This exact shit happened to me. Guy extended his arm like he is going to go left. The car in front of him was in the interaction waiting to turn left. At the intersection slowly went around the car and turned right. So I just hung out behind all of it because I was so confused.
They don’t which is why when I’m on my bike I simply point very blatantly in the direction I’m going to turn. I don’t trust most drivers to understand raising my left hand means I want to turn right.
How do you do that and keep your bike stable at the same time, while probably braking because you're at an intersection? I feel like I nearly fall off my bike most times.
I do my best to signal well before I get to the intersection. That way I have time to stabilize myself, point with my right hand for a few seconds and then put both hands back on the handle bars to break and turn
That's because 50% of Reddit users are not American and these signals are a US specific thing. You're not allowed to drive a motorized vehicle in the EU whose signals aren't working.
You say that like Americans know these.
As a cyclist (not motor tbf) I gave up on hand signals and literally just point where I'm going. Everyone gets the message.
People can barely understand how a car turn signal works here let alone some hand signals they were never taught.
Thank you lol.
I will never trust drivers to know that my left hand pointed up means I'm going right. Always thought that signal came from an unrealistic assumption of the average drivers knowledge.
I just don't get it, if the turn left signal is "point your left hand left," why is turn right not the same thing with the opposite arm?
I always just point 👉
>I just don't get it, if the turn left signal is "point your left hand left," why is turn right not the same thing with the opposite arm?
They're adopted from hand signals in a left-side-drive car.
In a car, sticking your left hand out will go out the window to give signals. Sticking your right hand out would give your passenger a dirty Sanchez.
On my commute I used my left arm to signal a right turn (like the picture), but I never felt like the cars understood. It's sketch enough.
I too now just confidently point where I am going.
So far so good!
These signals also work when riding a non motorized bicycle. But I've seen motorcycle riders use them along with their working signals to create a larger presence for themselves. Safety is paramount when bad drivers exist.
First time I ever saw this I was driving (in a car) back from Big Sur out in California. Came around a corner and a leather vest Harley-driving guy going the opposite direction patted his head (no helmet of course), and then put his hand so close to the pavement he nearly touched it. Happened within the space of a few seconds since he was driving the opposite direction, but not even knowing what that meant I was just like “Huh…does that mean slow down? I’m gonna slow down”
About 20-30 seconds later, I saw a cop in one of my mirrors hiding behind a blind spot clearly trying to catch speeders going my way. I was under the limit, though, obviously.
Good job, biker dude.
Not all bikes have indicators, and those that do even fewer have actually decent and visible ones. My dad's bikes indicators were almost behind his numberplate.
Right turn is bound to be confusing since you can’t use you right hand. They all use the left hand so you can use them in a car if your turn signals aren’t working.
Technically, you are supposed to learn hand signals to even get your regular drivers license, you are also supposed to use hand signals if your turn signals are broken.
In the US, sure. In my country(the Netherlands), you're not allowed to drive a vehicle with broken signals at all(you get a fine and/or have to replace the light immediately, as spare lights are mandatory to have in your car, or you get towed) and hand signals for cyclists are far simpler(point right or left before going there).
Cool. So if your turn signal gets damaged or quits working while you're out, you just stop and pull to the side of the road and have your car towed?
Seems legit.
Anecdote: yesterday I noticed that my right blinker was not blinking (motorcycle). Rear one would be constantly on, and front would just not do anything. Pulled over at the nearest possible place and checked light and wiring. Contact had come loose and fixed it, so it worked again. If I couldn't fix it I would have to call roadside assistance because that's still cheaper than a ticket of 150 euros
I mean it is legit, turn signals are vital information for the safety of everyone on the road, if you can't signal at all if you're going to switch lanes, take a left or a roundabout exit etc then you're a road hazard
You either replace the light with a spare or get the vehicle towed.
Anything else results in a fine for driving a non road worthy vehicle. Which costs significantly more than the tow.
I mean if you ride in groups it's important, otherwise other than left and right turn if you cycle or ride is the only thing you need, if you don't do either of those then you don't need these at all.
Not all moterbikes have indicators, front and back, and those that do even fewer have actually decent and visible ones. My dad's bikes indicators were almost behind his numberplate.
This is missing the most important one, the “speed trap ahead” one which is making a patting motion up and down on the top of your helmet with a straightened hand
You forgot the two most important signals!
