Advocacy & Safety - Right turn signals: who uses them?

Is it just me or does anyone else not use the right turn hand signal? If I'm making a left turn I point where I'm going to go. If I'm making a right turn, I usually just make the turn since I'm already on the right side and I end up on the right side after the turn. It doesn't make sense to put my left hand pointing up when I need to make a right hand turn. It would make more sense to point with my right hand. I think that the hand signals were developed for motorists who could only use their left hand.

Yep, the left-arm-only signals were developed for motorists. I do signal right-hand turns, but with my right hand....

It's a courtesy to motorists, to let them know you WON'T be there after this corner - they know where you went rather than being surprised.

I signal right turns with my right arm. Letting motorists know I'm turning right may keep them from right hooking me.

I signal right turns in the old-school fashion. With my left arm. Years of practice have made it an ingrained habit.

I signal right turns. Sometimes I'll use my left arm but often I'll use my right. It's perfectly legal to use the right arm (at least in my state).

I use the right arm too, I assume motorists would have no clue what the traditional left arm-right turn signal is... And like everybody says here, I'll signal right as a courtesy to cars on the road I'm about to turn into. Usually doesn't mean a thing but I try to be courteous!

Jay

On our tandem I don't use hand signals...she does. :D left signals with her left hand and right signals with her right hand, all at my command! ;) I'm relegated to this task when I'm riding my single. :p

I use my right hand, and I put some action into it (point, point, point.

No sense signaling if motorists don't know what you mean.

I wasn't quite sure if I wanted to get into this one. Because everyone is going to interpret this improperly. You should give hand signals. The signals were actaully designed for vehicles that do not have mechanical turn signals. Under the law here in Arizona a vehicle is any means of transportation that utilizes the roadway's in a short form (that includes bikes).

Here is what is prescribed by law in Arizona:
28-756. Method of giving hand and arm signals: A. Except as provided by subsection B, a person shall give all hand and arm signals required by this article from the left side of the vehicle in the following manner, and the signals shall indicate as follows: 1. Left turn. Hand and arm extended horizontally. 2. Right turn. Hand and arm extended upward. 3. Stop or decrease speed. Hand and arm extended downward. B. A person operating a bicycle may give a right turn signal by extending the right hand and arm horizontally to the right side of the bicycle.

Note it does specifically make mention of cyclists and an exception to the actual manner in which to make a right hand turn signal.

When there is any traffic around I always use hand signals. If
I am going slow I use the left hand to signal right hand turns. If
I am going with any speed at all I will use my right hand to signal
right turns because I feel more stable starting the turn that way.
I am not sure why I use my left hand for the right turn signal
other than that was what I was taught when I was 5 or 6 and
first learned to ride a bike.

Most motorists don't know the hand signals. I'll continue to point with my right hand when making a right hand turn. To me, its a matter of safety...

When I first started cycling seriously, I used the left-arm up in the air to signal a right turn. One day I hooked up with a British gentleman and he signaled with his right arm. I assumed it was a British thing because, after all, they do drive on the wrong side of the road!

But, I later learned that this is the accepted method of signaling a right turn. So I now do it the accepted way.

Whenever possible, I signal left, right and stop.

I figure motorists need the education.

I generally signal for turns by pointing in the intended direction with a horizontally outstretched arm. For a left turn into other than the rightmost lane, I point specifically to the lane I am taking. For a right turn, the autocentric vertical left arm signal is destabilizing and makes no sense for bicyclists or motorcyclists.

I signal for slow/stop only in group rides, if another cyclist is crowding me from behind. I also try to point out road hazards to cyclists behind me. I do not even try to signal a rapid or panic stop, because my hands are busy grabbing either the left/front brake or both brakes.

I do not even try to signal a rapid or panic stop, because my hands are busy grabbing either the left/front brake or both brakes.

...at this point I am screaming High Bloody Hell!!! :D Anybody in a 100 ft radius will know to quickly stop..

