Turning and Signaling on a Steep Hill

[Pedal Wench]

I think most of the people on my street know that I am turning there as they see me bike past their house 2-6 times a day, but I just want to make sure I am safe.

But what about folks visiting them, or the repair man, or the UPS driver... you get my point? Slow down enough to be able to signal -- if you're going slow enough to make the turn, you should be able to signal.

I've got a turn like this on one of the group rides that I do - my problem is that if I slow down enough to be able to signal, I'll get dropped right after the turn.

[nicole309]

Believe me I do plan ahead for this turn. I slow way down about two blocks before my turn. The problem is if I let my hand off the brake long enough to signal I can't make the turn quite so tight and this causes me to go into the other lane. Very dangerous! Especially when there is a car coming up the street.

[Thorn]

I agree with Eden (and WA and WI law)...if it is too dangerous to signal, you don't have to. Especially in this case. From what I'm reading, the failure to signal is only going to cause the motorist to wait a little bit longer, but signaling could cause you to lose control of the bike. This is a perfect example of when you don't signal.

[nicole309]

I agree with Eden (and WA and WI law)...if it is too dangerous to signal, you don't have to. Especially in this case. From what I'm reading, the failure to signal is only going to cause the motorist to wait a little bit longer, but signaling could cause you to lose control of the bike. This is a perfect example of when you don't signal.

Thanks, this is good information to know. I had no idea this actually was the law in WA or anywhere for that matter. Although, I guess I am less worried about getting a ticket than I am about my safety. Since I am making a right turn it is only a short wait for someone on my street. Someone coming up behind me should be waiting anyway if they are also turning right.

[TrekJeni]

I agree with Eden (and WA and WI law)...if it is too dangerous to signal, you don't have to. Especially in this case. From what I'm reading, the failure to signal is only going to cause the motorist to wait a little bit longer, but signaling could cause you to lose control of the bike. This is a perfect example of when you don't signal.

Likewise, the law is the same here in Ohio. Do what is practical. This is what we tell our students.

Jeni
League of American Bicyclist's Certfied Instructor #1718

[anakiwa]

I have the same problem- except it's a left turn. I go around a major corner on a busy road on a big downhill- then I have to turn left. I take the lane, and I therefore can't slow down too much (don't want to hold up traffic any worse than I already am). For me, the need to keep both hands on the brakes is as much about balance as anything else (and in my case I'd be signalling with my left hand). Usually, I don't feel comfortable taking my hand off to signal (and I guess I kind of assume they'll figure out that if I'm just to the right of the yellow line, that I'm out there to turn). Sometimes I'll point with a finger (more or less keeping my hand on the drops), but I'm not sure if anyone actually sees that.

[kfergos]

MA law is the same -- signal when practical, but not when it's dangerous. I have a downhill followed by a sharp left turn, and I rarely signal for that turn. Better to make the turn safely than lose control while signaling.