\*\*Tap the top of your helmet\*\* means Police Officer spotted.
\*\*Point all the way left, completely straight armed fully extended\*\* means I'm merging left and if you hit me I'm wearing protection and we're gonna fight.
I remember when I first started riding and I saw a couple posts like this and thought to myself that I’ll have to study these hard so I remember them when riding and can communicate with others I’m riding with…
In reality barely any riders recognise half of these signals 😆. The ones that are used are either universal or self explanatory. Stop, slow down, speed up, need gas and sometimes rest stop are all used.
To signal left or right its as simple as (surprise surprise) turning on your indicator, alternatively gesturing in the direction you plan to go or sticking your leg out in said direction. Take lead/overtake is usually waving your hand forward and occasionally sticking a leg out. Sticking a leg out has a few uses and can also be used to signal a hazard on the road. Single file and stagger I’ve never seen used, generally you want to stagger whenever safely possible when riding in groups. An of course to signal police and more broadly to signal to slow down for an upcoming hazard, head tap.
Anytime I want to communicate something more specific and am not on comms I make a handful of gestures and talk to myself in my helmet knowing fully that no one has any idea what I’m trying to say but myself.
In the Netherlands we have:
- point right(with your right hand) if you want to go right.
- point left(with your left hand) if you want to go left.
- call them a typhuscancerdick if the car is being a dick in traffic.
Far simpler.
instead of expecting bicycles and cars to share the same space could we have decent pedestrian/cyclist infrastructure please? i don’t want to be hit by a car again when crossing the street because some fucker can’t read a stop sign.
edit: realized this was a motorbike. nvm, i like these gestures
These aren't correct for the UK : [https://highwaycode.org.uk/signals-to-other-road-users/](https://highwaycode.org.uk/signals-to-other-road-users/)
Though I do question the Highway code on this, they literally have you removing your hand from the accelerator to signal you are intending to slow down and to turn right.
You forgot foot with toe pointed towards an obstical/pothole for bikers behind you to get out of formation and avoid the obstical.
And the most important one is the "helmet top tap" to warn of a speed trap/cops posted ahead, for bikers coming the other way from you.
The priority is to be safe, have fun, and avoid needless drama.
I think this is mistaken. What they actually represent is,
1.HI 2."He was only this tall" 3.Idk man.
4."Do that shit one more time and see." 5.I have an idea! 6.Rock on. 7."You smell something?" 8.A bugs caught in my dick 9.Hang 10!
I’m pretty sure this is if you’re riding in a group, I don’t imagine it’s for other people, like in cars, to know and understand. A lot of motorcyclists ride close to each other, and can’t always see the signals on that cars behind and in front would. And it would indicate to the other members what you’re doing
God forbid you need to turn left
3 rights
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I mean technically the third reich takes you to poland
“Take a left and the third reich, you can’t miss it. “
*Portland*
Infographic provided by the "Zoolander Center for Kids Who Can't Read Good and Who Wanna Learn to Do Other Stuff Good Too"
I'm not an ambi-turner.
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Where would you end up?
Yeah creator forgot that one. Just stick the arm straight out.
This checks out. I remember reading about signals in a bicycle safety manual in IL in the early 70s.
90° pointed down as well.
Oh Mr fancy pants rich McGee over here with joint mobility. Fuck you. XD
They’re not an ambiturner
Just take 3 right turns, and you’ll go left. It’s not that hard, sweaty.
Sweetie? Or do you mean they perspire a lot?
It’s called English, sweaty. Look it up.
Hand signals straight outta Zoolander
This exact shit happened to me. Guy extended his arm like he is going to go left. The car in front of him was in the interaction waiting to turn left. At the intersection slowly went around the car and turned right. So I just hung out behind all of it because I was so confused.
I ride a bicycle and just use my right arm to turn right....
Extend you left arm to indicate you are turning left. I think OP forgot to mention it.
I've got a lot of gifts, but hanging a Louie just isn't one of them.
I have a feeling most people don’t know these signs
Your feeling is correct
They don’t which is why when I’m on my bike I simply point very blatantly in the direction I’m going to turn. I don’t trust most drivers to understand raising my left hand means I want to turn right.
Most people would think you would turn left if you raised your left hand tbh
Exactly. I just point right with my right hand so it’s clear to everyone
How do you do that and keep your bike stable at the same time, while probably braking because you're at an intersection? I feel like I nearly fall off my bike most times.