Jay

Point the way I'm going.

My signalling tends to be a lot more situational and depends on communicating directly with the other vehicles.

For example, when making a left turn through a line of cars that's stopped or creeping up to a red light make a left turn signal, then point directly at the car I intend to turn in front of and make a "stop" signal at them. That always works. Generally, at intersections, if there's any ambiguity I always go into my "traffic cop" routine," signalling the cars that have the right of way to proceed, and signalling to the latecomers to stop, that I'm proceeding. Do this with a smile and plenty of broad gestures and folks usually cooperate and seem amused, happy that there was no confusion or danger.

I rarely make right-turn signals, since it's my right of way whether I'm turning or going straight. In a car, a right-turn signal usually infers that the vehicle will also be slowing down quite a bit, but bikes don't usually need to impart that information; we're already going relatively slowly.

I don't think I've ever used a stop signal in my life. If I'm stopping at a traffic stop, well, it's obbious what's happening. I've I need to stop unexpectely, I get out of the road. If I'm in a row of vehicles that is stopping unexpectedly, the brake lights of the vehicles ahead of be do the job.

RichC

Left arm to turn left and right arm to turn right ... that's the accepted manner to indicate what your intentions are over here.

I use the left arm for all signals. The drivers are supposed to know them even though I know quite a few dont.

Originally posted by John E
I signal for slow/stop only in group rides, if another cyclist is crowding me from behind...I do not even try to signal a rapid or panic stop, because my hands are busy grabbing either the left/front brake or both brakes.
If signalling means taking your hands off the brakes or handlebars at an unsafe moment, then signalling becomes dangerous.

I believe in signalling a stop. I can't see any reason why it shouldn't be done, under normal circumstances.

Signalling does force you to become vulnerable for a brief moment while you remove your hand from the handlebars. So signals should be made deliberately and briefly.

Signalling also delays your intended move, which might cause you to lose your window of opportunity, but I generally prefer to take the extra time and ensure that motorists are aware of my intentions and are cooperating with me. If I signal to a motorist, and he/she does not want to cooperate, I wait for the next opportunity and signal again.

Also, eye contact can be just as important as signalling. While signalling lets others know what you are doing, eye contact lets you know what others are doing. If not eye contact, then at least observe as closely as possible.

As for signalling right turns, yes, I do. It's a courtesy.

I use my right arm to signal right I don't think every one out there recognizes the old left hand up method so pointing where you are going is a good idea. I don't always use hand signals but I always do when cars are around just so (if they are paying attention) know what my next move is going to be.

I always use my right turn signal and I too use my right arm as I'm sure many drivers don't know hand signals. Plus the right arm sticking out is probably more noticable.

I use the right and left arms to signal right and left turns respectively. I have set my front brake on the right (see Sheldon's site for an explanation and a few older threads for discussion), so it's easy to signal left at all times. As for right turns, I typically signal them ahead of an intersection (when it matters to car drivers) but not in the intersection (when I need to brake).

Even when I don't turn, I also use signals quite effectively in "freeway exit" situations, and I also use them to change lanes, to avoid an obstruction on the road or to signal a car driver that he is too close and should move left. BTW, whether he moves left because he understands my message or because he thinks I'm swerving to the left is immaterial as I get more room to manoeuvre.

I haven't used the brake signal in ages. It's not very useful for cars because they usually are not directly behind be. It could be useful for cyclists riding behind me except I doubt they would understand. However, getting the left foot out seems to be a very effective way to say I'm stopping soon.

I find that I am using both arms. And I point to where I am turning. I dont know how many motorists understand the hand Signals.

Originally posted by Pete Clark
If signalling means taking your hands off the brakes or handlebars at an unsafe moment, then signalling becomes dangerous.

If signalling does this, then you are not doing it properly. Personally, I believe the main purpose of signalling is to gauge the reactions of those around you in traffic, so signalling should be done well in advance of the move. By the time you start the turn/move, you should have completed the signal, worked out how (if) others are going to react to what you intend to do, and have both hands free to control the bike.

