Loooty

I'm curious...

I remember learning that all signals on a bicycle (or motorcycle) should be made with the left arm.
Out stretched to left = left turn
Out with elbow bent and hand towards sky = right turn
Out with elbow bend and hand towards ground = stopping

Is this what is should be used or will a simple left arm for left turn and right hand for right turn suffice? This method seems easier to use and less detrimental to balance.

What do you use?

CommuterRun

I use the left arm for left turns and right arm for right turns signaling. I nearly always take the lane at intersections, which puts me directly in front of anything approaching from the rear, making this method plainly visible and clearly understandable to cagers.

twahl

Drivers seem to understand right arm for right turn better. The reason for the old "left hand straight up" method is that when driving a car, you can't reach the right arm out the window to signal. Some states have actually modified their hand signal laws to reflect the more common sense approach, not making the left arm up unacceptable, but specifically making the right arm out legal.

AndrewP

I only use the right arm signal for right turns , and then I only do it when there is a car coming out of that intersection, so he knows that he doesnt have to wait for me to cross in front of him.

biodiesel

i don't think many drivers know what a right turn signal looks like.

on the other hand, it rarely matters to drivers, unless one is coming at you (and you'd be there anyway if you went straight) or if your changing lanes to the right.

i point, i dont 'signal'
a signal is a blind motion assuming an understanding of non-specific motorists.
When i point, i look at the driver and point where i'm going so there's no mistake.

I still use the standards except the right turn. For drivers/ riders behind i point behind myself with my left hand (index finger extended), if merging to the right, i point with my right hand to the spot i'm going into.

often i'll point straight if i don't think the driver knows.

But as i posted previously, i don't point with the middle finger anymore unless the driver is In Front of me, (and heading away!!!)

RonH

The upward bent left arm is still the "legal" right turn signal in Georgia, but most cyclist use the right arm extended signal. Makes more sense.
If you're on a road bike and use the upward bent left arm, from behind its not obvious. Since you're leaning forward your arm if pointing slightly forward rather than straight up.

Quickbeam

I always point the direction I'm turning with the corresponding arm. I do this for the same reason others here have already pointed out. A lot of drivers don't even know what the correct signal for a right turn means. Simply pointing where you're going eliminates any confusion and is therefore (in my opinion) safer.

lala

Colorado house and senate just passed a bill allowing for a right turn to be signaled by a bicyclist pointing her intended direction with the right hand/arm. yay.

rajman

I use the signals I learned years ago. Even if it is ambiguous - I'm not sure there is any specific hazard with motorists misunderstanding the left arm up signal, seeing as there is no action required on their part if you are turning right.

What I am unsure of is the left arm down, or 'stop' signal. I never use this one, since if I really need to stop, I need both arms on the bars. It seems that there is no specific hazard - I would only use it if I were slowing to a stop at a red light (a stop that I can predict), or a stop sign.

I have noticed that some motorists assume I will not come to a complete stop at a four way stop sign, and are not planning to do so themselves (causing screeching brakes behind me). I have no idea what do do about that one. I don't want to get a ticket for blowing a stop sign, nor do I want to get rear ended either.

EnigManiac

Still strange, if you ask me. Even when I'm, behind a cyclist, if they use their right arm, it's very difficult to see what they are signalling and even harder for cagers. They should stick to the left arm signals only, they are visible to others users who are generally on their right.

lala

I guess the logic is, with a right turn, you're not crossing traffic. And hopefully the cagers will give you room as they pass you turning also.

clevernamehere

I use the standard signals except for right turns (I point right with my right arm).
I used to use the left arm up method until I had a couple of motorists vave at me (I guess they thought I was being super-friendly )

grolby

Ever since I started seriously commuting and riding in traffic, I have always pointed to my intended destination with the appropriate arm. I don't know if it makes a difference, but I believe that it is more clear. My left arm is still my primary signaling arm, since it makes a lot more sense to signal left turns or merges most of the time.

As kind of a silly artifact of the traditional signalling rules, I have set up my bike with the front brake on the right and rear brake on the left. My front brake is my primary brake (I use it almost exclusively, in fact), and I hated having only the rear brake available when signalling turns on my old bike. It's a little less relevant now, but I still miss that front brake when I'm signalling right, or shifting the rear derailer (down tube shifters)!

steel_is_real

Interesting. I never thought giving a stop signal was necessary, but it sounds like it could be a good idea. Couldn't you indicate that you are stopping before braking?

Alcyon

I do the same as most-motorists don't seem to "get" the left hand up signal.

The sign for stopping is left hand down, but people don't always get that either.

Camel

I think the stop signal can be helpfull, particularly now that there are more cyclists back on the road (perhaps "stealth" on your wheel). I don't use the stop signal much, but allways signal my turns as well as lane position changes (unless evading a crash).

khuon

I use all the traditional signals as well as the right arm for right-turn signalling. Additionally, I make use of other not-so-common signals in the hopes that drivers will understand them. These include a sweeping motion with my arm to indicate that I intend to merge into or claim the lane (following the proper turn signal) or to indicate that I intend to go straight ahead when a right turn only lane suddenly appears lest some driver assumes I'll just continue hugging the shoulder, a sweep of my arm across my back to indicate I'm about to cross railroad tracks and that I will be making radical maneauvers to cross at right angles since many tracks intersect at acute angles and of course the obligatory hand wave to thank them for letting me in the lane. These signals are also used to help other cyclists who may be following me such as in the case of a group ride.