Turn Signal on a bicycle
#1
Thread Starter
Senior Member
Joined: Sep 2014
Posts: 65
Likes: 0
From: Fayetteville,AR.
Bikes: Surly Big Dummy 2013
Turn Signal on a bicycle
Has anyone ever mounted a set of small motorcycle turn signals on a bicycle? I'm thinking about giving it a try for safe riding at night.
#2
Senior Member


Joined: Apr 2009
Posts: 39,897
Likes: 3,865
From: New Rochelle, NY
Bikes: too many bikes from 1967 10s (5x2)Frejus to a Sumitomo Ti/Chorus aluminum 10s (10x2), plus one non-susp mtn bike I use as my commuter
Keep in mind that since bikes are very narrow, it's hard for drivers to read these as right and left, though amber MC signals are probably better than some other options.
I wear a lighted leg band on my left wrist, and that seems to draw some attention.
I wear a lighted leg band on my left wrist, and that seems to draw some attention.
__________________
FB
Chain-L site
An ounce of diagnosis is worth a pound of cure.
Just because I'm tired of arguing, doesn't mean you're right.
“One accurate measurement is worth a thousand expert opinions” - Adm Grace Murray Hopper - USN
WARNING, I'm from New York. Thin skinned people should maintain safe distance.
FB
Chain-L site
An ounce of diagnosis is worth a pound of cure.
Just because I'm tired of arguing, doesn't mean you're right.
“One accurate measurement is worth a thousand expert opinions” - Adm Grace Murray Hopper - USN
WARNING, I'm from New York. Thin skinned people should maintain safe distance.
#3
aka Tom Reingold




Joined: Jan 2009
Posts: 44,223
Likes: 6,480
From: New York, NY, and High Falls, NY, USA
Bikes: 1962 Rudge Sports, 1971 Raleigh Super Course, 1971 Raleigh Pro Track, 1974 Raleigh International, 1975 Viscount Fixie, 1982 McLean, 1996 Lemond (Ti), 2002 Burley Zydeco tandem
I agree that our narrowness reduces the usefulness of lighted turn signals. It's still a challenge just to be seen. For the turn signal to be meaningful, there would need to be a "context" of an array of lights.
I've been thinking of making an arrow out of reflective tape and putting that on the back of each glove. I'm not convinced it will be a huge win, but it can't hurt.
I've been thinking of making an arrow out of reflective tape and putting that on the back of each glove. I'm not convinced it will be a huge win, but it can't hurt.
__________________
Tom Reingold, tom@noglider.com
New York City and High Falls, NY
Blogs: The Experienced Cyclist; noglider's ride blog
“When man invented the bicycle he reached the peak of his attainments.” — Elizabeth West, US author
Please email me rather than PM'ing me. Thanks.
Tom Reingold, tom@noglider.com
New York City and High Falls, NY
Blogs: The Experienced Cyclist; noglider's ride blog
“When man invented the bicycle he reached the peak of his attainments.” — Elizabeth West, US author
Please email me rather than PM'ing me. Thanks.
#4
Senior Member
Joined: Nov 2011
Posts: 1,060
Likes: 1
From: Springfield, MA
Bikes: 2012 Motobecane Fantom CXX, 2012 Motobecane Fantom CX, 1997 Bianchi Nyala, 200? Burley Rock 'n Roll
I put reflective bands on my wrists for some night riding (depends on location/traffic). They probably make hand signals less useless at night. Lighted ones might be better, as suggested by FB.
#5
The point about the spacing between turn signal lights is a good one. But it can be aided with light colours and a centre reference. For example, use yellow for turn signals and have a red running or running/brake light in the centre to give orientation and clarity of function to the turn signal light. For front turn signals the headlight provides the visible position reference. In this example, I have the 4-way flashers on...
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=c5d0...AewYcL2JS3bdoA
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=c5d0...AewYcL2JS3bdoA
#6
oh that's excellent, rscamp. maybe out on the bar ends for flat bar bikes.
ooooh. can handlebars be drilled for internal wiring if it's small enough? can a light be bright enough/ big enough to be seen during the daylight.
oh I'm lovin' this.
ooooh. can handlebars be drilled for internal wiring if it's small enough? can a light be bright enough/ big enough to be seen during the daylight.
oh I'm lovin' this.
#7
Senior Member