Where I live both right and left turns must be signalled with the respective hand. I have never even seen a right turn signal made with left hand. Doing that would probably cause mayhem or at least much amusement in an intersection here. I have heard of a local biker using stop signal, but have not seen that one, either.

--J

Originally posted by Chris L
If signalling does this, then you are not doing it properly. Personally, I believe the main purpose of signalling is to gauge the reactions of those around you in traffic, so signalling should be done well in advance of the move. By the time you start the turn/move, you should have completed the signal, worked out how (if) others are going to react to what you intend to do, and have both hands free to control the bike.

Right-hand turnings off steep hills can be a pain to signal and brake.

Originally posted by Juha
Where I live both right and left turns must be signalled with the respective hand. I have never even seen a right turn signal made with left hand. Doing that would probably cause mayhem or at least much amusement in an intersection here.

Signalling with the left arm only (at least in the USA) is of course bourne from the automotive world where it would be impossible to signal with the right. And although, no such restrictions exists for cyclists, it was assumed a long time ago that people would be more accustomed to a unified signalling protocol for vehicular traffic regardless of whether they were a motorist or cyclist. That said, it's perfectly legal in many places to do either.


Originally posted by Juha
I have heard of a local biker using stop signal, but have not seen that one, either.

I signal braking if I've had to claim the lane or if there's another cyclist close behind. If my hands are too busy braking or if it's emergency braking I will instead yell out "SLOWING" or "BRAKING".

Originally posted by Richard D
Right-hand turnings off steep hills can be a pain to signal and brake.

Which is again why you should be signalling well in advance so that you can have the signal completed before the need to do anything else.

I usually signal right the old-school way, with my left hand; sometimes I use my right hand, though. From observing other cyclists, I'd say it's a three-way split between (1) right turn w/ left hand, (2) right turn w/ right hand, and (3) no signal at all.

Signals are required by law, and more than that, are (more than just) a courtesy. Many drivers do not signal their turns; this is where I think cyclists definately have an edge over motorists in responsibly obeying the law.

Show you care, signal your turns; I think either version of the right turn signal is pretty well understood by other road users.

From the California vehicle code:


Hand Signals

All required signals given by hand and arm shall be given in the following manner: (1) Left turn -- hand and arm extended horizontally beyond the side of the bicycle.

(2) Right turn -- left hand and arm extended upward beyond the side of the bicycle or right hand and arm extended horizontally to the right side of the bicycle.

(3) Stop or sudden decrease of speed signal -- hand and arm extended downward beyond the side of the vehicle (Ref:Sec.22111)


I'll be using the right arm to signal a right turn from now on.

Originally posted by Chris L
Which is again why you should be signalling well in advance so that you can have the signal completed before the need to do anything else.

I don't disagree that you should signal well in advance, however at times you have to brake and signal at the same time (or at least you do on some of the roads round my way). And whilst you can slow a bike down with the rear brake, on some hills I feel the need for the front as well. I can't signal too early because of earlier right-hand turnings. I find a sidnal-brake-signal-brake rapid sequence works okay in making my intentions clear but it isn't an easy task.

By signaling well in advance you can utilize your rear brake to slow at the same time you are signaling. If you are signaling and braking well in advance I don't see the problem with being able to stop in time. Maybe you need to do so earlier to make it more safe.

Biking in the Netherlands ....

I don't know if this applies to the rest of the world, but here, at least, straight moving traffic has priority over turning traffic (which makes sense to me).

If a biker is going straight and a car is turning, the car has to wait until the biker has passed. Many bikers have gotten killed by going under trucks who didn't look and give way to the biker. The drivers in Holland are well aware of the rules, but when I'm in Germany and France, I pay closer attention and drive more conservatively. I'd rather be alive than right.

