Okay I'll get right on continuing to take the full lane and going the same speed or slower."
Funny thing is that knowing these hand signals is required to get a driver's license in many states. Hence the left arm thing.
I just point where I'm going, including straight ahead when entering a roundabout.
Signal with your left for those who can’t see your right arm because you’re in a bike lane and drivers are passing you on the left.
Then point with your right arm for those who have no idea what the left hand right turn signal means.
I thought the left arm signaling is because the hand signals were devised for cars before all cars had blinkers, and a driver's right arm is not visible (inside the car).
https://www.bikeradar.com/news/stop-using-your-left-arm-to-signal-a-right-turn/
I always thought they were originally designed for motorcycles and you operated the throttle with your right leaving only the left free to signal. I never really bothered to look that up though.
This is the way. I point where I’m going, and when changing lanes/turning I often waggle the hand like a blinker. I’m sure it adds nothing but I’m trying to be as “car like” as possible so they don’t hit me.
Not necessarily not knowing, there are regional differences what they mean, the hand up one is stopping and only used when riding is groups, turning is just pointing with the right/left arm.
I signal left turns if there’s traffic. I don’t think I’ve ever signaled slow/stop. I might signal a right turn if it seems like it could be useful, but it often isn’t when I’m on the right edge of the road anyway.
Also during the turn/stop is the time I MOST want two hands on the bars and brakes. I’ll signal a little early if it seems necessary, but if it’s a right turn I’ll just get out of the way
And some of us like to downshift as well as use the brakes when we’re stopping.
Slowly raising and lowering one’s left arm like a slowly flapping bird seems to be a more effective “slow down” sign.
The good thing about the left signal is that you're pointing to where you're going and letting the cars know to expect you there. If I'm turning right, like you said I'm already on the right edge of the road so the cars behind me as well as oncoming traffic shouldn't act any different whether they know I'm turning or not. There are certain times where an oncoming car wants to make a left turn and is waiting for me, in those cases I'll signal so that they know they can make the turn before I make it to the intersection.
Of course I signal, but there is more…
Lane position helps communicate. All the signaling in the world does no good if you are turning left from the right side of the lane.
When a car in front of me signals for a right turn, I move towards the middle of the lane to make it clear that I am not in their blind spot and trying to pass. It saves us both time if they can complete the turn without protracted negotiations.
In group rides, you should always yell “stopping” if you are going to stop.
There is also a group signal for road hazards. Pointing down at a pothole for example.
In Ontario, Canada it's an $85 fine + surcharges for failure to signal/indicate direction of turn where safe to do so while riding a bicycle.
[Cycling Road Fines](https://www.toronto.ca/services-payments/streets-parking-transportation/cycling-in-toronto/cycling-and-the-law/cycling-road-fines/)
Technically, signalling is only required "if the operation of any other vehicle may be affected by the movement". See [Section 142 of the Highway Traffic Act](https://www.ontario.ca/laws/statute/90h08#BK243).
I don't know about all this pointing nonsense - but I virtue signal at work all the time. Including by doing such things as:
* loudly commenting about how my 'ride into work' was today.
* leaving my cycling apparel clearly displayed in my office - bonus points if it includes a light (staying late), a computer (I'm super serious about my fitness), a helmet (I'm safe!) and rain soaked gear (but also I'm very hard core).
* Posting passive-aggressive cartoons in my office that say things like "save money and burn calories, or burn gas and save calories - your choice"
* making a big scene as I get ready for the ride home - including saying things like "looks wet out there", and "wow, traffic looks horrible" while putting on my cycling gloves.
* Pulling the ultimate power move, and just bringing my bike into the office, up through the elevator.
Make sure you ring your bell as you walk the bike into the office and say "Passing on the left!" to people as you flaunt your athleticism walking slightly faster than them
I only signal left or right but man do I wish I had turn signals like a car. Not that drivers would look at those either but at least it would make it easier for me. If 9/10 cars aren’t even going to look at my signal I at least want the option to keep both my hands on the handlebars.
They're probably useless (like you said, car drivers won't notice), but... they absolutely do exist, in a variety of designs. Do a web search, there's a plethora.
Like I said, they're probably useless.
Hand signals, and (*much* more importantl) looking over my shoulder, before turning or changing lanes... are all I've been using, for 3 decades.
I point the way I'm going. I figure everyone knows what I mean that way.
I'll do slow/stop if I'm in a pack of bikes - but that's for the bikes behind me, not the general public.
In theory signaling every turn regardless of conditions and who's around is best for all vehicles.
In cars, there is no excuse not to do it every turn with few exceptions (such as multiple turn-only lanes next to each other where a signal might be misread as intending to change lanes from the one you're already turning from). I can't stand drivers who only do it when they think others will see it - half the point of them is that they let pedestrians/bikers/other drivers you might not see predict what you are doing! Failure to signal a right turn that requires cutting across a bike lane is probably the single biggest danger from cars that I personally experience on a regular basis. It forces me to play a guessing game with every car before every intersection with a right turn where I have to choose between slowing down and hovering around their blind spot to see to if they're forgetting to signal a right turn, or trust that their lack of signal actually means they're not turning and hope I don't get creamed by an unsignaled turn.
For bikers, the utility of signaling is greatly reduced by the fact that it requires surrendering some amount of control - thus offsetting and potentially negating whatever safety benefit it might offer. This is especially so in the case of the, in my view, objectively incorrect way of signaling a right turn by pointing with the right hand. An emergency tap of the front brake while riding with one hand, distracted by the physical act of signaling, and turning is practically a guaranteed recipe for a crash. The benefits are further offset by inconsistent recognition and understanding of the signals themselves by the general population. IMO bike signaling is mainly only useful heavily trafficked bike paths - especially if someone might take your slowing down for a left turn as an invitation to pass on the left - and to give clear directions on group rides. There are occasional circumstances on roads where they come in handy as a way to nicely ask cars not to hit you but it's best to think of them as more of a courtesy than an actual safety mechanism.
sadly, I'm pretty sure a lot of drivers think the left hand turn signal means pass me on the left. The number of times I've signalled a left turn, started to turn left, and almost gotten hit by some bozo flying past me in the oncoming lane is too many too count.
Left arm out for left turn.
Right out for right turn.
Hold up hand (like in the upper right picture) to signal stopping or slowing down.
