Originally Posted by
genec
Nice concept... and while I do signal and do hope for co-operation from other motorists, I can tell you from both driving and cycling experiences that often there is a sense of "competition" in some places that makes signaling counterproductive. (that American "independent thing" no doubt... )
Often here on the freeways a motorist signaling will be cut off by those that feel they do not want that vehicle merging in front of them... and this same mentality gets taken to the streets... motorists will cut off a cyclist that is signaling simply because the motorist probably feels they don't want to have to slow down or deal with the cyclist.
None the less, I continue to signal. I feel being predictable and indicating my intentions is still the best practice.
I find that motorists are far more courteous to me when I am cycling and I signal and communicate vs. when I am motoring and do the same.
That competition you speak of is more so a motorist-motorist activity. Even then as a motorist it is quite workable to drop out of the game both in actions, and more importantly, in mindset - makes for far more enjoyable driving. Let others get ahead and don't mind if they have good reason to or not, they feel better and you don't care.
Al