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.

[Geonz]

And, of course, what the general population knows and recognizes can be different from one country to another.

Remember, we're talking *right* turns. Also duly note that in both cases the people calling the technicality were totally and completely aware of what she was signalling, which means that they recognized it, so that not only was it legal on paper, it was doing its job. Letter and spirit of the law were working - the other cyclist and driver were wrong in both directions as well.

I'd like to see good car-like signals; that's what people more automatically respond to. However, in the case of these two menaces, that doesn't seem to be the issue.

[mtbdarby]

Interesting thread as I will be teaching this in a kids bike rodeo in a couple of weeks. Only 23 states have changed their laws to allow for a right arm signal for a right turn. Wisconsin does not consider the right arm signal a legal signal:

http://folio.legis.state.wi.us/cgi-b...fo&jump=346.35

Guess we all need to periodically check our laws on such things. Either way, those two people knew what you were signally and should have respected it.

[fatbottomedgurl]

We talked about this on the tips and tricks section. As far as the bent right arm, I don't think a lot of people know what that is - especially no license/ insurance type people that didn't go to work on Monday...

Sorry you were called a name. I hollered at an unsafe driver once and he called me a fat cow. Ouch! So I turned around and apologized for yelling and not being civil. He was very sheepish knowing how hurtful his comment was. (And he could lose 75 lbs himself!) Talk about heaping coals on your enemy's head.

[Deanna]

We talked about this on the tips and tricks section. As far as the bent right arm, I don't think a lot of people know what that is - especially no license/ insurance type people that didn't go to work on Monday...

This post reminded me of an experience using arm signals. I once had the motorist across the way look to see what I was pointing at. Since less and less motorists use the turn signals included in our cars (sometimes it seems so bad I joke that turn signals are now only an 'option' in new cars), how can we expect them to know what an arm signal is?

[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.

[Aint Doody]

You are absolutely right Geonz--they both knew perfectly well that I was indicating a right turn. I think they also both knew that they were wrong but were blaming me for their stupidity. That is sorta a "man thing" in a lot of cases. I'm not aiming for male bashing here--just pointing out something that I understand from being married for over 30 years--to 3 different men!

[snowbear]

What about pointing with your right arm, signaling with your left, and biking with no hands?
...yeah, not helpful, sorry.

Useful information to know, though. Thanks!

[DirtDiva]

Or maybe a grab a couple of flags out of your pack and do some semaphore...

It's not an issue in NZ. You stick out your arm in the direction you want to go. I got my learner licence over a decade ago and there was nothing in the theory about making hand signals; if your car (or trailer) doesn't have functioning indicators, it's not considered roadworthy.

Not really sure what the rules are in the UK, but arm out works just fine.