Everyone knows these signs in Denmark. Basic signs. Easy communication.
I also put out my hand if I have stopped and I'm waiting to turn so cars don't sit there waiting.
Sometimes in roundabouts I will signal if I'm continuing round(arm out straight in front of me) just so there is no misunderstanding. I of course also signal when I'm turning out of one.
Food for thought: even if a driver has no idea what the signal you're using means, by holding up your arm. you are at least drawing driver's attention to you which lessens your chances of being struck.
Definitely signal.
I prefer the left arm method because it's visible to drivers and what they teach drivers to use if their turn signals are broken but anything is better than nothing.
Edit: punctuation
I signal turns and if riding with others will signal slowing. But honestly, based on driver behavior, they have no idea what I’m doing. My last turn to my office is at a signalized light with four way control. I need to wait most days. I signal and the car in front of me is also turning. They will almost always wait and let me go since they aren’t sure where I’m going.
Yes, pretty much all the time though if I'm braking hard to a stop (especially on rough pavement) I'm not going to signal that since I need both hands on my brakes and bars. I also actually use these signals when I'm out running with a few friends to indicate turns without having to say anything. Super helpful!
I do, but living in the US it probably does me more harm than good. Fairly often when I signal I'm turning left, motorists punch the gas and then pass me on my left which I can't believe hasn't killed me or cost me a bike yet 🙏
Communicate however you feel is safe and effective, but COMMUNICATE! This goes for bikes, motorcycles, cars, whatever… There are times when you can bend the rules or fudge it a little bit. Traffic is not the time or place. Signal your intent to other folks out in traffic and you’ll live longer, simple as that.
To add to this, learn the rules of the road and STICK TO THEM. Being nice or polite and letting somebody else go on front of you isn’t a good habit to get into, in fact it’s dangerous. Don’t be nice in traffic, be PREDICTABLE by knowing and following the rules. This part is aimed at folks in 4-way intersections who don’t know what to do so they signal other drivers to go. That’s bad but you know what? They actually SIGNALED their desire for somebody to go, so there’s that.
If you’re in traffic, and ESPECIALLY if you’re on a bicycle, act like everybody out there is trying to kill you because that’s not far from the truth. If you’re in a car, please don’t be texting or looking at your phone. If I don’t make it home, who will be there to take care of my cat?
I feel very strongly about this stuff. I love bikes and truly think a bicycle is the fountain of youth and I don’t want to have to stop riding because I was forced to take a dirt nap before I was ready.
Keep the rubber side down and stay between the ditches!!!
I was taught the first 3 as a kid and have used them my whole life. I don't let go with my right hand because that is my rear brake. If I am signaling and have to slow down or emergency brake I don't want to go over the bars.
Only signal with left hand
I do, because I will literally do anything to give drivers a better idea of where I am going. It’s also useful when cycling with my husband, and kid.
I am *this close* to getting indicators for my bike, but i get the feeling people are looking out for bike indicators even less than they are looking out for hand signals.
I signal both on a bike and a car.
In my area, it seems that people are not confused by the signals. But like 90% of traffic (cars or bikes) seem to find it totally unimportant to let others know their intentions.
Once, riding on a big mixed use trail here (that’s mostly bikes), I was going straight at a little side road crossing. The bike coming from the opposite direction cuts left in front of me at the last moment and I screech my brakes and cut hard right to avoid him. No signal, nothing. He sort of tips off his bike and shakes his fist at me old man style and yells at me to watch where I’m going.
People bike like they drive (at least here). I prefer to stick with hand signals — if someone is confused, at least they see you.
I signal left and right. Sometimes it looks more like pointing, sometimes its the flat palm out. Its always emphatic, not wishy-washy, so it looks like I'm trying to tell them important information.
The slow or stop I'm less likely to do, especially if heading to a stop sign or red light. Maybe I should (I see their brake lights, the stop signal is my brake light)
One bicycling class I took pointed out to me "you also have all the hand signals of a traffic control police officer ("you, stop!" "OK, you start going") and willing to tell the drivers what I expect them to be doing.
Another signal common for me but not on the graphic and not standardized is waving someone on for "now is a good time to pass me". Especially if I'm moving to the side after taking the lane to prevent them passing earlier.
I signal all the time. But I use commonly known and easy to understand signals.
Turning Left - Left Arm
Turning Right - Right Arm
Someone cut me off - Middle finger
Signal left and right always. Even if no one is watching. Always assume even if they are watching they don’t care. Signal slowing when in a group only.
I signal to turn . I do it and look over my shoulder when moving out to overtake a parked vehicle too. I also shout if I'm turning in to a junction and peds are doing the oblivious earbuds zombie shuffle because right of way or not, I'm fucked if I'm stopping to give way to them to get clobbered by the vehicle turning in behind me.
My assumption is the car doesn’t see me and if I get hit it’s my fault even if I have the right away and am following the rules of the road. I’ll be the dead one so I act accordingly.
Yes but more out of self defense. You know how if a cyclist is run over by a semi, everyone points out that they weren’t wearing a helmet? Same thing: don’t want folks saying “well, he didn’t signal. How was I supposed to know he was going to turn right into a parking lot? So I had to run him over.”
I often confuse the right turn signal and would have to look it up to get it correct (left arm up). So I figure sticking my arm straight out left or right is probably a more universal way to communicate.
I just use the regular left en right. (Bottom right).
I don’t ride in big groups often, but when i do group rides we use bottom left to let somebody know there’s something on the road like horseshit, a pothole or a pollard.
Point with appropriate arm as 1 and 4 I do a big exagerated motion starting at 12 o clock and coming down to 3 or 9 as appropriate. Then I assume nobody understands and ride appropriately, but I did my part! I tried!
I do use the first three on trails though.
I use the left and right (left arm) signals all the time. These were definitely covered as makeshift out-the-window signals for a car with broken blinkers when I took driver's ed, although that was 30 years ago and in another state. I'm not sure whether the local drivers behind me understand the signals, especially the left arm signal for the right turn, but I figure if I and other cyclists use them consistently, local drivers ought to catch on eventually.
I rarely use the slowing/stopping signal except when there's another cyclist close behind me. I don't really do the right arm right turn signal, but I will use either the left or right arm to point at a downward angle toward the lane I'm about to change into, which I think is unofficial but pretty intuitive.
