Hand Signs

 

I believe that hand signals are a necessity for bike to bike communications. Some people use bike to bike radios and/or CB's. Aside from the fact that I didn't want to spend the money on one, I believe they can also be a distraction to the rider.

 

I am also in the habit of using hand signals, with my turn signals, when riding alone. I believe that doing this draws more attention to me and could possibly make me more visible to automobiles.

 

Below are some of the common hand signals, that I have seen when on group rides.

 

Start Engines -
With your right or left arm extended above your head, move your index finger in a circular motion.

 

Left Turn -
Raise your left arm horizontal with your elbow fully extended.

 

Right Turn -
Raise your left arm horizontal with your elbow bent 90 degrees vertically.

 

Hazard Left -
Extend your left arm down at a 45 degree angle and point towards the hazard. You can also point out the hazard with your left foot.

 

Hazard Right -
Extend your right arm down at a 45 degree angle and point towards the hazard. You can also point out the hazard with your right foot.

 

Speed Up -
Raise your left arm up and down with your index finger extended upward.

 

Slow Down -
Extend your left arm down at a 45 degree angle. With your palm facing the ground, move your hand up and down.

 

Stop -
Extend your left arm down at a 45 degree angle with the palm of your hand facing rearward.

 

Single File -
Extend your left arm above your head with your index finger extended upward. This is usually done for safety reasons.

 

Staggered Formation -
Extend your left arm above your head with only your index and pinkie fingers extended. This will indicate that it is safe to return to staggered formation.

 

Tighten Up Formation -
Extend your left arm above your head and repeatedly open and close your fist.

 

Come alongside -
Extend your left or right arm back, pointing to the rear. Rotate your arm up, forward and then down, pointing to the spot on the ground beside you.

 

Go past me -
Extend your left or right arm horizontal, with your palm facing forward. Wave forward.

 

Pull over now -
With your left or right hand, point at another rider. Then point to the side of the road.

 

Turn signal is on -
Extend your left or right arm horizontal, open and close your fist.

 

Fuel stop -
With you left hand, point to your tank.

 

Food stop -
With your left hand, pat your stomach.