First, well look at the talking hands handout and learn the hand signals. Download a tip sheet with the hand signals to know for riding a bike. A handbook for bicycle riders roads and maritime services nsw. Opinions and advice from those without formal training wont be based on scientific analysis of common carbike collisions and cyclistdriver mistakes. Alternative right turn extend your right arm out straight with all fingers extended or use your index finger to point right. Assert yourself and ride in the center of the travel lane. Grates, gutters and potholes debris and uneven pavement that can cause a fall. Use hand signals to communicate intended movements left and right turns and stopping. The first set of hand signals are for general traffic patterns regardless of whether other bicyclists are present or not. You should always let others know when you are turning, changing lanes or stopping. When i signal, i like to exaggerate my handarm movement with an outstretched arm and palm facing forward. Jul 10, 2015 this video will show you how to use proper bike hand signals. Demonstrate the proper use of hand signals for turning corners, slowing, and stopping. They draw attention to you and tell other road users what youre doing next.
Hand signals are given by cyclists and some motorists to indicate their intentions to other traffic. Using bikelanes a bike lane is a striped, signed lane marked with a large white bicycle stencil on the pavement. Traffic signs with three sides of equal length warn drivers to slow down when approaching an intersection, and to be prepared to come to a complete stop in order to yield to other drivers or pedestrians. Since bicycles dont have these lights, bike riders need to. Now that you are driving your first vehicle your bicycle, its time to learn some of the rules of the road for communicating with other road users. Use a turn signal, scan again for bicyclists, and then merge into the bike lane for the turn. Always make hand signals well in advance of any turn, not just when you think they are needed.
The three basic hand signals bikers need to know to be safe are. Yield to pedestrians if they are crossing a crosswalk or. Knowing the basic signals to use and when to use them can keep you and those around you safe. When turning right, safely merge in behind the cyclist when they are present a. To drive safely they must show others their intentions with signal lights. Running stop signs is dangerous and can result in a fine with points added to your drivers. Bike safety hand signals and riding tips how to be safe on the bike. Rules of the road use the proper hand signals to indicate your intention to turn. Grates, gutters and potholes avoid grates that can grab your wheels, gutters that can be full of debris and uneven pavement that can cause a fall. And accidents can happen, especially if biking near roads and cars. Learn these 10 basic cycling hand signals to keep you and those around you safe out on the road.
Signalling involves taking one hand off the handlebar. Jun 16, 2015 bike riding is a great way to get from point a to point b. I would say knowing and using your bike hand signals. This chapter is a handy reference section that gives examples of the most common signs, signals and road markings that keep traffic organized and flowing smoothly. Right turn extend your left arm out sideways bent at a 90degree angle at. Bike rider should look for turn signal, avoiding drivers blind spot. Ensure your bicycle is the right size and properly adjusted to fit you. On a bike, we use hand signals to indicate any change in direction or our intention to merge from one travel lane to another. Pennantshaped traffic signs pennantshaped traffic signs are posted on the left hand side of twoway roads to warn drivers not to pass other.
Portland biking guide riding in portland the city of. The second set of hand signals are for group riding or pace lines. When approaching a turn, youll often need both hands for braking and your own general safety. There are amazon affiliate links in this article which means, at no additional cost to you, we could receive compensation for our recommendations. Advanced trafficbicycling begins with studying trafficcycling, or taking classes from instructors who are certified by the league of american bicyclists. This image from national highway traffic safety administration nhtsa shows hand signals your new rider needs to know to be able to communicate with drivers his intentions. Left turn hand out straight to the left with palm forward not down or up. Motorized bikes and the law when a bike lane merges use extreme caution when merging across right turn onlydrop lanes. Welcome to a handbook for bicycle riders a useful guide to riding your bicycle safely on nsw roads. When turning, you must signal continuously at least 100 feet before the turn, unless use of your hand is needed to control your bicycle.