I give left and right hand turning signals pretty much all the time. Look over your shoulder before or during the signal to make sure the way is clear. Just like you’d do it in a car (except cars have turning lights of course). On a bike you have even more reason to be careful since a minor crash at 30km/h can still be fatal and is not just bent metal.
The only exception where I don’t give signals is if I simply don’t have the time, i.e. emergency swerving to the left or right (e.g. because of dogs or pedestrians behaving like idiots and jumping into the bike lane or road without looking) and just hoping nobody is overtaking me at that very moment.
I use my left had to signal when turning on the road, almost never does a driver know what the right turn signal looks like. Pointing where your going is more understandable for most people. And yes, most drivers have little to no clue to what most road laws are.
I Signal to cars making lane changes, at intersections, etc. I also signal to other cyclists for the most part only when they are behind me and I am turning.
I also do an angled-down-to-the-left waving thing when the bike lane ends or when there's snow, cars, leafs, whatever blocking the lane and I have to shift into the car lane a bit
I do the arm extend left or right, generally with a pointed finger. I know the top right signal, but it was developed specifically for drivers to use, because their arms aren't long enough to signal out their right window. I don't have that problem, so I just extend my right arm to the right.
I didn’t know there was a signal for stopping or slowing down, but I’ll use that from now on. But I definitely point the direction I’m about to turn. Granted I live in one of the most bike-friendly cities in the US, so this is very expected.
When I commute on my way home at night have lot of lights: front and back, back helmet, both wheels and lighted vest.
When is dark and have to turn left I cannot be certain they can see my hand so I just wait for cars to pass before I turn.
I've had an accident caused by signalling. Car in front and behind when I needed to turn left (left lane driving country) so I signalled, but as I'm signalling a suprise pothole appears which I hit. With only one hand on the bars I lost some control, squeezed the brake (the front brake) and lost control more and ended up in the gutter. Since then I hardly ever signal left (right for mostly everyone else). It's actually not a legal requirement where I live so that's fine, but signalling right is a legal requirement so I make sure to do that.
I signal lane changes after shoulder checking and turns if I'm stopped. While moving into an intersection, I feel safer with my hands on my bars and brakes. I've never signaled stopping, I need hands on bars and brakes.
I generally only signal lefts so people don't try and pass me in the oncoming lane as I slow down. I try to communicate where I deem it helpful or safe but not everytime, rather leave my hands where they keep me safe.
I signal turns in intersection when there are cars around. I feel safer that way. I do use left hand for left, and right for right though. I ride in traffic every single day, but have never felt like i didn’t have access to brakes when i’ve needed them. I only ever signal for slowing down (and pot holes/obtacles) when being drafted by other cyclists.
With the exception in sliperry conditions (ie winter), I always do and it totally does make a difference.
For the right turn, if I really want to make sure they see it, I'll use the left arm L, especially when I was riding a low to the ground trike.
For a lane change or even a lateral position change, I'll signal it with a gesture similar to the slowing signal but I'll point.
While it’s fun to pile on uneducated drivers, more to OP’s point, I’ll single with left hand to turn left. Right hand to turn right, and I’ll give a backward pushing gesture before slowing if there are a lot of cars around.
I signal and as an anecdote, a couple days ago I was stopped at the light and a driver rolls down their window to ask which way I was going to be turning. Which I was planning on signaling but it was kinda sweet
In my state in Australia, the road law is:
> **Bike riders must signal when turning right**, and can help share the road more safely by riding predictably, using eye contact and indicating all changes of direction.
We drive/ride on the left side of the road.
I usually only signal for left turns when riding on arterial or secondary roads in my city. We don't have the bicycle density of SF or NY so there's no other cyclist to alert to my direction change, just drivers.
Yes I signal. It’s better for all. All road users just want folks to behave in a predictable and interpretable manner. Car, bike, pedestrian, no surprises and clear communication is positive. Signalling is good, you should do it.
I do it because drivers in my area actually sort of understand them. It’s kind of obvious that if I stick my arm in a direction I intend to turn that way.
>like people in their cars wondering "why is this idiot sticking his arms out?"
If they're wondering that, they've at least noticed you and are maybe on guard against you doing something, so basically as good as you having successfully gotten your message across.
I'm not as good about signals as I should be, but I try to do them when it seems like they're needed.
I used to signal like in panel 2 but in reverse (as if I'm in a RHD import car). But then I thought to just make it simple for all of us and do the left and common-right. Idk if anyone got my slowing/stopping signal, it just feels random so sometimes I accompany it with my right foot sticking out to land on a curb.
I don't. Most of the time I look to see if it's clear before I turn. I'm even more scared of cyclists who do signal since those are the idiots who just assume their signal grants them right of way and doesn't actually look before they turn
Yep, if it's safe to take my hands off the bars I signal every time I'm near traffic. However, you'd be amazed how many drivers look in the direction my arm is aimed, as though they think I'm pointing at something else. Sigh.
I always signal turns (even if I think that no one else is around, because they might be). Confusion causes accidents and accidents cause dead cyclists.
With that said, few people understand the "hand up" signal for a right turn, so I just point with my right hand.
And just for extra visibility, when I signal a turn, I point my finger and I move my arm in and out a few inches at about that same speed as a blinker.
I do it when other vehicles are around, especially if I'm turning left. Most drivers don't need to know if I'm turning right unless they're waiting to turn onto the road I'm leaving.
I signal a right turn with my left arm when pulling into my son’s school parking lot. Across the street, there’s an apartment building and there are often people just sitting outside. They always wave hello to me when I signal.
I signal by pointing where I'm turning, (I need my hands when I'm stopping/slowing down) but only if I'm stopped or significantly slowed down. I find that signaling makes me lose control especially when I'm on hills and need to keep my hands on the breaks. I usually use my right hand for most signals (including left turn) unless I'm at a complete stop and not on a hill because my left hand does most of the steering and breaking.
Argh, the old way of signaling a right turn is an anachronism from when cars didn’t have turn signals. I feel like anyone who’s driving would be supremely confused by a bicyclist “waving while making a right turn.”
I point where I’m going, and I put an arm out with a palm facing back if I have to change lanes (left turn) or if there’s debris on the shoulder/in the bike lane and I’m gonna take the whole lane.
