Tiny Bicycle Lesson #14: Turn,Turn, Turn Signals!

1 year ago

Tiny Bicycle Lesson #14: Turn,Turn, Turn Signals!

Remember taking driver’s ed and they told you about the hand turn signals you should use to indicate stops and turns? No? Me neither. Chances are, the other cyclists and motorists on the road might not remember either.

This system was started long ago because people were driving cars with no turn signals or brake lights. To signal, they had to put their left arm out the window. This explains why all of the signals are on the left side. Since it is hard to remember, it might not be your best bet.

However, when riding in a city (or anywhere with other cars or bicycles), it is tremendously important to let people know where you are going. Indicating you’re turning helps to keep you safe.

So throw out those driver’s ed hand turn signals and adopt this new simple way of signalling: Put your left or right arm straight out to your side depending on which way you’re turning. You can even point for some dramatic flair.

Turn into a better cyclist every day. Check out these other lessons…

About Tiny Bicycle Lessons * #1 Be a Car * #2 This is Not a Competition

#3 Chapstick! * #4 Feeling flat, not deflated * #5 Water freezes at 32 degrees

#6 Hills as easy as 1-2-3 * #7 Stop in the name of $270

#8 Go on tour, you rockstar! * #9 Beat the heat

#10 HBB and the Deathly Sharrows * #11 Keep Going! * #12 Put your foot down

#13 Getting over your fear of being a bicycle commuter