Safe biking isn’t just about helmets, jackets, or reflective gear. With more vehicles on the road, communicating with fellow riders is essential. Hand signals help bikers indicate turns, stops, speed changes, and hazards, ensuring safety for everyone.
In honor of Motorcycle Awareness Month, 6Kiom shares the 6 key hand signals every biker must know.
1. Turn Right Hand Signal
- Option 1: Extend your right arm fully outward (commonly used, but less safe).
- Option 2 (Recommended): Extend your left arm sideways, bent 90° at the elbow, palm facing forward.
2. Turn Left Hand Signal
- Extend your left arm straight at shoulder height, palm facing down, fingers extended.
- Optionally, use your index finger to point left.
3. Stop Hand Signal
- Extend your left arm, palm facing backward.
- Signals your intention to stop safely while maintaining balance.
4. Speed Up Hand Signal
- With left arm extended, move your palm upward.
- Communicates with fellow riders to increase speed.
5. Slow Down Hand Signal
- Extend your left arm, and move your palm downward.
- Signals to reduce speed for safety or traffic reasons.
6. Road Hazard Hand Signal
- Left hazard: Extend left arm, index finger pointing to the ground.
- Right hazard: Point your right foot toward the ground.
- Alerts riders to obstacles, accidents, or hazards ahead.
Ride Safe, Communicate Clearly
Mastering these 6 hand signals ensures not only your safety but also the safety of others. Proper communication on the road reduces accidents and enhances the riding experience.