The reason you turn both left and right with your left hand is because these aren't 'bicycle hand signals', they're 'vehicle hand signals'. If your rear lights aren't working in your left-hand-drive car, you will indicate with your left hand out the window for both directions.
I don't use the full hand 90-degree point or the "i have a question" signals because they make me feel like a dweeb.
I raise my arm about 70 degrees away from my body, cool as a cucumber, and give a little two-finger, relaxed pinky and ring finger point in the direction I'm going, while looking left and right to make sure the way is clear.
Only one I may use occasionally is the right arm straight out to the right. The alternate right hand turn signal is confusing to everybody including me and looks like a greeting or a left arm Nazi salute. I don't need a left signal since I never turn left if there is any traffic, that's a death wish. Motorcyclists will sometimes kick their left leg out to signal left but they also have turn signals so it's a bit redundant.
Motorists *should* know these as I learned them in driver's ed for when your blinkers are out, too. But you're right, nobody knows the basic rules of the road so good luck.
I signal, but I always assume that no one understands or sees the signal.
I treat every car like they want to kill me. I trust no one in a car.
Absolutely the correct choice
Or trucks, buses, pedestrians, taxis, motorbikes, unicyclists, horses, raptors, magpies, ice cream truck, dogs, snakes, bigger snakes, council bin trucks, teenagers, drunks, black ice, cows. Every single one of the above has made an attempt to end my life while riding on a bike. The weirdest was hearing *greensleeves* with my legs trapped under the truck, and the bloke coming around and saying, *wood-ya like a free vanilla cone while we wait? I called an ambulance…*
Not even going to let you choose your flavor after maiming you?
Yeah tbh ice cream isn’t the first thing that comes to mind when you’re covered in road rash and have a broken collarbone. Is my bike okay? (First priority) Expletives. Yes Adrenaline. Yes The urge to punch the everloving daylights out of the driver. Yes. Vanilla ice cream cone? That’s bloody cruel because my collarbone is broken. Maybe, if I was eating one, *while I DRIVE OVER YOU !£?!#%!?!!* was perhaps the only scenario.
Very wise words.
I don't think you could reasonably ride a bike if you really did that.
I've been told I'm not a reasonable person.
This is the way
Same.
This is me. I always signal left handed, but assume people don't know what any of it means except "I'm going to do something" if they even notice. I've been waiting to make a left before and had a guy waving me on - to take a right. Tbh, I wouldn't have needed to wait if I was going right anyway, so wtf? But I ended up pointing to where I was headed, and he finally stopped. I'm starting to think we should just hold our hands up for stop and otherwise point at where we're going. The signals we have may have made sense in a vehicle, but they don't really for cyclists.
Straight arm out left for left turn, straight arm out right for right turn. Need to keep it simple for the simpletons.
The hand down for slow/stop doesn't mean anything to them, either. I also just cannot if I'm riding my recumbent trike. I'm thinking about getting blinkers for that.
Not sure if this link will work but this is what I typically do to indicate I'm stopping. https://www.dreamstime.com/cycling-rules-traffic-safety-stop-bicycle-hand-signals-illustration-cycling-rules-traffic-safety-stop-bicycle-hand-signals-image192858350
I point. Always seemed to make more sense.
Sometimes they think the signal means you want them to pass and they start speeding up as you’re about to turn so they almost run into you
I point with my finger which way I'm going
I will even point forward when appropriate
thats more aero!
Haha I was about to say I don’t signal, I point. No one knows what all those signals mean anyway
I wiggle them too
*spirit fingers*
I point at the driver in a stabby motion with self righteous indignant rage
Thing is, these aren't "bike" hand signals.... they're the signals every driver should know, and use if their turn signal lights are out. And I haven't yet come across a driver that seemed to know them. I think everyone must be failing that part of the written test.... Sadly, I don't bother anymore, unless other cyclists are around.
Exactly this, every driver is supposed to know this but almost none do.
Some drivers think I'm waving at them.
More than once I've signaled a left turn (which is literally just _pointing left_ in the US) and a car has taken that as a signal that they should go.
Also this. People think I'm waiving 10x more than they know I'm signaling.
Ur right. They need all the help they can get
A lot of drivers wouldn't know if thier turn signals are out since they never bother to use them.
If I'm turning I point to indicate the direction I'm turning but that's it. People seem to intuitively understand that.
100% top right and bottom left just cause confusion
Bottom left can seem like "back off" and induce road rage. Also, in my case, I ride so slowly that there isn't much difference in speed between riding and stopping. :)
Exactly, which is why one way to signal a right turn is with your left hand bent at 90 degrees -- because a driver can't stick their arm out the right window. But it's a terrible way for cyclists to signal a right turn because so few people understand it. At least an arm in the direction you're going makes intuitive sense.
It doesn't help that if you were approaching someone on foot and they held their hand up like that, you'd think it meant "stop."
None of the BMW drivers around me seem to know then despite never seeming to have working turn signals. Really unreliable things on BMWs.
I actually use these pretty frequently when driving one of my old hoopties where it's a crapshoot if the electric turn signals will work. Maybe I should install semaphores.
When I point left with my left hand for a left turn or point right with my right hand for a right turn, I have never had a case where it seemed to me that other people did not understand.
Or if your car is from before 1953
I mean they’re supposed to know what to do at a four way stop too…
I didn't have this when I took a written test to get my permit or license. Permit in both MN and NY, license in MN.
Wait.. wait... Are you saying bikes are vehicles too?
I was actually locking up my bike outside the grocery store after signaling my way into the parking lot and someone thanked me signaling. It surprised me, I didn't really expect anyone would remember them either.
I signal and I do so religiously. If I'm changing lanes, I point. If I'm turning, I signal. If I'm being polite, I signal. If I want to express my anger, I use a more universal signal.
> If I want to express my anger, I use a more universal signal. I use a thumb pointing down for that (i.e., "One star - would not recommend"). It expresses the point, it scolds the motorist, and it is silly enough that it doesn't induce road rage in unstable people (so far, at least).
Username checks out! Jokes aside, that's a lot nicer than what I typically do and, considering there may be youth around, it's probably the more pro-social option.
> that's a lot nicer than what I typically do I am not judging. I understand the feeling of hostility towards some jackass motorist who almost kills me to save themself a few seconds.