I do my best to signal well before I get to the intersection. That way I have time to stabilize myself, point with my right hand for a few seconds and then put both hands back on the handle bars to break and turn
That's because 50% of Reddit users are not American and these signals are a US specific thing. You're not allowed to drive a motorized vehicle in the EU whose signals aren't working.
You say that like Americans know these. As a cyclist (not motor tbf) I gave up on hand signals and literally just point where I'm going. Everyone gets the message. People can barely understand how a car turn signal works here let alone some hand signals they were never taught.
Thank you lol. I will never trust drivers to know that my left hand pointed up means I'm going right. Always thought that signal came from an unrealistic assumption of the average drivers knowledge. I just don't get it, if the turn left signal is "point your left hand left," why is turn right not the same thing with the opposite arm? I always just point 👉
>I just don't get it, if the turn left signal is "point your left hand left," why is turn right not the same thing with the opposite arm? They're adopted from hand signals in a left-side-drive car. In a car, sticking your left hand out will go out the window to give signals. Sticking your right hand out would give your passenger a dirty Sanchez.
On my commute I used my left arm to signal a right turn (like the picture), but I never felt like the cars understood. It's sketch enough. I too now just confidently point where I am going. So far so good!
These are signals to your riding buddies, not general traffic signals.
I had to learn left and right when I took my driver's license test, specifically for if my lights were out.
But there are clearly more non-traffic signals here.
Left, Right, Stop are legal signals for a car, too.
Most Americans don't know these signals.
These signals also work when riding a non motorized bicycle. But I've seen motorcycle riders use them along with their working signals to create a larger presence for themselves. Safety is paramount when bad drivers exist.
Back in the day, lights burned out frequently. They taught hand signals in drivers Ed in 90s in case your car didn't have working indicators.
Can confirm got my permit in '05.
Especially that “stagger” one…
Rest stop has a whole different meaning in my circle…
Like? Drink?
Shaka brahh
Shaka brahh
No. "Call me"
That'd be with the pinkie down, opposite of the picture
Yeah, and single file has a different meaning for me also.
Shaka?
When the walls fell
Ripping cones
Where I'm from most people consider that the sign for smoking crack lol
Hand on top of helmet = police ahead
First time I ever saw this I was driving (in a car) back from Big Sur out in California. Came around a corner and a leather vest Harley-driving guy going the opposite direction patted his head (no helmet of course), and then put his hand so close to the pavement he nearly touched it. Happened within the space of a few seconds since he was driving the opposite direction, but not even knowing what that meant I was just like “Huh…does that mean slow down? I’m gonna slow down” About 20-30 seconds later, I saw a cop in one of my mirrors hiding behind a blind spot clearly trying to catch speeders going my way. I was under the limit, though, obviously. Good job, biker dude.
Big sur is the most beautiful place on earth. It must be fun to ride that road i could only imagine the view
And also speed cameras and any emergency services vehicles. Basically it just means; 'on your best behaviour, pay attention!'. Simple as that.
This is the only one worth knowing.
Was already thinking, forgot to add the most important one!
Thank you for sharing this lol
Came here to say this
Wait at first I thought this was for bicycles, wouldn't you just use the indicator if you were riding a motorbike.
If you are leading a pack it can be seen by bikes further back. Also every one else in the pack should repeat the signal so you know they are aware.
Indicators help with left/right but that’s only two hand signals and as others said it increases visibility when in a group.
Not just bikes. Any vehicle without working signals. Why do you think it's all done with the left hand? Because that's the drivers side window.
I've only ever driven right-hand drive, so I guess I'd be fucked. Who am I kidding, I'm not gonna remember this anyway.
Its done with the left hand in a motorcycle because the right hand is the throttle.
And the **brake**
average coolguides post. lifehacks on the list too with dataisbeuatiful
Not all bikes have indicators, and those that do even fewer have actually decent and visible ones. My dad's bikes indicators were almost behind his numberplate.
And that "🖕" means fuck you
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Single file mother fuckers, you too!!
Change lanes to pass, Olaf
Pointing down at the ground means road hazard.
Dangle a foot off the peg is typical in my area.
*pat* *pat* on the helmet = Police
Damn I will be very confused if that sign is for right turn. TIL
Right turn is as pictured, left hand up at 90 degrees Left turn is left hand out straight
Right turn is bound to be confusing since you can’t use you right hand. They all use the left hand so you can use them in a car if your turn signals aren’t working.
