Originally Posted by
Widsith
I have a quick question about signaling: How is a right turn supposed to be signaled? The standard method taught in drivers' manuals is to point the left arm up (bent at the elbow) for a right turn and extend it straight out to the left for a left turn. But the illustrations I've seen in bike books usually show the rider extending his right arm straight out to the right for a right turn, i.e., the exact mirror image of the left turn signal. That seems logical, but since it's not the signal drivers are taught, are they going to recognize it? I've never read or heard any statement that "bike signals are different" but the illustrations seem to indicate that they are different, at least for right turns. Sadly, I haven't seen enough cyclists signaling anything over the years to be able to form an opinion on which type of signal is more commonly used.
Good points, but then consider that motorists have probably forgotten the "official signal" anyway. It all comes down to educating the public... and frankly there are not enough (any) Public Service Announcements regarding cyclists on the road... I hear a PSA for boating two times a day... on the radio, but not one word about cycling.
Technically, either point with the right hand or used the upraised left arm... frankly, I rarely signal right turns anyway... as I am so close to the curb/corner that I am not likely to be signaling to anyone.
Now the exception to this is when I do happen to go from a straight only to a right turn only lane... then I use my right arm and point to where I want to go.