Hand signals signals shall be given from the left side as follows. If youre in the back of group and cant see where youre going, youll appreciate this hand signal from the riders in front, which can save you from a flat tire or worse. Universal hand signals i know youve all learned it at some point in your life, but a small refresher is always nice. Since making a hand signal requires cycling with just one hand. When you should take a lane if there is no shoulder or bike lane, and the travel lane is narrow, ride closer to the. Ride single file if traffic doesnt have enough room to pass you safely. What could happen if drivers just turned in front of other cars without letting them know what their plans were. Ill often point with two fingers to help convey the message. Section 1237 use of hand signals by bicyclists 1237. Jun 08, 2018 signals and brake lights to tell other drivers of their plans, bikers have hand signals to do the same. Vehicularstyle left turn signal left look behind you. Communicate with traffic through eye contact and hand signals pointing. Use the proper hand signals for left or right turns and for slowing or stopping.
Spur 20 right turn left turn stop san juan county public works this map is derived from san juan countys geographic. Cyclists may ride sidebyside, but not more than two abreast rcw 46. Discuss sit uations in which people use their hands to communicate. The hand signal you use for stopping will most likely depend on the situation. Now that your child is driving his bicycle, he needs to learn the rules of the road. As a parent i know it is my responsibility to teach them proper bike safetybike safety and kids go hand in hand. We know riding your bike in traffic can be intimidating, but with these tips, you will be on your way to becoming a safer and more confident rider. You may want to take a cycling course to help boost your skills, safety and cycling pleasure. Bicyclists and motorists must share the road, whether or not bike lanes are provided. The following are things you can do to maintain control of your bicycle, even in an emergency. Stop or decrease of speed hand and arm extended downward. He wasnt alone in his failure to comprehend bike signals.
One of the basics of road safety is understanding hand signals. Jun 19, 20 i would say knowing and using your bike hand signals. Now, since the girls are beginner riders, at least cee is, i decided to start this education while walking not riding. Motorcycle hand signals right turn stop bend elbow speed up extend arm swing palm in an upward direction. Apr 16, 2015 bike hand signals are confusing, heres a better, simpler solution. Adot bike book adot bicycle and pedestrian program. Cycling in a group can be a lot of fun, but it can also be dangerous. Pennantshaped traffic signs pennantshaped traffic signs are posted on the lefthand side of twoway roads to warn drivers not to pass other. Motorists must yield to pedestrians, but pedestrians must also be alert to the actions. The traffic codes of most countries reflect this in some countries such as in the czech republic, canada, and the united states, hand signals are. Hand signals front view hand signal back view left turn extend your left arm out sideways with all fingers extended or use your index finger to point left. Find out how to keep your bicycle in optimum condition so you can hit.
Method of giving hand and arm signals by bicyclists. Making a strong hand signals has a number of benefits. Bike hand signals are confusing, heres a better, simpler solution. If youre only riding with one or two other cyclists, a closed fist behind the back is probably sufficient. Signaling you should always let others know when you are turning, changing lanes or stopping. Ride with traffic ride singlefile this is the safest option. Chapter 4 traffic signs and signals white traffic signs white traffic signs display traffic regulations, such as speed limits, that drivers must obey, as well as helpful information such as state highway markers. Cyclists have all of the same rights and responsibilities as a vehicle and must obey the same rules when on the road. Commonly recommended but not necessarily exactly what the law says. On a bike, arm signals are one of the ways that you become part of the traffic flow. Hand signals should be used when turning, stopping or changing lanes. Use designated bike routes greenway trails and onstreet bike routes.
Because bikes are typically not equipped with braketurn lights it is up to you to make other vehicles around you aware of your movements and actions. Every year, about 300,000 kids go to the emergency department because of bike injuries. Hand signals indicating a turn are required of cyclists for at least 100 feet before a turn or stop, except when both hands are necessary to control or operate the bicycle. Be vigilant when pulling out of driveways or side streets. Bicycle safety arkansas department of transportation. How to lock your bike secure your bicycle from thieves duration. The vehicle may merge or turn right in front of you. Hand signals bike safety in under 3 minutes duration.
