As more and more bicycles hit the roads this summer, it is important for both bicyclists to use hand signals and motorists to pay attention to them.
Hand signals can also be useful when…
- Riding in groups to alert other bicyclists of your movement.
- Using any vehicle that does not have turn signals, like a moped.
- Your vehicle may have damaged turn signals.
- Operating a vehicle with hard to see turn signals, like a motorcycle.
Here is a reminder of the US hand signals:
Left Hand Turn
Stick left arm straight out, parallel to the ground. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration recommends turning your head to make sure you have a clear path before executing the turn.
Right Hand Turn
Stick the upper part of your left arm straight out beside you, with your elbow bent at a right angle and your forearm vertical to the ground. Your hand is pointing straight up toward the sky. Basically, your left arm looks like the letter L.
OR
Stick right arm straight out, parallel to the ground.
Slow or Stop
Let anyone who may be behind you know you're about to slow down or stop by placing your upper left arm parallel to the ground and your forearm down toward the ground. Basically, it is the opposite of the right-turn signal.
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