Hand Signal Nightmares

[madisongrrl]

I never use "legal" hand signals....I point to where I'm turning (right hand for rt turns, left hand for left turns). Most people don't know what "legal" hand signals mean so I figure I'm safer this way.

[Popoki_Nui]

I never use "legal" hand signals....I point to where I'm turning (right hand for rt turns, left hand for left turns). Most people don't know what "legal" hand signals mean so I figure I'm safer this way.

Well...I really hope you don't wind up in court, and worse...being scraped up off the road because the driver who mowed you down didn't know what you were pointing at. Bad news, either way.

Sorry...I have a thing about road safety; I've seen too many cyclists get reall, really dead because they and/or the driver didn't understand one another and their legal responsibilities while sharing the road. The cyclist always loses. Be safe.

[Nanci]

Signaling Turns (see Sub-section 316.155(2) and 316.157(2), F.S.)

* A signal of intention to turn must be given during the last 100 feet traveled by the vehicle before turning. If a bicyclist needs both hands for control, the signal need not be given continuously.

* A bicyclist may signal intent to turn right either by extending the left hand and arm upward or by extending the right hand and arm horizontally to the right side of the bicycle.

[madisongrrl]

Well...I really hope you don't wind up in court, and worse...being scraped up off the road because the driver who mowed you down didn't know what you were pointing at. Bad news, either way.

Sorry...I have a thing about road safety; I've seen too many cyclists get reall, really dead because they and/or the driver didn't understand one another and their legal responsibilities while sharing the road. The cyclist always loses. Be safe.

If I have to get scraped up off the road it won't be because I used an illegal hand signal.... It will be because some motorist was not paying attention. They were eating their McDonalds or fumbling with their IPOD or talking on their cell phones. I used to use legal hand signals, but people here in Madison, WI just don't seem to understand them. Now, I make eye contact with motorists and point to where I'm turning. I think it is safer.

After all, (in WI) all you have to do is take a written test to get your license when you turn 16. You never have to revisit the rules of the road to renew your license. People don't even know the rules of the road or heed them when driving, let alone know anything about hand signals that they never use and rarely see. I think driving skills have sunk to an all time low.

[amg]

-because drivers are taught to watch for left-arm signals, and haven't a clue what pointing with the right arm means...they think you're pointing at something not making a signal,
-because most drivers can't see the right-arm-out signal as well as they can see the left-arm-up one, especially in traffic, downtown, when you're cruising in a group
-because in most normal places, one set of arm signals applies to ALL vehicles on the road...cars and bikes...and that would be left-arm signalling only
-because a cyclist is often slowing in preparation for the turn, and using the right arm to signal means using the left hand to work the FRONT brake....often a great way to eat your handlebars and get those shiny new teeth you've always wanted. I've actually seen people swap brakes from left-handle/front brake, to left-handle/rear brake to avoid this. No kidding.
Around here...left-arm signalling is the law. Using the right arm to signal right is "acceptable" according to local spokeheads, but the lawyers say if you get into or cause a wreck, then you're in deep doo-doo.

Actually, the province of BC motor vehicles act says the following:

Province of British Columbia Motor Vehicle Act
Rights and Duties of Operator of Cycle

183
(17) A person operating a cycle on a highway must signify

(a) a left turn by extending the person's left hand and arm horizontally from the cycle,
(b) a right turn by doing either of the following:

(i) extending the person's left hand and arm out and upward from the cycle so that the upper and lower parts of the arm are at right angles;
(ii) extending the person's right hand and arm horizontally from the cycle, and

(c) a stop or decrease in speed by extending the person's left hand and arm out and down from the cycle.

So I'm not sure how many legs the lawyers would have to stand on.

I've commuted to work and school in Vancouver, and found that many drivers actually think the right hand up means you're stopping! No one really seems to remember hand signals after learning them for their initial drivers test.

So I've adopted a technique I've seen used by other bike commuters - first use the left arm up signal, then use the right arm out signal. Sure I have to slow down for the corner a bit sooner, but I'd rather be a bit slower and be sure people are paying attention to me than get squashed. At the very least, with all the arm movement they'll be watching and wondering what I'm going to do next!

[Popoki_Nui]

Actually, the province of BC motor vehicles act says the following:

Province of British Columbia Motor Vehicle Act
Rights and Duties of Operator of Cycle

183
(17) A person operating a cycle on a highway must signify

(a) a left turn by extending the person's left hand and arm horizontally from the cycle,
(b) a right turn by doing either of the following:
[INDENT](i) extending the person's left hand and arm out and upward from the cycle so that the upper and lower parts of the arm are at right angles;
(ii) extending the person's right hand and arm horizontally from the cycle, and.....

Wow...someone should tell the head cop of the traffic division! A couple of weeks ago on a local talk show, the head of the VictoriaPD traffic division, the head of the new Integrated Traffic Unit, and some guy from the local cycling coalition were kicking this subject around on the air. I emailed the show to get clarification: both cops stated clearly that right-arm signals were not legal, while the cycling coalition guy claimed they were "acceptable".
Go figger.
~Sherry.