(You guys have 3 pages on turning left and right?)

Dave, the post is about hand signals more than right of way. Here it's the same, through traffic has the right of way and turning traffic has to wait until clear. They are trying to hash out which way to signal, or if they should signal, which is safer.

I use my right hand to signal a right turn when I am coming up on a cross street, and there is a car waiting to make a left turn out of the cross street onto the main road. This lets him know that it's okay for him to go if the traffic permits. If I don't make this signal and the main road is clear, he has waited for me for nothing. In the interest of good cyclist-driver relations, I also wave at a driver who has slowed behind me and waited until the oncoming traffic clears. I have had some drivers follow me for a quarter of a mile or more before passing me on a narrow two lane road.

I use the POINT WHERE I AM GOING method. If I am going left I point left (typically with the left hand). if I am going right I point right typically with the right hand...

At a 4-way stop that I intend to go straight... I point straight... Watching the eyes of the vehicles at the other three roads to be sure they understand my intetion. This prevents the guy opposite from me to accidentially start a left on top of me as I start (in the case of a draw start).

I also find the more hand signles used the better. Sometimes I use the "I'm watching you" signal recently used by Robert Denero in "Meet the parents"... This often works well to indicate to a car or a bike that I can see them and to get acknowledgement that they see me.

Originally posted by lamajo25
By signaling well in advance you can utilize your rear brake to slow at the same time you are signaling. If you are signaling and braking well in advance I don't see the problem with being able to stop in time. Maybe you need to do so earlier to make it more safe.


Originally posted by Richard D
I can't signal too early because of earlier right-hand turnings.



Originally posted by Richard D
And whilst you can slow a bike down with the rear brake, on some hills I feel the need for the front as well.


lanajo25 - Please read the post you're commenting on.

In my experience, I've found, that if I signal an upcoming right turn and there is a car waiting to make a left (in the opposing direction) onto the same roadway, the car will almost always cut me off by making that left without yeilding to my right of way.

I don't see the point of making the signal for traffic behind me as I'm not impeding anyone.

Originally posted by closetbiker
I don't see the point of making the signal for traffic behind me as I'm not impeding anyone.

The point of signalling to traffic behind you is that it may keep them from coming around you, turning right, and cutting you off.

It has happened to me.

Originally posted by RegularGuy
The point of signalling to traffic behind you is that it may keep them from coming around you, turning right, and cutting you off.

It has happened to me.

Believe me, they do that with or without a signal.

Sticking your arm out doesn't stop traffic, the driver who must yeild has to acknowledge your right to move where you intend to. Often a look and a reciprical nod from the motorist is the most effective signal.

Originally posted by closetbiker
Believe me, they do that with or without a signal.


I believe you. I will also continue to signal right turns to lessen the chance of it happening.

Originally posted by RegularGuy
I believe you. I will also continue to signal right turns to lessen the chance of it happening.

As I said on the first post, I find I have more cut offs from left turning vehicles after I signal than I get from right turning vehicles approching from the rear when I don't signal.

By not signaling the turn, the left turner think I'm going straight though the intersection and waits until I turn before he does.

In the interests of consistency, surely one should, when turning left, raise the right hand in a mirror image of the signal for turning right. Then everyone would look complete pillocks.

Alternatively, why not campaign for the original law to be re-worded, since it was designed for early motor vehicles without signals and drivers with arms to short to signal out of the rh window

Using your left arm to signal a right turn is like using the word "inflammable." It's technically correct, but so many people will misunderstand it that technically correct can get somebody dead.

Interesting thread. I taught my daugther the turn signals when she first learned how to ride a bike. She used her signals. All with the left hand. She had no close calls that she ever told me about. Her comments about drivers made it painfully clear that almost no one seems to remember or cares about hand signals. Numerous people actually thought she was waving at them and they waved at her. But the signals did bring attention to her which is a good thing for all people on the road. Now if bikers and motorists would only respect the rules of the road and each other...