Sometimes it’s really hard to hear anything with the wind in your ears and noisy car traffic. We use hand signs to communicate when riding with other folks! This is more common on the road as mtb and gravel roads are usually far more peaceful. We (Will and Ayesha) wanted to share some of the hand signals we use while riding. Not everyone uses the exact same ones, and it’s always interesting to see the regional habits we come across in our travels.
Here are some of our most used hand signs, and how you can use them too if you want! I think it’s important to mention that hand signs can be used in conjunction with yelling. For example, yell STOPPING, while showing the sign to indicate you’re stopping.
Slowing & Stopping
Make a stop sign with your hand (like you’re stopping in the name of love)! Pulse your hand a few times to indicate you’re slowing down. Keep your stop sign stiff on the center of your back to indicate you are stopping.
Hazard/ Pothole
This one is easy! Point at the thing that’s in the way. Commonly it’ll be a stick , or a pothole, or a rock, or trash, or… you get the point.
Debris/ Gravel
Point your palm at the ground and give it a good ol’ jazz hand! This works well for gravel, debris, glass, anything loose you or your riding partners should avoid running over.
Move Over
This one is great for trash cans, cars, construction, sewer grates, etc. Usually best for things that require more deliberate getting out of the way. Wave your hand behind you pushing in the direction you want your friends to go. To me (Ayesha) it looks a lot like you’re indicating you passed gas, but I guess it can be both?
Train Tracks
Train tracks and bumps will knock you right out of your seat. Give your friends a little warning with a double pump of those elbows, or pointing to indicate that there is an obstacle spanning the road.
Pull Through
On a high speed group ride there’s a good chance a pace line will be involved. If you’re in the front and folks are drafting behind you, there’s no shame if you get tired. Just flick an elbow and that will let them know you’re ready for someone to come around and block the wind!
Let me in (please)
If you’re riding siding by side and a car is coming, you might need to indicate that you’ll be moving in front of your riding partner. Point where you want to go and let them know you’re coming!
Getting out of the saddle
When the person in front of you gets out of the saddle, it can be startling, and sometimes their wheel kicks back a bit. If you’re the person in front, you can give a little warning by swinging your arm back like you’re pretending it’s an elephants trunk! It’ll let them know to leave a bit more space!
Turning Right
Point right! Some folks will use the traditional car signal and make an L shape with their left arm. This is also valid, I just like pointing right, so I do! The left-arm signal was designed for people who were in the left-side driver’s seat and needed to indicate out of a left window.
Turning Left
Point left!
Going Straight
This one is best for clearing up confusion at an intersection. While it’s generally safe to assume folks are going straight unless they’ve indicated otherwise, I (Ayesha) like to be as predictable as possible, especially when there are cars around. I’m signaling just as much for them as I am for other cyclists.
What signs do you use?