Turn you on...

[KGT1200]

For those who rode bikes "in the olde days" hand signals were a way of life (or death) and we all became quite stylish in the art of throwing one's arm out straight, up 90 or down 90, I mean how cool can we be? In today's riding, I use my electronic signals religiously, but I also throw out the universal arm signal in times of need...

When I'm merging into a busy road, or being tailed closely by cages and want to be damned sure they know my intention and direction, I still use them, and find they command a great deal of respect.

Now, my arm signal is not a little "excuse me, I'm turning" type of arm movement but more of a George Pattonish sweeping gesture ending with a steel like point with the extension happening with intent, with gusto...And I can tell traffic slows to let me in, or eyes who were droning out to the insane hum drum of the traffic flow awake when I cast the signal upon them....

Now either they are subconsciously doing my bidding, or they are thinking to them selves "what a self assured assh$%e we got here" and either way, it got their attention so I don't care!

How many of you out there cast out the mighty arm in addition to those little teeny weenie turn signals?-

[BuddingGeezer]

I use hand signals in traffic.

Another thing I subconsciously do is throw my right arm across the passenger seat when braking hard in the car. My sons are 38/34. The days before seat belts and child seats.

Ralph Sims

[henzilla]

I do in Urban warfare settings where I know half the folks are daydreaming...and if leading a group...I get comments about being "animated" . Our 1100S came with aftermarket teenieweenie rear LED signals that may be fine in light traffic, but I wave like a mad man when I ride it into the big city.

When I was 20 I did the cool half assed finger point...or I thought it was...

[henzilla]

I use hand signals in traffic.

Another thing I subconsciously do is throw my right arm across the passenger seat when braking hard in the car. My sons are 38/34. The days before seat belts and child seats.

Ralph Sims

On Seinfeld that was called "stopping short" and got Kramer in trouble with Georges dad

[cathdeac]

up at 90 degrees.. wave hand in circle which indicates "possible LEO ahead"..

then watch the brake lights fire as I ride past.

[rfisher]

Having been rear ended by a young lady driving her father's Oldsmobile who told me "I saw your brake lights and turn signals, but didn't think you were going to slow down", I use hand signals anytime there is any traffic behind me...not that half the drivers out there have any clue what they mean.

Roy F

[Paul_F]

In tight traffic I also point to indicate a lane change. When approaching an intersection with an oncoming car, I usually do a couple of alternating pushes on each handle bar make them aware that I am there and to turn after I have gone by.

[26667]

I often "cast the mighty arm," tho' I use both the index and middle fingers (simultaneously and together as one), because I think it makes the point more visible. Who knows what cagers think I'm doing.

I like the R/L push at intersections idea above, and plan on adding it to my repertoire. But here's a couple more for anyone who may not have already thought of 'em:

For tailgaters, if a few glances in each mirror doesn't do it, and traffic allows, I turn in the saddle and look at them. Occasionally adding the one-arm "WTF??" getsture. Light tap on the rear brake to flash the light, too.

Anytime it feels dicey, standing on the pegs sometimes just dazzles them. As my dad would have said, they don't know whether to s__t or go blind.

Alway a good thread if it helps remind us of how to stay alive:thumb

[henzilla]

Occasionally adding the one-arm "WTF??" getsture. Light tap on the rear brake to flash the light, too.


I got cramps in my neck from doing that in Austin at least twice daily! The shoulder shrug one hand WTF was a regular move.
I once got off in stop and go traffic one afternoon to tell the one foot off my rear tire makeup applying pretty lady in the BMW that she really looked nice and didn't need to keep applying the makeup while riding my ass and if she kept that close to me she should buy me dinner and send me some flowers...she backed WAY off after that:laugh

[jgr451]

Yes indeedy,sir,do I too deploy the big arm and finger(s) point that way gesture,so as to ensure that the followers of me behind know that I am planning something different.

[daddyal]

Maybe I should try the "Before" hand signs instead of the "After" finger sign.

[From MARS]

The one consistent hand gesture that I use is the wave. When I go thru an intersection or pass a driveway where someone has actually stopped to let me safely pass, I wave and nod my head in acknowledgement of their action. My hope is that this friendly "connection" will help them remember to look for us nice motorcycle riders.

Tom

[bunkyone]

Hey all; When merging, I always use a left hand point to the spot where I plan to merge. If the traffic is tight, it's a decisive sharp jab, along with (when possible) eye contact with the intended "mergee" If you act just a bit pushy, the cage drivers seem to be a bit more agreeable. Maybe they sense fear like most other pack animals? As far as tailgaters go, a quick look over your shoulder, and a "WTF" is usually enough to get a bit of breathing room. If that doesn't work, a couple of taps on the brake light and a "slowdown" hand motion might get the offending drivers attention. The idea of a slight weave while approaching a traffic light or intersection sounds like a good idea. It would separate your light from all the other lights going in one direction hopefully making you more visible. Vaya con Dios, Dutch

[BuddingGeezer]

One thing to be careful of is the 40 and younger do not know what hand signals are. I live on a busy through street and took off on a bicycle. I gave a left turn signal and something in my mind said not to turn. A 20 something female in a SUV pulled out on a double yellow to pass me while talking on a cell phone. She waved back, I guess thinking my signal was a wave or come on around.

Ralph sims

[Paul_F]

The one consistent hand gesture that I use is the wave. When I go thru an intersection or pass a driveway where someone has actually stopped to let me safely pass, I wave and nod my head in acknowledgement of their action. My hope is that this friendly "connection" will help them remember to look for us nice motorcycle riders.
Tom

I do this as well.

For tailgaters, I have two pairs of hyper brake lights. A slight tap on the brake and the tailgaters disappear. A friend who followed me to Vermont said that every time those lights came on he never got used to them and always made a grab for his brakes.

[jobee58]

The one consistent hand gesture that I use is the wave. When I go thru an intersection or pass a driveway where someone has actually stopped to let me safely pass, I wave and nod my head in acknowledgement of their action. My hope is that this friendly "connection" will help them remember to look for us nice motorcycle riders.

Tom

+1, I think it's extremly valuable to acknowledge and appreciate courtesy.

[dpryan]

Good post! I sometimes add hand signals when merging/turning depending on traffic density, how close I'm being followed, etc. When I'm stopped at a light and see a car approaching from behind I also give a couple of taps of the brake/hyper lights just to keep 'em honest.

And + 1 on the wave or nod to acknowledge a courteous driver; I figure the goodwill and encouragement can't hurt! :wave My wife and I cycle quite a bit and I do the same. She's always kidding me about it, saying, "Yeah, make sure you thank them for not killing us!" :nyah