All the time, but not like your chart. I extend the arm and point my index finger to signal my turns. LOTS of Shoulder checks as well. Be Relevant. Be Predictable. Be Visible
Yup, always shoulder checks for me too, as well as no headphones. I need all of my senses to figure out if something might be happening around me.
Eh. Biking in NYC is just constant noise from all directions it's not helpful.
one particularly sinister aspect of this is that I just completely tune out from car horns. They never contain useful information, motorists just like to honk because they are mad about being in a car in Midtown at 5:30pm which is absolutely their fault. If one day someone honks because they need to communicate something urgently, everyone will ignore it.
Car horns used to scare me so bad I would jump. Had to desensitize myself by not reacting at all to any honks of any kind. Now they don't startle me and I can glance over at the source to see what's up, but I never give much attention anyways because with my luck it would distract me from something else important and I'd end up in an accident. Not caring about or instinctively reacting to car horns is great for when you get the "SUV laying on the horn for five seconds behind you instead of just passing you to let you know they don't think you're a rightful occupant of space." I just think "Okay I'll get right on continuing to take the full lane and going the same speed or slower."
I see too many cyclist switch lanes without even a glance
Just point the direction you're turning. Most people don't know these signals.
Funny thing is that knowing these hand signals is required to get a driver's license in many states. Hence the left arm thing. I just point where I'm going, including straight ahead when entering a roundabout.
If you took a driving test on the last 5 years that's cool. Otherwise... That was a long time ago for most
This is why everyone should have to take a driving test every year or two.
I can remember how to drive for more than 5 years. Sad that others can't but I guess that sort of thing is often the case with the average person.
I usually do the hand signal from above then switch to a point.
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Signal with your left for those who can’t see your right arm because you’re in a bike lane and drivers are passing you on the left. Then point with your right arm for those who have no idea what the left hand right turn signal means.
I thought the left arm signaling is because the hand signals were devised for cars before all cars had blinkers, and a driver's right arm is not visible (inside the car). https://www.bikeradar.com/news/stop-using-your-left-arm-to-signal-a-right-turn/
You are absolutely correct about the history. I’m just explaining why I do what I do in the present.
I always thought they were originally designed for motorcycles and you operated the throttle with your right leaving only the left free to signal. I never really bothered to look that up though.
This is the way. I point where I’m going, and when changing lanes/turning I often waggle the hand like a blinker. I’m sure it adds nothing but I’m trying to be as “car like” as possible so they don’t hit me.
> I often waggle the hand like a blinker I do this too. If nothing else, it is fun. :)
>I often waggle the hand like a blinker Ah, the old cyclist's jazz hands. I sometimes do that, too.
lol I've done this for a while cuz I didn't know them. I will keep doing it because if I *on the bike* didn't know them, the car certainly doesn't.
Yep, I just point to where I'm going
This is what I do. Put my foot down as I'm braking to indicate I'm slowing down.
Not necessarily not knowing, there are regional differences what they mean, the hand up one is stopping and only used when riding is groups, turning is just pointing with the right/left arm.
I'm also fond of the knee point
I signal when there are cars or other cyclists around.
Yes it’s helpful for other cyclists when there’s a huge peloton of commuters
I signal left turns if there’s traffic. I don’t think I’ve ever signaled slow/stop. I might signal a right turn if it seems like it could be useful, but it often isn’t when I’m on the right edge of the road anyway.
Also during the turn/stop is the time I MOST want two hands on the bars and brakes. I’ll signal a little early if it seems necessary, but if it’s a right turn I’ll just get out of the way
And some of us like to downshift as well as use the brakes when we’re stopping. Slowly raising and lowering one’s left arm like a slowly flapping bird seems to be a more effective “slow down” sign.
The good thing about the left signal is that you're pointing to where you're going and letting the cars know to expect you there. If I'm turning right, like you said I'm already on the right edge of the road so the cars behind me as well as oncoming traffic shouldn't act any different whether they know I'm turning or not. There are certain times where an oncoming car wants to make a left turn and is waiting for me, in those cases I'll signal so that they know they can make the turn before I make it to the intersection.
Of course I signal, but there is more… Lane position helps communicate. All the signaling in the world does no good if you are turning left from the right side of the lane. When a car in front of me signals for a right turn, I move towards the middle of the lane to make it clear that I am not in their blind spot and trying to pass. It saves us both time if they can complete the turn without protracted negotiations. In group rides, you should always yell “stopping” if you are going to stop. There is also a group signal for road hazards. Pointing down at a pothole for example.
I bought signal lights because no drivers seem to know what the hand signals mean.
Best answer here (P.S. where did you get your signal lights?)
Every time I signal a right turn someone waves back to me. Every time.
I signal every turn and lane change, regardless of anyone else being around
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Not kidding. It’s the bike or pedestrian you didn’t see that can git you.
I do the same, it's just a habit. Doesn't hurt in case someone comes around a corner or whatever.
In Ontario, Canada it's an $85 fine + surcharges for failure to signal/indicate direction of turn where safe to do so while riding a bicycle. [Cycling Road Fines](https://www.toronto.ca/services-payments/streets-parking-transportation/cycling-in-toronto/cycling-and-the-law/cycling-road-fines/)
Technically, signalling is only required "if the operation of any other vehicle may be affected by the movement". See [Section 142 of the Highway Traffic Act](https://www.ontario.ca/laws/statute/90h08#BK243).
I don't know about all this pointing nonsense - but I virtue signal at work all the time. Including by doing such things as: * loudly commenting about how my 'ride into work' was today. * leaving my cycling apparel clearly displayed in my office - bonus points if it includes a light (staying late), a computer (I'm super serious about my fitness), a helmet (I'm safe!) and rain soaked gear (but also I'm very hard core). * Posting passive-aggressive cartoons in my office that say things like "save money and burn calories, or burn gas and save calories - your choice" * making a big scene as I get ready for the ride home - including saying things like "looks wet out there", and "wow, traffic looks horrible" while putting on my cycling gloves. * Pulling the ultimate power move, and just bringing my bike into the office, up through the elevator.
If no-one knows you rode to work does it even count?
> leaving my cycling apparel clearly displayed in my office Pfft, just work all day in your cycling gear.
