Making traffic signals on your bike?

[foxfirefey]

So, I have a vague idea of what traffic signals you're supposed to do on a bike. The problem is, I apparently don't always have the talent to bike *and* signal at the same time! I totally tumbled onto the road today trying to signal a right turn with my right arm.

Is there a better way? Does anybody have particular strategies? Should I just practice more in non-traffic areas until I'm more confident? Do they matter that much in your experience--how bad a sin is it to not do them?

Comments

[darkemeralds]

I use the all-left-hand signals--pointing left when I'm turning left, and pointing up when I'm turning right (I'm not sure what the equivalent may be in countries where you drive/ride on the left-hand side of the road). I do the best I can, but very often when turning I need both hands to slow down and control the turn, so my signals are often pretty short.

I LOVE the idea of turn signals on a bike (brake lights would be good too!), but I'd rather have turn signals on the ends of my handlebars than on the seat, because it would be more obvious which one is blinking.

I'm sorry you had a fall. I hope you'll be able to regain your confidence and get back out there!

[juliet]

I use the all-left-hand signals--pointing left when I'm turning left, and pointing up when I'm turning right (I'm not sure what the equivalent may be in countries where you drive/ride on the left-hand side of the road).

FWIW, in the UK (where we drive on the left), pointing up with the right hand when turning left would not be recognised at all. Bike signals here are definitely right-arm-out to turn right, left-arm-out to turn left. (as in the Highway Code (PDF link). Note that that does show a right-hand signal for drivers -- circling the hand to signal a left turn -- on the grounds that you can't see a driver's left hand, but the motorbike/horse/pedal bike left signal is left-arm-out.)

[darkemeralds]

Thanks! That's good to know.

[zing_och]

I live in Germany and a quick poll of my coworkers told me that nobody had heard of the all-left signals. So if you're biking abroad you'd probably better check if those signals are known there. (I think it's a shame they're not common here - they sound like a good thing for those bikers who feel wobbly and don't use turn signals because of that.)

Apart from that: Like everyone else said, practice. When I was in primary school we had to do a "bike license" where the practical part was big on turn signals.