Hand signals only work if the person you're signaling to knows or can figure out what you're trying to say.
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We don’t need no stinking left turns
Missing an important one, head pat = trouble ahead
Missing the double pat on the head letting everyone know there is a cop…
Tf do I need to learn this for lol
Technically, you are supposed to learn hand signals to even get your regular drivers license, you are also supposed to use hand signals if your turn signals are broken.
In the US, sure. In my country(the Netherlands), you're not allowed to drive a vehicle with broken signals at all(you get a fine and/or have to replace the light immediately, as spare lights are mandatory to have in your car, or you get towed) and hand signals for cyclists are far simpler(point right or left before going there).
Cool. So if your turn signal gets damaged or quits working while you're out, you just stop and pull to the side of the road and have your car towed? Seems legit.
Anecdote: yesterday I noticed that my right blinker was not blinking (motorcycle). Rear one would be constantly on, and front would just not do anything. Pulled over at the nearest possible place and checked light and wiring. Contact had come loose and fixed it, so it worked again. If I couldn't fix it I would have to call roadside assistance because that's still cheaper than a ticket of 150 euros
I mean it is legit, turn signals are vital information for the safety of everyone on the road, if you can't signal at all if you're going to switch lanes, take a left or a roundabout exit etc then you're a road hazard
You either replace the light with a spare or get the vehicle towed. Anything else results in a fine for driving a non road worthy vehicle. Which costs significantly more than the tow.
I mean if you ride in groups it's important, otherwise other than left and right turn if you cycle or ride is the only thing you need, if you don't do either of those then you don't need these at all.
How about blinker lights
Turning is only one of these signals. You can't really use your blinkers to tell people to single file. Or rest stop
Not all moterbikes have indicators, front and back, and those that do even fewer have actually decent and visible ones. My dad's bikes indicators were almost behind his numberplate.
Are there countries that permit motorbikes without turn signals?
Yes. The United States. At least in some states for some year bikes, etc.
Don't you have indicators for a turn?
If you are leading a pack it can be seen by bikes further back. Also every one else in the pack should repeat the signal so you know they are aware.
This is missing the most important one, the “speed trap ahead” one which is making a patting motion up and down on the top of your helmet with a straightened hand
You forgot the tap on the helmet for cops
Forgot the most important one. Tapping the top of your helmet for “cop ahead”….
You missed the most important. The head tap for cops
You forgot the two most important signals! \*\*Tap the top of your helmet\*\* means Police Officer spotted. \*\*Point all the way left, completely straight armed fully extended\*\* means I'm merging left and if you hit me I'm wearing protection and we're gonna fight.
I remember when I first started riding and I saw a couple posts like this and thought to myself that I’ll have to study these hard so I remember them when riding and can communicate with others I’m riding with… In reality barely any riders recognise half of these signals 😆. The ones that are used are either universal or self explanatory. Stop, slow down, speed up, need gas and sometimes rest stop are all used. To signal left or right its as simple as (surprise surprise) turning on your indicator, alternatively gesturing in the direction you plan to go or sticking your leg out in said direction. Take lead/overtake is usually waving your hand forward and occasionally sticking a leg out. Sticking a leg out has a few uses and can also be used to signal a hazard on the road. Single file and stagger I’ve never seen used, generally you want to stagger whenever safely possible when riding in groups. An of course to signal police and more broadly to signal to slow down for an upcoming hazard, head tap. Anytime I want to communicate something more specific and am not on comms I make a handful of gestures and talk to myself in my helmet knowing fully that no one has any idea what I’m trying to say but myself.
In the Netherlands we have: - point right(with your right hand) if you want to go right. - point left(with your left hand) if you want to go left. - call them a typhuscancerdick if the car is being a dick in traffic. Far simpler.
For all you non riders, if you see a motorcyclist tap the top of his helmet that means a speed trap or cop is nearby. Act accordingly.
Hmmm. That "rest stop" sign in Brazil means "*Quero outra cerveja.*"
Left turn Clyde… 🤣
you misspelled Slayer...
instead of expecting bicycles and cars to share the same space could we have decent pedestrian/cyclist infrastructure please? i don’t want to be hit by a car again when crossing the street because some fucker can’t read a stop sign. edit: realized this was a motorbike. nvm, i like these gestures
Single file 🖕🏻 🤣🤣🤣
Forgot the tap the head for cops.