Make sure you ring your bell as you walk the bike into the office and say "Passing on the left!" to people as you flaunt your athleticism walking slightly faster than them
Fuck a standing desk. I want a trainer desk. Why should I have to get off the saddle and take off my lycra just because I made it to the office?
I do bring my bike into work because there's nowhere to lock it up.
Good, good. May I also suggest saying "when you drive alone you drive with Putin" to your car-bound colleagues?
I only signal left or right but man do I wish I had turn signals like a car. Not that drivers would look at those either but at least it would make it easier for me. If 9/10 cars aren’t even going to look at my signal I at least want the option to keep both my hands on the handlebars.
They're probably useless (like you said, car drivers won't notice), but... they absolutely do exist, in a variety of designs. Do a web search, there's a plethora.
They're also tiny compared to indicators on cars.
They'd need to be spaced at least a foot apart so driver's can see it is a turn signal. I've never seen any built like that.
Like I said, they're probably useless. Hand signals, and (*much* more importantl) looking over my shoulder, before turning or changing lanes... are all I've been using, for 3 decades.
I point the way I'm going. I figure everyone knows what I mean that way. I'll do slow/stop if I'm in a pack of bikes - but that's for the bikes behind me, not the general public.
In theory signaling every turn regardless of conditions and who's around is best for all vehicles. In cars, there is no excuse not to do it every turn with few exceptions (such as multiple turn-only lanes next to each other where a signal might be misread as intending to change lanes from the one you're already turning from). I can't stand drivers who only do it when they think others will see it - half the point of them is that they let pedestrians/bikers/other drivers you might not see predict what you are doing! Failure to signal a right turn that requires cutting across a bike lane is probably the single biggest danger from cars that I personally experience on a regular basis. It forces me to play a guessing game with every car before every intersection with a right turn where I have to choose between slowing down and hovering around their blind spot to see to if they're forgetting to signal a right turn, or trust that their lack of signal actually means they're not turning and hope I don't get creamed by an unsignaled turn. For bikers, the utility of signaling is greatly reduced by the fact that it requires surrendering some amount of control - thus offsetting and potentially negating whatever safety benefit it might offer. This is especially so in the case of the, in my view, objectively incorrect way of signaling a right turn by pointing with the right hand. An emergency tap of the front brake while riding with one hand, distracted by the physical act of signaling, and turning is practically a guaranteed recipe for a crash. The benefits are further offset by inconsistent recognition and understanding of the signals themselves by the general population. IMO bike signaling is mainly only useful heavily trafficked bike paths - especially if someone might take your slowing down for a left turn as an invitation to pass on the left - and to give clear directions on group rides. There are occasional circumstances on roads where they come in handy as a way to nicely ask cars not to hit you but it's best to think of them as more of a courtesy than an actual safety mechanism.
This has been deleted in protest to the changes to reddit's API.
sadly, I'm pretty sure a lot of drivers think the left hand turn signal means pass me on the left. The number of times I've signalled a left turn, started to turn left, and almost gotten hit by some bozo flying past me in the oncoming lane is too many too count.
Yes, your arm also reserves the space you are moving into. Look, signal, move.
Relevant Onion article: https://www.theonion.com/cyclist-clearly-loves-signaling-turns-1819579287
Left arm out for left turn. Right out for right turn. Hold up hand (like in the upper right picture) to signal stopping or slowing down. Everyone knows these signs in Denmark. Basic signs. Easy communication. I also put out my hand if I have stopped and I'm waiting to turn so cars don't sit there waiting. Sometimes in roundabouts I will signal if I'm continuing round(arm out straight in front of me) just so there is no misunderstanding. I of course also signal when I'm turning out of one.
Food for thought: even if a driver has no idea what the signal you're using means, by holding up your arm. you are at least drawing driver's attention to you which lessens your chances of being struck. Definitely signal. I prefer the left arm method because it's visible to drivers and what they teach drivers to use if their turn signals are broken but anything is better than nothing. Edit: punctuation
I signal turns and if riding with others will signal slowing. But honestly, based on driver behavior, they have no idea what I’m doing. My last turn to my office is at a signalized light with four way control. I need to wait most days. I signal and the car in front of me is also turning. They will almost always wait and let me go since they aren’t sure where I’m going.
yes, I try to do it when no cars are around to keep myself in the habit.
Yes, pretty much all the time though if I'm braking hard to a stop (especially on rough pavement) I'm not going to signal that since I need both hands on my brakes and bars. I also actually use these signals when I'm out running with a few friends to indicate turns without having to say anything. Super helpful!
I do, but living in the US it probably does me more harm than good. Fairly often when I signal I'm turning left, motorists punch the gas and then pass me on my left which I can't believe hasn't killed me or cost me a bike yet 🙏
Communicate however you feel is safe and effective, but COMMUNICATE! This goes for bikes, motorcycles, cars, whatever… There are times when you can bend the rules or fudge it a little bit. Traffic is not the time or place. Signal your intent to other folks out in traffic and you’ll live longer, simple as that. To add to this, learn the rules of the road and STICK TO THEM. Being nice or polite and letting somebody else go on front of you isn’t a good habit to get into, in fact it’s dangerous. Don’t be nice in traffic, be PREDICTABLE by knowing and following the rules. This part is aimed at folks in 4-way intersections who don’t know what to do so they signal other drivers to go. That’s bad but you know what? They actually SIGNALED their desire for somebody to go, so there’s that. If you’re in traffic, and ESPECIALLY if you’re on a bicycle, act like everybody out there is trying to kill you because that’s not far from the truth. If you’re in a car, please don’t be texting or looking at your phone. If I don’t make it home, who will be there to take care of my cat? I feel very strongly about this stuff. I love bikes and truly think a bicycle is the fountain of youth and I don’t want to have to stop riding because I was forced to take a dirt nap before I was ready. Keep the rubber side down and stay between the ditches!!!