Joined: Jun 2003
Posts: 18,138
Likes: 324
Bikes: 2 many
Turn signals on a bicycle are not easy for a car to see and understand. They may even have a driver think it is a motorcycle from a distance. However there are many of them around. The first one looks like the best to me, there is a video with it. I've ridden behind bikes that have them in the dark. Not worth spending money on them YMMV.
jsd-1202 4-Mode 6-LED Red Light Laser Bicycle Brake / Tail Light - Black + Orange - Free Shipping - DealExtreme
9-LED Turning Signal Lights for Bicycles (2*AA) - Free Shipping - DealExtreme
9-LED Turning Signal Lights with Electronic Horn for Bicycles (2*AA) - Free Shipping - DealExtreme
jsd-1202 4-Mode 6-LED Red Light Laser Bicycle Brake / Tail Light - Black + Orange - Free Shipping - DealExtreme
9-LED Turning Signal Lights for Bicycles (2*AA) - Free Shipping - DealExtreme
9-LED Turning Signal Lights with Electronic Horn for Bicycles (2*AA) - Free Shipping - DealExtreme
#8
Turn signals on a bicycle are not easy for a car to see and understand. They may even have a driver think it is a motorcycle from a distance. However there are many of them around. The first one looks like the best to me, there is a video with it. I've ridden behind bikes that have them in the dark. Not worth spending money on them YMMV.
jsd-1202 4-Mode 6-LED Red Light Laser Bicycle Brake / Tail Light - Black + Orange - Free Shipping - DealExtreme
9-LED Turning Signal Lights for Bicycles (2*AA) - Free Shipping - DealExtreme
9-LED Turning Signal Lights with Electronic Horn for Bicycles (2*AA) - Free Shipping - DealExtreme
jsd-1202 4-Mode 6-LED Red Light Laser Bicycle Brake / Tail Light - Black + Orange - Free Shipping - DealExtreme
9-LED Turning Signal Lights for Bicycles (2*AA) - Free Shipping - DealExtreme
9-LED Turning Signal Lights with Electronic Horn for Bicycles (2*AA) - Free Shipping - DealExtreme
Turn signals on a bicycle can easily be as to see and understand as they are on a motorcycle if they meet the same criteria.
I think that universally the turn signal kits made for bikes are made very inexpensive just so people will buy them. Few want to spend what it costs for a good lighting system when it is just for a bicycle. Unfortunately, this also means the quality isn't that good and they simply aren't bright enough to do the job. There are better ones than these but they aren't bright enough either.
Mine are brighter than all of these and I still don't think they are bright enough. They should be "Department of Transportation" bright and mine aren't quite there.
Last edited by rscamp; 10-12-14 at 10:35 AM. Reason: Paragraph spacing...
#9
Senior Member

Joined: Jun 2003
Posts: 18,138
Likes: 324
Bikes: 2 many
Turn signals on a bicycle can easily be as to see and understand as they are on a motorcycle if they meet the same criteria.
I think that universally the turn signal kits made for bikes are made very inexpensive just so people will buy them. Few want to spend what it costs for a good lighting system when it is just for a bicycle. Unfortunately, this also means the quality isn't that good and they simply aren't bright enough to do the job. There are better ones than these but they aren't bright enough either.
Mine are brighter than all of these and I still don't think they are bright enough. They should be "Department of Transportation" bright and mine aren't quite there.
I think that universally the turn signal kits made for bikes are made very inexpensive just so people will buy them. Few want to spend what it costs for a good lighting system when it is just for a bicycle. Unfortunately, this also means the quality isn't that good and they simply aren't bright enough to do the job. There are better ones than these but they aren't bright enough either.
Mine are brighter than all of these and I still don't think they are bright enough. They should be "Department of Transportation" bright and mine aren't quite there.
#13
Senior Member