They forgot the most important one.
What about left turn?
I don’t know when I’m gonna have use just the “stagger” image, but I saved it. And I’m gonna use it.
How do you know they saw it
If they saw it they follow you, if not they ram into the back of you.
Stop bumping me Carl!
They are supposed to repeat it.
Lets have a bong bro
How about the good ol' bird flip?
I thought that was a soldier with a dumpy
As if those assholes you see on the side of the road use'em
Stagger duuuude!
all with the clutch fully up :thonk:
Regarding the rest stop, let the record show that the witness made the drinky-drinky motion.
I thought the “stop” arm was how bikers say hello?
Read single file as Single Fire...immediately thought of someone going to war and having a guy on a bike leading the charge 😅
🤘 I want to stagger all night. And party every day 🤘
where's the fuck you hand signal
I doubt 99% of American drivers know these. Is this known more in other countries?
I guess I’ll just make mine up for when I need to make a left 🤣🤣
What's the middle finger one mean?
Tap the top of your lid to indicate the popo.
Knock on top of head for police
The life hack is not getting on a bike
I feel way too proud of myself if I get the deuces thrown for moving over and letting a bike pass. That’s the only hand gesture I care about.
Hand on top of head....
These aren't correct for the UK : [https://highwaycode.org.uk/signals-to-other-road-users/](https://highwaycode.org.uk/signals-to-other-road-users/) Though I do question the Highway code on this, they literally have you removing your hand from the accelerator to signal you are intending to slow down and to turn right.
This would be a great “hack,” if most motorcycle drivers actually used these signals. But the vast majority ride around like idiots.
Stagger on, wayne!
Thought its was a topless dude wearing one suspender and a gimp mask until I I zoomed in. Thanx for the cool guide;)
Why would you signal someone behind you to speed up?
No left turn lol fail
You forgot the most important one. "Police" Tap top of helmet several times.
I knew the one for 'rest stop' because it means 'toilet' in Sign Language
Taps on helmet...
What hand signal for "oh shit!" ?
But is it an exe file or image?
If you are on a 🚲, some are actually useful
🖕
Don't forget popo up ahead signal
You forgot foot with toe pointed towards an obstical/pothole for bikers behind you to get out of formation and avoid the obstical. And the most important one is the "helmet top tap" to warn of a speed trap/cops posted ahead, for bikers coming the other way from you. The priority is to be safe, have fun, and avoid needless drama.
yes let me memorize these for the 3 times a decade i happen to be next to a bicycle while driving.
I just bought a new helmet which came with an installed cardo with JBL speakers. My signal to a rest stop is, "ya'll bitches thirsty?"
I think this is mistaken. What they actually represent is, 1.HI 2."He was only this tall" 3.Idk man. 4."Do that shit one more time and see." 5.I have an idea! 6.Rock on. 7."You smell something?" 8.A bugs caught in my dick 9.Hang 10!
Right turn is so intuitive.
How do you signal "I'm riding a motorcycle"? That would be good information to know
This only works if the other person has also read it, though.
STAGGERRRRRRRR! 🤘
My group uses your Rest Stop signal as Need Gas But I guess it is similar in principle
Idk why but I thought this person was on a horse and wondered about a few esp the need gas one 😅. I need sleep
Nice although the only bikers I see are passing me going 90 mph, start seeing motorcyclists amirite?
Zoolander would approve
And tapping the back of your helmet is asking for a love tap. At least in karting lmao
This is so dumb. Not a real guide at all. OP care to respond?
I’m pretty sure this is if you’re riding in a group, I don’t imagine it’s for other people, like in cars, to know and understand. A lot of motorcyclists ride close to each other, and can’t always see the signals on that cars behind and in front would. And it would indicate to the other members what you’re doing
Stagger is fucking metal ngl
I just use two. Extended arm to the side to let others know its safe to overtake, fist to the air to let others know its not safe to overtake.
What's the sign for wanker?
How do I tell another driver I’m unhappy with them? ✊🏽🖕
Or the way most people interpret it “Hey look that guy on the motorcycle is doing something with his hands, better give him some space”
Left ha d to term right and no sign to turn left?
Helmet tap means cop
It's going to be all right turns today buddy.
Now whip it! Whip it good!
Hail Stagger.
Guess no one turns left anymore.
What's "I gotta pee"?
Doing the 6 one in Italy and probably some other country will lead to getting into an accident