Ready to take to your bike to the streets and start road cycling or commuting. Riding your bicycle safely is your responsibility, and learning how to ride safely can go a long way to preventing bike car accidents. If you have questions about the bike helmet law, contact your state representative. It is okay to drive over shared lane markings but slow down, drive safely, and yield to any bicyclists on the road in front of you. Bicycling hand signals the following is a set of uniform hand signals for bicyclists. Before crossing a bike lane to turn, scan for bicyclists to the right and rear. If you need to pass a bicyclist, use caution and give at least three feet. Aug 25, 2010 hand signals bike safety in under 3 minutes duration. When i signal, i like to exaggerate my hand arm movement with an outstretched arm and palm facing forward. Communicating your intentions not only makes your ride safer, but it is also required by law in the united states. Well before the intersection, scan over your left shoulder and signal your intentions to merge left across the lane. Mar 09, 2017 learn these 10 basic cycling hand signals to keep you and those around you safe out on the road. Use the proper hand signals to indicate your intention to turn, slow down or stop.
Road users, whether cyclists or motorist, can find advice on sharing the road and tips on avoiding bike car accidents. When turning, you must signal continuously at least 100 feet before the turn and while you are stopped waiting to turn, unless use of your hand is needed to control your bicycle. Stopping or slowing extend your left arm or right arm sideways and bend your arm at a 90degree angle at the elbow joint, hand. You lead road hazard if hazard is on left point with left finger. Road users, whether cyclists or motorist, can find advice on sharing the road and tips on avoiding bikecar accidents. Never park in a bike lane and always look for bicyclists. Bike safety and kids teaching kids bike riding hand signals. When parked, look for bicyclists before opening the door. Equip bicycles with a front lamp visible from 300 feet and a rear reflector visible from 200 feet when riding at night. Always obey traffic signals and signs when sharing a lane. Refreshment stop comfort stop left arm out make a thumbs up gesture towards your mouth. Since making a hand signal requires cycling with just one hand on the handlebars, practice doing that while maintaining a straight line. All signals herein required to be given by bicyclists by hand and arm shall be given in the following manner and such signals shall indicate as follows. A no turn on red sign is an example of a traffic sign with a white background.
Develop a habit of signaling when your direc tion changes. Riding side by side you and a companion may ride side by side on the road, but only if you dont impede other traffic. How can you let drivers know when youre turning while youre riding a bike. Use of hand signals about 100 feet before the turn, like turn signals on cars, help others anticipate a bicyclists intended movements and reduce the chance of collisions.
To make a right turn look first, yield to bicyclists, then merge into the bike lane before turning. Under the terms of the vienna convention on traffic, bicycles are considered to be vehicles and cyclists are considered to be drivers. Bike safety and rules lesson plan purdue university. Merge carefully and use hand signals whenever you share a lane. Theres more to it, however, than just sticking an arm out. Its illegal to text and use hand held devices while driving. Hand signals is the law most drivers and other bicyclists are unaware where bicyclists plan to go unless they let them know by use of hand signals while riding. Bike riding is a great way to get from point a to point b. Bike safety word scramble pdf bike safety maze pdf. Treat bike lanes like regular lanes that are too narrow to drive in. Use hand signals use the proper hand signals for left or right turns and for slowing or stopping.
Download the pdf lean more about bike safety to embed this safety tip in your site use the following code. Fully extend your right arm out to the side or bend your left arm up at a right angle with your hand flat. While many hand signals can have variations, here are the eight basic signals to know before you head out on the road. Using hand signals is a universal way to communicate where you are going to vehicles and people behind a bike rider. Use hand signals and eye contact to communicate your intentions. That means knowing how to communicate your intended direction to drivers of automobiles using universal bicycle hand signals.
899 1482 479 118 1490 292 319 237 1503 413 676 1268 936 1373 849 819 665 1096 1437 1417 1252 208 854 296 579 71 759 733 1561 1101 1012 437 877 983 1082 818 1331 998 646 923 1454 429 1046