Joined: Jun 2003
Posts: 18,138
Likes: 324
Bikes: 2 many
Great photo! Nice trike!
You need to think about a basket for him and a harness to keep him in. My dog has a car seat belt harness with a screw together caribiner attached under the middle of his belly, with a swivel, attached to the bottom middle of the basket. If you search the forums for "Bailey" you should get a lot of photos.
What is your dog's name?
My YouTube videos mostly with Bailey. https://www.youtube.com/my_videos?o=U
If you look closely at this video, you can get an idea of how much he can move around but still be held in by the harness. oops edited with different link.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=h1xzuv-gejY
You need to think about a basket for him and a harness to keep him in. My dog has a car seat belt harness with a screw together caribiner attached under the middle of his belly, with a swivel, attached to the bottom middle of the basket. If you search the forums for "Bailey" you should get a lot of photos.
What is your dog's name?
My YouTube videos mostly with Bailey. https://www.youtube.com/my_videos?o=U
If you look closely at this video, you can get an idea of how much he can move around but still be held in by the harness. oops edited with different link.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=h1xzuv-gejY
#14
Great photo! Nice trike!
You need to think about a basket for him and a harness to keep him in. My dog has a car seat belt harness with a screw together caribiner attached under the middle of his belly, with a swivel, attached to the bottom middle of the basket. If you search the forums for "Bailey" you should get a lot of photos.
What is your dog's name?
My YouTube videos mostly with Bailey. https://www.youtube.com/my_videos?o=U
If you look closely at this video, you can get an idea of how much he can move around but still be held in by the harness. oops edited with different link.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=h1xzuv-gejY
You need to think about a basket for him and a harness to keep him in. My dog has a car seat belt harness with a screw together caribiner attached under the middle of his belly, with a swivel, attached to the bottom middle of the basket. If you search the forums for "Bailey" you should get a lot of photos.
What is your dog's name?
My YouTube videos mostly with Bailey. https://www.youtube.com/my_videos?o=U
If you look closely at this video, you can get an idea of how much he can move around but still be held in by the harness. oops edited with different link.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=h1xzuv-gejY
Here's our corgis playing shortly after we got Callie. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6RrA...AewYcL2JS3bdoA
Here's our other corgi Cerin playing in the snow. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=__cq...3bdoA&index=21
Basket? That doesn't make any sense. How would Callie be able to steer and pedal the trike if she was in a basket?
Seriously though, I have thought about getting a trailer. I have had Callie on a leash from the trike - she does quite well.
Here's the trike last year just after I added the V4 drive...
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AOn9...AewYcL2JS3bdoA
#15
Senior Member

Joined: Jun 2003
Posts: 18,138
Likes: 324
Bikes: 2 many
I like Bailey!!!
Here's our corgis playing shortly after we got Callie. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6RrA...AewYcL2JS3bdoA
Here's our other corgi Cerin playing in the snow. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=__cq...3bdoA&index=21
Basket? That doesn't make any sense. How would Callie be able to steer and pedal the trike if she was in a basket?
Seriously though, I have thought about getting a trailer. I have had Callie on a leash from the trike - she does quite well.
Here's the trike last year just after I added the V4 drive...
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AOn9...AewYcL2JS3bdoA
Here's our corgis playing shortly after we got Callie. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6RrA...AewYcL2JS3bdoA
Here's our other corgi Cerin playing in the snow. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=__cq...3bdoA&index=21
Basket? That doesn't make any sense. How would Callie be able to steer and pedal the trike if she was in a basket?
Seriously though, I have thought about getting a trailer. I have had Callie on a leash from the trike - she does quite well.
Here's the trike last year just after I added the V4 drive...
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AOn9...AewYcL2JS3bdoA
I have lots of bikes some odd, some homemade etc. What everyone wants to talk about on BikeForums is Bailey. You have a very interesting trike set up with that motor. But I'm interested in Callie.
#17
Thread Starter
Senior Member
Joined: Sep 2014
Posts: 65
Likes: 0
From: Fayetteville,AR.
Bikes: Surly Big Dummy 2013
I have order all the part's I need to install motorcycle turn signal for my Surly Big Dummy The BD is a lot wider than most bicycle and the cost is not that bad to have super bright turn signals on it.I think it's a good idea but each his/her own.It will be a while before I will get to install them but I can't wait to give it a try anyway.Here is a look at the rear of my BD.The bicycle is a long way from being done I have a lot of work still to do to it.
#19
Señior Member
Joined: Sep 2005
Posts: 13,748
Likes: 10
From: Michigan
Bikes: Windsor Fens, Giant Seek 0 (2014, Alfine 8 + discs)
I bought a pair of these. I believe that these will actually work better than turn signals. The reflective stuff on them is very good.
Wells Lamont 7674XL High Visibility ATV and Motorcycle Glove, X-Large - Work Gloves - Amazon.com
Wells Lamont 7674XL High Visibility ATV and Motorcycle Glove, X-Large - Work Gloves - Amazon.com
__________________
Work: the 8 hours that separates bike rides.
Work: the 8 hours that separates bike rides.
#20
aka Tom Reingold