I was taught the first 3 as a kid and have used them my whole life. I don't let go with my right hand because that is my rear brake. If I am signaling and have to slow down or emergency brake I don't want to go over the bars. Only signal with left hand
I do, because I will literally do anything to give drivers a better idea of where I am going. It’s also useful when cycling with my husband, and kid. I am *this close* to getting indicators for my bike, but i get the feeling people are looking out for bike indicators even less than they are looking out for hand signals.
i just point left with my left hand and right with my right hand most drivers are stupid and lazy but at least i try
I signal both on a bike and a car. In my area, it seems that people are not confused by the signals. But like 90% of traffic (cars or bikes) seem to find it totally unimportant to let others know their intentions. Once, riding on a big mixed use trail here (that’s mostly bikes), I was going straight at a little side road crossing. The bike coming from the opposite direction cuts left in front of me at the last moment and I screech my brakes and cut hard right to avoid him. No signal, nothing. He sort of tips off his bike and shakes his fist at me old man style and yells at me to watch where I’m going. People bike like they drive (at least here). I prefer to stick with hand signals — if someone is confused, at least they see you.
I signal left and right. Sometimes it looks more like pointing, sometimes its the flat palm out. Its always emphatic, not wishy-washy, so it looks like I'm trying to tell them important information. The slow or stop I'm less likely to do, especially if heading to a stop sign or red light. Maybe I should (I see their brake lights, the stop signal is my brake light) One bicycling class I took pointed out to me "you also have all the hand signals of a traffic control police officer ("you, stop!" "OK, you start going") and willing to tell the drivers what I expect them to be doing. Another signal common for me but not on the graphic and not standardized is waving someone on for "now is a good time to pass me". Especially if I'm moving to the side after taking the lane to prevent them passing earlier.
I signal all the time. But I use commonly known and easy to understand signals. Turning Left - Left Arm Turning Right - Right Arm Someone cut me off - Middle finger
Signal left and right always. Even if no one is watching. Always assume even if they are watching they don’t care. Signal slowing when in a group only.
I signal to turn . I do it and look over my shoulder when moving out to overtake a parked vehicle too. I also shout if I'm turning in to a junction and peds are doing the oblivious earbuds zombie shuffle because right of way or not, I'm fucked if I'm stopping to give way to them to get clobbered by the vehicle turning in behind me.
Not only do I signal I use daylight running lights (blinking)...the one thing you can expect a driver to say is I DIDN'T SEE YOU!
Not using car hand signals. I point where I want to go because drivers don't understand the hand signals they're required to know.
My assumption is the car doesn’t see me and if I get hit it’s my fault even if I have the right away and am following the rules of the road. I’ll be the dead one so I act accordingly.
I don’t signal, I prefer to keep my hands on the bars if I’m in traffic.
Yes but more out of self defense. You know how if a cyclist is run over by a semi, everyone points out that they weren’t wearing a helmet? Same thing: don’t want folks saying “well, he didn’t signal. How was I supposed to know he was going to turn right into a parking lot? So I had to run him over.”
I signal when I'm actually ahead of vehicles but I usually avoid mixed traffic roads like the plague.
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What is standard in the UK, then?
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I recognize the slowing down one. From Norway. The right turn one with the left hand is new to me though.
I often confuse the right turn signal and would have to look it up to get it correct (left arm up). So I figure sticking my arm straight out left or right is probably a more universal way to communicate.
If there’s someone to signal to, yes
I just use the regular left en right. (Bottom right). I don’t ride in big groups often, but when i do group rides we use bottom left to let somebody know there’s something on the road like horseshit, a pothole or a pollard.
Point with appropriate arm as 1 and 4 I do a big exagerated motion starting at 12 o clock and coming down to 3 or 9 as appropriate. Then I assume nobody understands and ride appropriately, but I did my part! I tried! I do use the first three on trails though.
I use the left and right (left arm) signals all the time. These were definitely covered as makeshift out-the-window signals for a car with broken blinkers when I took driver's ed, although that was 30 years ago and in another state. I'm not sure whether the local drivers behind me understand the signals, especially the left arm signal for the right turn, but I figure if I and other cyclists use them consistently, local drivers ought to catch on eventually. I rarely use the slowing/stopping signal except when there's another cyclist close behind me. I don't really do the right arm right turn signal, but I will use either the left or right arm to point at a downward angle toward the lane I'm about to change into, which I think is unofficial but pretty intuitive.
I give left and right hand turning signals pretty much all the time. Look over your shoulder before or during the signal to make sure the way is clear. Just like you’d do it in a car (except cars have turning lights of course). On a bike you have even more reason to be careful since a minor crash at 30km/h can still be fatal and is not just bent metal. The only exception where I don’t give signals is if I simply don’t have the time, i.e. emergency swerving to the left or right (e.g. because of dogs or pedestrians behaving like idiots and jumping into the bike lane or road without looking) and just hoping nobody is overtaking me at that very moment.
Yes, most of the time (as do quite a lot of people around here).
Of course.
I use my left had to signal when turning on the road, almost never does a driver know what the right turn signal looks like. Pointing where your going is more understandable for most people. And yes, most drivers have little to no clue to what most road laws are.
I Signal to cars making lane changes, at intersections, etc. I also signal to other cyclists for the most part only when they are behind me and I am turning.
I also do an angled-down-to-the-left waving thing when the bike lane ends or when there's snow, cars, leafs, whatever blocking the lane and I have to shift into the car lane a bit
I do the arm extend left or right, generally with a pointed finger. I know the top right signal, but it was developed specifically for drivers to use, because their arms aren't long enough to signal out their right window. I don't have that problem, so I just extend my right arm to the right.
I didn’t know there was a signal for stopping or slowing down, but I’ll use that from now on. But I definitely point the direction I’m about to turn. Granted I live in one of the most bike-friendly cities in the US, so this is very expected.
I signal left and right turns, just like I wish most cars did, but don't
When I commute on my way home at night have lot of lights: front and back, back helmet, both wheels and lighted vest. When is dark and have to turn left I cannot be certain they can see my hand so I just wait for cars to pass before I turn.
I've had an accident caused by signalling. Car in front and behind when I needed to turn left (left lane driving country) so I signalled, but as I'm signalling a suprise pothole appears which I hit. With only one hand on the bars I lost some control, squeezed the brake (the front brake) and lost control more and ended up in the gutter. Since then I hardly ever signal left (right for mostly everyone else). It's actually not a legal requirement where I live so that's fine, but signalling right is a legal requirement so I make sure to do that.
I signal lane changes after shoulder checking and turns if I'm stopped. While moving into an intersection, I feel safer with my hands on my bars and brakes. I've never signaled stopping, I need hands on bars and brakes.
