Northwest Recreation

Although many people fail to think about them, hand signals are an extremely important aspect to biking.  Whether you are on gravel roads with light vehicle traffic or busy highways, hand signals show where you are going and help others to anticipate your moves and directions.  Here are some hand signals to remember, but note that they can be different from one country to another, and these only apply in the U.S.

Left turn:  Left arm extended parallel with the road you are turning onto and pointing to your left with no bend in the elbow.

Right turn: Right arm extended to your right parallel with the road you are turning onto with no bend in the elbow, OR, left arm with forearm pointing vertical with a 90 degree bend at the elbow.

Stop:  Left arm with forearm point down to the ground and bend in the elbow.

Remember, be safe and have fun!