Hand signals are like turn signals and brake lights for bikers. It helps cars and trucks know what you will do next so they don’t run into you. Don’t change directions or lanes without first looking behind you, and always use the correct signals.
Use your left arm for all signals:
- Left turn: After checking behind you, hold your arm straight out to the left and ride forward slowly.
- Stop: After checking behind you, bend your elbow, pointing your arm downward in an upside down “L” shape and come to a stop.
- Right turn: After checking behind you, bend your elbow, holding your arm up in an “L” shape, and ride forward slowly. (Or, hold your right arm straight out from your side.)
Now that you’ve learned those hand signals, you get a big thumbs-up for finding out more about bike safety!