I signal just about everything. I use a raised left hand for a right turn because of teen aged training. Do they actually teach new drivers hand signals anymore? I have often wondered whether the left hand up signal is meaningless for people under 40.

Yep. I use hand signals even coming out of my driveway.

I actually had a neighbor kid (a 8 year old boy who lives right next door) ask what I always pointed to when I was "riding out the driveway". I told him was signaling which direction I was going to go. He replied, "Why, you always go the same way." I chuckled and told him it was for any drivers that might be coming along the street who didn't know which way I was headed. He said, "Well, if there's a car coming shouldn't you just wait?" Kid's parents taught him well.

I use hand signals regular when I'm mixing it up with urban motor vehicle traffic, but forgo them on quiet back streets with no traffic.

When making right turns, I have given up using the upward bent left arm method, and I now just stick out the right arm. Judging from experience, the right arm/right turn method seems to convey my intentions better to motorists.

I would like to add to my response with two things.
1-I use a right arm out when making a right turn. I used to use left arm bent 90 degrees but thought it sort of weird and not sure anyone really knew what it meant.

2- I wave a thank you when motorists let me go.

Okay maybe three things
3- eye contact as well...always a good thing fir sure, I try my best to get eye contact at intersections.

I signal

I have to be honest and say I do not signal as much as I could. I am however glad for this post as it is a reminder for me to be more diligent in that regard. This is not to say I never signal, just that I need to do it more.

I usually signal and provide a mental kick when I get lazy and fail.

re the right turn signal:

I use my left hand, but jab it sharply over my helmet with my index finger pointing to the right. There is no mistaking my intention and it's legal (not that anyone else but my wife signals in Chicago - I swear I think it sometimes confuses some of the slack jawed motorists around here more than it informs them but that's another rant for another time...)

I use signal's all the time I ride, was heading for a stop light, started to signal, then a car pulled up beside me and the driver stated: What does that signal you just gave mean?? I wanted to laugh but didn't and told him it ment "STOP". He was a 20 something and actually didn't know what hand signals mean!! For what it's worth, I've gotten a few smiles from auto drivers when I use my hand signals, think they appreciate knowing where, "I'M" going!

When riding solo or not in a pace line, how many of you 50+'rs signal when

*slowing down or stopping on a MUP or street
No. I'm all alone.

* Tuning right or left - on a MUP?
I never turn on the bike path.

* Turning right or left on a street/highway?
Yes.

* Changing lanes?
Sometimes.

In Colorado, you may legally signal a right turn by pointing to the right with your right hand. Can you legally do that - do you do that - in your state?
Its not legal but it is an accepted turn signal.

Anyone use or consider bright or flourescent gloves to show your signallling better?
No.

Anyone use signal turning lights? Brake lights?
No.

Do you find a change in signalling habits as you grow a bit older?
No.

Any other thoughts about signalling or situations when you signal?
Look over your shoulder to see who/what is behind you or who/what is approaching.
Eye contact is just as important as signaling. Signaling doesn't mean a whole lot if a motorist isn't looking at you and actually doesn't "see" you.

One more thing to add: on a bike, your body language conveys a lot. As one or two people posted earlier, Forester points out that lane position and looking back convey as much (or more) information than just signalling (another reason Forester doesn't like helmet mirrors, btw).
I heard that at the new ADT Velodrome, roadies new to the track were using the flicking elbow to indicate they were going to swing off. Roger Young (the very experienced cycling coach) says that instead of doing this, you just need to look over your shoulder; this conveys the message that you're going to be going up.
And back to lane positioning: this is one thing bikes can do that cars can't - you can occupy different positions in a lane. So if you're at the left edge of the right lane, this is a good indication that you're going to go straight at the next intersection, or if paired with long looks over the shoulder, that you're gong to be moving left.
The worst thing is to not look back, stick out the arm, and start moving, as if the signal is going to protect you. Or, what I hate about drivers - the signal as a formality: initiating the turn, then flipping on the turn signal! I just hate that! The idea is to let us know what you are going to do, not to tell us what you are doing now! I just don't understand you humanoids sometimes...

Luis

Except for slowing down I always signal. I feel it is a courtesy all of us that use the roads should extend to each other, regard less of it being the law. I also always try to get make eye contact on an on coming situation. Reflective gloves would be a cool idea for night rides, guess I have to find some.

When riding solo or not in a pace line, how many of you 50+'rs signal when

*slowing down or stopping on a MUP or street
No MUP's around here, thank goodness.
I don't signal slowing/stopping for auto traffic.

* Tuning right or left - on a MUP?
No MUP's
* Turning right or left on a street/highway?
Yes, if there are any vehicles around

* Changing lanes?
Yes. Absolutely

In Colorado, you may legally signal a right turn by pointing to the right with your right hand. Can you legally do that - do you do that - in your state?
I always point the direction that I will be turning. Legal in IN, as I recall.

Anyone use or consider bright or flourescent gloves to show your signallling better?
No.

Anyone use signal turning lights? Brake lights?
No.

Do you find a change in signalling habits as you grow a bit older?
No.

Any other thoughts about signalling or situations when you signal?
I don't see the value of 'eye contact' with motorists because of tinted windows and sunglasses.