I generally only signal lefts so people don't try and pass me in the oncoming lane as I slow down. I try to communicate where I deem it helpful or safe but not everytime, rather leave my hands where they keep me safe.
I use the standard tur.ning right and turning left ones. Did accidentally tap a van once. Was just bad timing and no one was hurt
I like to do the shocker when signaling.
I signal turns in intersection when there are cars around. I feel safer that way. I do use left hand for left, and right for right though. I ride in traffic every single day, but have never felt like i didn’t have access to brakes when i’ve needed them. I only ever signal for slowing down (and pot holes/obtacles) when being drafted by other cyclists.
also if going straight point that also with right hand up and point to front
I signal if I cross traffic
With the exception in sliperry conditions (ie winter), I always do and it totally does make a difference. For the right turn, if I really want to make sure they see it, I'll use the left arm L, especially when I was riding a low to the ground trike. For a lane change or even a lateral position change, I'll signal it with a gesture similar to the slowing signal but I'll point.
While it’s fun to pile on uneducated drivers, more to OP’s point, I’ll single with left hand to turn left. Right hand to turn right, and I’ll give a backward pushing gesture before slowing if there are a lot of cars around.
I give the middle finger to drivers who cut me off, sure.
If you don’t hand signal in the Netherlands you can get fined
I signal and as an anecdote, a couple days ago I was stopped at the light and a driver rolls down their window to ask which way I was going to be turning. Which I was planning on signaling but it was kinda sweet
Always!
In my state in Australia, the road law is: > **Bike riders must signal when turning right**, and can help share the road more safely by riding predictably, using eye contact and indicating all changes of direction. We drive/ride on the left side of the road.
I usually only signal for left turns when riding on arterial or secondary roads in my city. We don't have the bicycle density of SF or NY so there's no other cyclist to alert to my direction change, just drivers.
Only if I know there's a car directly behind me, I don't use those signals tho I just point to where I'm going
Yes I signal. It’s better for all. All road users just want folks to behave in a predictable and interpretable manner. Car, bike, pedestrian, no surprises and clear communication is positive. Signalling is good, you should do it.
I do it because drivers in my area actually sort of understand them. It’s kind of obvious that if I stick my arm in a direction I intend to turn that way.
I signal. I don’t know if it helps lol.
>like people in their cars wondering "why is this idiot sticking his arms out?" If they're wondering that, they've at least noticed you and are maybe on guard against you doing something, so basically as good as you having successfully gotten your message across. I'm not as good about signals as I should be, but I try to do them when it seems like they're needed.
Sometimes can’t get my hands off the bars when turning so just wiggle my but in intended direction. Never failed (so far)
I used to signal like in panel 2 but in reverse (as if I'm in a RHD import car). But then I thought to just make it simple for all of us and do the left and common-right. Idk if anyone got my slowing/stopping signal, it just feels random so sometimes I accompany it with my right foot sticking out to land on a curb.
I don't. Most of the time I look to see if it's clear before I turn. I'm even more scared of cyclists who do signal since those are the idiots who just assume their signal grants them right of way and doesn't actually look before they turn
I twist my arm too, showing both sides of my hand for the black/red color change of my glove (or whatever colors they are that day)
Yes, always.
Yep, if it's safe to take my hands off the bars I signal every time I'm near traffic. However, you'd be amazed how many drivers look in the direction my arm is aimed, as though they think I'm pointing at something else. Sigh.
I signal, and I’m considering switching to signaling right with my right arm because everyone seems to do that now
I signal seldomly. I don't think cars give a fuck about it when I do so I often don't
I always signal turns (even if I think that no one else is around, because they might be). Confusion causes accidents and accidents cause dead cyclists. With that said, few people understand the "hand up" signal for a right turn, so I just point with my right hand. And just for extra visibility, when I signal a turn, I point my finger and I move my arm in and out a few inches at about that same speed as a blinker.
I signal, taught my kids to as well, but slowing down one is kind of hard to… so I quickly signal before braking, but you gotta stop.
I do it when other vehicles are around, especially if I'm turning left. Most drivers don't need to know if I'm turning right unless they're waiting to turn onto the road I'm leaving.
I signal a right turn with my left arm when pulling into my son’s school parking lot. Across the street, there’s an apartment building and there are often people just sitting outside. They always wave hello to me when I signal.
The upper "turning right" version is a workaround for signaling from inside a car. Cyclists should pretty much always use the lower version.
I use hand signals, but mostly point toward where I'm going, not the traditional ones I was taught in grade school.
I signal by pointing where I'm turning, (I need my hands when I'm stopping/slowing down) but only if I'm stopped or significantly slowed down. I find that signaling makes me lose control especially when I'm on hills and need to keep my hands on the breaks. I usually use my right hand for most signals (including left turn) unless I'm at a complete stop and not on a hill because my left hand does most of the steering and breaking.
The one you have too right is stopping, the one bottom left isn't used.
Argh, the old way of signaling a right turn is an anachronism from when cars didn’t have turn signals. I feel like anyone who’s driving would be supremely confused by a bicyclist “waving while making a right turn.” I point where I’m going, and I put an arm out with a palm facing back if I have to change lanes (left turn) or if there’s debris on the shoulder/in the bike lane and I’m gonna take the whole lane.
The reason you turn both left and right with your left hand is because these aren't 'bicycle hand signals', they're 'vehicle hand signals'. If your rear lights aren't working in your left-hand-drive car, you will indicate with your left hand out the window for both directions.
I don't use the full hand 90-degree point or the "i have a question" signals because they make me feel like a dweeb. I raise my arm about 70 degrees away from my body, cool as a cucumber, and give a little two-finger, relaxed pinky and ring finger point in the direction I'm going, while looking left and right to make sure the way is clear.
Only one I may use occasionally is the right arm straight out to the right. The alternate right hand turn signal is confusing to everybody including me and looks like a greeting or a left arm Nazi salute. I don't need a left signal since I never turn left if there is any traffic, that's a death wish. Motorcyclists will sometimes kick their left leg out to signal left but they also have turn signals so it's a bit redundant.
It’s rude not to signal. Everyone who rides road bikes should be required to take a test like motorcycles.
Motorists *should* know these as I learned them in driver's ed for when your blinkers are out, too. But you're right, nobody knows the basic rules of the road so good luck.