Right Turn Signal

[DebW]

This is a poll. Do you signal for a right turn with your left arm or with your right arm? Feel free to discuss the reasons or debate the pros and cons.

[tulip]

I used to signal with my left arm bent, but drivers didn't seem to get it, so I switched to the more obvious choice. If you are not a cyclist, I don't know if you would know that a bent left arm means you are turning right. Nowadays, if someone's car blinker doesn't work, the drivers don't use hand signals--they just don't signal!

[traveller_62]

I think making your intentions as clear as possible is the safest thing to do. When I want to turn right, I point to the right.

[Duck on Wheels]

B'lieve it or not, though I'm not THAT old ("just" 56) I actually got my license back when only the newest or fanciest cars had blinker signals. There were still lots of cars out on the road with "flipper" signals (a reflecting flag that would swing out on one side of the car or the other, depending on which way you flipped a signal lever) or no signals at all. Back then we all had to learn the left hand signals. After all, in a car it doesn't help much to stretch out your right hand. But I guess they don't require those any more for drivers license tests. So the biggest baddest drivers on the road, kids in Jeeps and Humvies who might not even care when they do see you signal, probably wouldn't know what you meant by bending your left arm upwards from the elbow. I think I may try both signals, first one then the other. I go slow enough to have time
But it's probably only the right hand signal folks behind me understand. Maybe better to just point where I'm going and not confuse folks.

[Lise]

I must've had some bike safety class in grade school, because it's deeply ingrained in me to signal a right turn with a bent left arm. Although....do I? Or do I just turn? I don't know! We can't check the video....there is no video! In truth, I probably just get as far to the right as possible, and make the turn. L.

[pkq]

I've seen riders use the bent left arm from the drops, which means it is barely visible, if visible.

[betagirl]

I've found that if I point in the direction I'm going to drivers, they get it better than if I use the proper signal. So I'm a pointer versus a bender.

[tatormc]

As most have said already, I did the bent left arm when I started riding but no one knows what that meant. I had to ask just to figure that out cause I had no idea what the signals were. Now I just use a straight left or right arm to make the direction clear.

[Trekhawk]

When we arrived in the states my DH had to get a California license and they did expect him to know hand signals. So from this info I knew how I was suppose to signal on my bike but I agree with the girls most drivers dont seem to get the bent left arm thing. I just stick out a straight right or left to signal which direction I will be going it saves confusion and that has to be a good thing.

[DeniseGoldberg]

I've used my right hand to signal a right turn for a long time.

Just out of curiosity, I went and checked the vehicle code for Massachusetts (which is where I live and also where I ride a good chunk of the time).

From Chapter 85, Section 11B. Bicycles; operation and equipment; regulations; "(2) the bicycle operator shall signal by either hand his intention to stop or turn,". So I guess here signalling with the right hand is legal for those of us who choose to use it.

I also think that it is clearer to others on the road when we point (signal) to show the direction we will be turning.

--- Denise

[Geonz]

I switch... I used to always point with my right hand, but then I tried the "official" bent left way, and if I have to ride one-handed, I do much prefer steerign with the right hand. I'm very right-handed. I also like stretching my spine a little when I'm doing the left thing and sitting really straight (and opening my chest like yoga).
But if I'm in traffic where there's a lot going on, I point with the right 'cause it's more obvious.
For left hand turns I got a red blinkie on my handlebar and I think I'll put one on the right too. Prob'ly not much good in the day, but on that ride home from work I like the 'expected' visual.

[mary9761]

I was taught as a child to use the bent left arm to signal right on my bike. When I took driver's ed as a teen [I'm 44 now] I was taught the left hand signals as well so I always use them.
Mary

[Crankin]

I use the right hand and I point while I'm signalling. Do the same with the left turn signal. I used to use the bent left to signal right, but it is unclear to most drivers. My club, (Appalachian Mountain Club) uses the bent left thing and it needs to be changed.

[kiwi girl]

We ride on the other side of the road here, so they equivalent questions is do you signal left turn with your left arm straight or right arm bent - and I am a left arm straight signaller.

[Pedal Wench]

I use both. It depends on the situation, how many cars are around, if I need to brake into the turn. Sometimes I use one, sometimes the other, and sometimes I will start with the bent left hand and then switch to the extended right. I like the right handed one better - as someone mentioned, it just feels good.