This is a continuation of sorts of a rant I have going on the So Cal thread.... I always signal while turning right, left or stopping even if alone, even if no one is around, always. Why? Because its a good habit to have and you never know who is around (cops included). Not only do I signal but I also call out when passing etc. Just seems like all the young whipper snappers think they are too cool to do any of that anymore and the multi-trails and streets around here are becoming dangerous. I am an experienced rider. I can't tell you how many near misses I have had lately with large group of bike gangs flying by without a word or signal. Can't tell you how many motorist I've seen have to jam on brakes because some idiot doesn't stop for a light or sign or indicate a direction change.

It must be just something old folks/experienced riders do anymore. In my long ride last week, while starting out I got angry at how rude I thought other cyclists were. Once I got into the hilly Canyon, where usually only experience riders go, it got better and people were calling out and signalling.

I would love to explain to young folks, you think you look hot but by your actions, I know you are a poser!

Rant over - off to ride!!!

Have a great weekend!

When riding solo or not in a pace line, how many of you 50+'rs signal when

*slowing down or stopping on a MUP or street? Almost always

* Tuning right or left - on a MUP? Almost always

* Turning right or left on a street/highway? Almost always

* Changing lanes? Almost always

Sometimes, never or always?

In Colorado, you may legally signal a right turn by pointing to the right with your right hand. Can you legally do that - do you do that - in your state? Yes, but I still use my left hand as I think it's more visible to people driving cars.

Anyone use or consider bright or fluorescent gloves to show your signaling better? No

Anyone use signal turning lights? Brake lights? No

Do you find a change in signaling habits as you grow a bit older? No

Any other thoughts about signaling or situations when you signal? Yes, just do it.

When riding solo or not in a pace line, how many of you 50+'rs signal when
*slowing down or stopping on a MUP or street - Always
* Tuning right or left - on a MUP? - Always
* Turning right or left on a street/highway? - Always
* Changing lanes? - Always - Even on a MUP, I scan and signal whenever I change lines, e.g. when moving left to pass someone and when pulling back to the right

Like Pamestique pointed out, I think scanning and signaling have to be habitual. Otherwise one is likely to forget to do it at a time when it is most important.

When preparing to turn in a situation where I have to slow or stop before the turn , I always signal the turn and do not bother with signaling the stop. I think it confuses drivers when a cyclist gets to alternating their hands between stop and turn signals.

In Colorado, you may legally signal a right turn by pointing to the right with your right hand. Can you legally do that - do you do that - in your state?
In IL you can signal either way ... with your left hand pointing up, like a car driver, or with your right hand pointing right. I always point with my right hand. Nobody under the age of 50 knows what an up pointing left hand means anymore.

Anyone use or consider bright or flourescent gloves to show your signallling better?
I think reflective material is important if one expects signals to be seen at night. My gloves have retroreflective material on the backs.

Anyone use signal turning lights? Brake lights? - Not I

Do you find a change in signalling habits as you grow a bit older? Signaling and scanning has become more habitual

I do when I feel it is safe to do so.

Taking your hand of the bars to signal isn't always a great idea IMO.

This is a good point. I usually signal the turn before applying the brakes. If it's a left turn, I can be applying the front brake (I've got my brakes set up "moto," or the old Italian style, but that's another rant!), but for a right turn, I signal with the right arm, then stop signaling so I can get on the brake. I usually only use the front brake, but I'll use both on a descent, or for a hard stop, or if I'm driving the tandem. I would usually do all the signalling on the tandem anyway since my previous stoker was directionally dyslexic. I'd say "right turn" and she'd stick out the straight left arm...

Luis

You my friend have just earned bonus points!!!! I hate that as well and it drives me bonkers sometimes. It is like "look at me I just changed lanes" or the one or two blink as they reach the other lane. That and the ones that do not use it for a turn as you wait at a intersection to see if they are going straight or turn.
Sorry I know this is getting off "bike" topic......rant over...for now anyway.

Exactly. You have to be sensible about these kind of things. Signal at a time when it is safe and convenient to do so. You don't want to be unable to steer or brake when needed out of a compulsive need to signal at certain times or places. The important thing is to let other people on the road (drivers and other cyclists) know what you are going to be doing.

I signal everything I do. And point out road hazards to riding partners behind me. It's a habit that was ingrained when I did a lot of group rides in my 20s.

I always signal unless traffic requires me to have both hands on the handle bars. Then I do an exaggerated look the direction I'm going to go.

I never use the right hand signals for turning because they are not universal and I live in an area that has a high population turnover and a lot of tourists and transients. In fact, I only ride with one person who uses right hand signals and when we get together and until I get in synch with him I have to think for a second or so to figure out what that casual point with the right hand means.

As for motorists I try to always do the same think on the bike I do in a motor vehicle; make eye contact. A long time ago I learned that a driver can't see you unless you can see the driver's eyes. So, I always do my best to be able to see the other person't eyes, either directly or in a mirror.

I also do my best to thank every driver or cyclist for watching out for me at intersections and other traffic areas.

The signal I do most is to wave following cars past me especially when riding in the river valley parkway. The only other times I signal is for unusual or unexpected situations.

Yes. Then they have no excuse for running me down other than stupidity.

*slowing down or stopping on a MUP or street. Slowing down - never. Stopping - always

* Tuning right or left - on a MUP? Always

* Turning right or left on a street/highway? Always

* Changing lanes? Always

Anyone use or consider bright or flourescent gloves to show your signallling better? No

Anyone use signal turning lights? Brake lights? No

Do you find a change in signalling habits as you grow a bit older? No

Any other thoughts about signalling or situations when you signal? Not really. Signalling has become second nature. Even if I'm riding home from somewhere at 2 o'clock in the morning,
no-one else for miles around, I still do it... Autopilot.