Hand Signals For Bike-To-Bike Communication
When riding in a group communications between bikes can be difficult. The following is a list of hand signals for communicating between motorcyclists. Use them as you see fit. Note that they all require that you take a hand or foot off of the controls and this may not always be a good idea. All hand signals use the left hand.
Signal: Point to tank
Meaning: I need gas, stop at the next station.
Comment: Make sure that everyone starts with a full tank.
Signal: Point at ground [Hand or Foot]
Meaning: Careful, there's something on the road. (Note that you aren't pointing at the hazard necessarily, as this might not be convenient).
Comment: This can be very distracting and often doesn't give you enough warning to do anything about it. You're better off with a greater following distance and paying enough attention so that you can see the hazard.
Signal: Hand down, rub fingers together
Meaning: Road is slippery.
Comment: If you can make out this signal, you're too close.
Signal: Flash brake lights very rapidly
Meaning: Watch out! Be prepared to stop quickly!
Comment: This is easier if you've adjusted both your front and rear brake levers so that you can illuminate the brake light without actuating the brakes.
Signal: Arm out, thumb and fingers opening and closing
Meaning: Your turn signal is on.
Signal: Point at sign
Meaning: Read the sign. If it's a highway sign with multiple exits listed, hold up the number of fingers corresponding to which exit you want (e.g. two fingers for the second exit listed).
Signal: Arm back, pointing rear - sweep arm forward till pointing to your left then point down
Meaning: You want the rider to your rear to come alongside you.
Signal: Pat stomach
Meaning: I'm hungry. We need to stop for food soon.
Signal: Point at another rider, then point to side of road
Meaning: Pull over now.
Signal: Arm out, palm back
Meaning: Stay behind me.
Signal: Arm out, fingers down, palm back with a fore and aft motion
Meaning: Back-off, you're too close. This is mostly for tailgaters.
Comment: Be careful using this as it could make the driver angry and they could start playing games with you. You don't need this!
Signal: Arm out, forward waving
Meaning: Go past me.
Signal: Waving arm in quick downward motion, with palm down and parallel to ground
Meaning: Slow down! Often used for bikes traveling in the opposite direction to warn of hazard or police.
Signal: Tap top of helmet, or hand on helmet
Meaning: Cop nearby (This signal is designed to be both noticeable and undecipherable by the cop)
Comment: Many motorcyclists don't know what this means. Almost everyone knows the slowdown signal listed above.
Ride safe,
Ride smart,
Ride another day....
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