Originally Posted by
wphamilton
I think that aiming your left hand down would signal "I'm stopping", which could be problematic if the motorist decides to go around you and turn right. After all, you indicated a stop. Perhaps signal a left turn and go straight? It might tick them off but I'll bet the WTF is he doing will make them hesitate to hook you.
For what it's worth, some cyclists just point where they're going and they say it works. The only downside (this is second hand) is when you point left to signal and the motorist thinks you're telling him to go around you on the left. It might work pointing forwards though, at just enough angle for the car behind to see it. (?)
I think most cyclists who have this problem, have the problem, because they are riding as close as they can to the right curb. If you ride out further, say a meter (a yard) from the curb, then you automatically indicate your going straight, by staying further out. If there is a right turnout lane, stay out of it, cars that are turning right, will then go behind you and make their turn to your right. You must remember to stay predicable, if you act like a proper vehicle, then other cyclists and drivers will treat you as one.