Joined: Jan 2009
Posts: 44,223
Likes: 6,480
From: New York, NY, and High Falls, NY, USA
Bikes: 1962 Rudge Sports, 1971 Raleigh Super Course, 1971 Raleigh Pro Track, 1974 Raleigh International, 1975 Viscount Fixie, 1982 McLean, 1996 Lemond (Ti), 2002 Burley Zydeco tandem
How warm are they, [MENTION=40124]ItsJustMe[/MENTION]?
__________________
Tom Reingold, tom@noglider.com
New York City and High Falls, NY
Blogs: The Experienced Cyclist; noglider's ride blog
“When man invented the bicycle he reached the peak of his attainments.” — Elizabeth West, US author
Please email me rather than PM'ing me. Thanks.
Tom Reingold, tom@noglider.com
New York City and High Falls, NY
Blogs: The Experienced Cyclist; noglider's ride blog
“When man invented the bicycle he reached the peak of his attainments.” — Elizabeth West, US author
Please email me rather than PM'ing me. Thanks.
#21
Señior Member
Joined: Sep 2005
Posts: 13,748
Likes: 10
From: Michigan
Bikes: Windsor Fens, Giant Seek 0 (2014, Alfine 8 + discs)
They're not really built for warmth. They're perfect for me in the range down to about 25*F, at which point my hands start to get a bit cold. I don't think I'd want to wear them below 20 without liners. They're about the same weight as the mechanic's gloves I've been using in that range. I generally shift to warmer gloves then, but by then I'm also wearing a winter jacket with reflective arm stripes so I don't really care if the gloves are bright at that point.
__________________
Work: the 8 hours that separates bike rides.
Work: the 8 hours that separates bike rides.
#22
Bicycle turn signals are actually manufactured. A quick Google Image search will pull up many makes and models. The models with a blinking < for Left and a blinking > for Right seem pretty legible from a motorist's point of view, especially in red LED. I'm actually considering these for a Trucker build. Theoretically, these would even work in daylight, versus using reflective material on clothing. Although I would still use hand signals in daylight. LED signals on back of bike plus reflective material on hands or arms seems like a perfect match. I would prefer the < and > design. To me, it actually reads something to my eyes also, instead of plain blinking lights.
Last edited by RatMudd; 10-14-14 at 10:51 PM.
#23
They make illuminated (LED) turn-signal gloves for bicycling. Not sure how many different manufacturers, but here is one example:
https://zackees.com/
Amazon.com : Zackees Turn Signal Gloves : Sports & Outdoors
https://zackees.com/
Amazon.com : Zackees Turn Signal Gloves : Sports & Outdoors
#24
Senior Member
Joined: Dec 2014
Posts: 710
Likes: 4
From: Missouri
Bikes: Nashbar CR5
If you do turn signals, I'd think you'd also need an illuminated 'tail light' in the middle so it's clear which side is blinking. A red LED tail light with an amber LED "turn signal" on each side would be cool I'd think.
#25
aka Tom Reingold




Joined: Jan 2009
Posts: 44,223
Likes: 6,480
From: New York, NY, and High Falls, NY, USA
Bikes: 1962 Rudge Sports, 1971 Raleigh Super Course, 1971 Raleigh Pro Track, 1974 Raleigh International, 1975 Viscount Fixie, 1982 McLean, 1996 Lemond (Ti), 2002 Burley Zydeco tandem
Just put silver reflective tape on your gloves, in the shape of an arrow.
__________________
Tom Reingold, tom@noglider.com
New York City and High Falls, NY
Blogs: The Experienced Cyclist; noglider's ride blog
“When man invented the bicycle he reached the peak of his attainments.” — Elizabeth West, US author
Please email me rather than PM'ing me. Thanks.
Tom Reingold, tom@noglider.com
New York City and High Falls, NY
Blogs: The Experienced Cyclist; noglider's ride blog
“When man invented the bicycle he reached the peak of his attainments.” — Elizabeth West, US author
Please email me rather than PM'ing me. Thanks.



