Gestures by Cyclists

[wise_old_buzzard]

When I am on the road I don't hesitate
to use all the gestures at my disposal
to ensure my safety. Is this ok?

Buzz

[mick]

Depends what type of gesture?
If it is obscene you would be better turning the other cheek for personal safety.

[gar]

I learnt to ride some years before cycle training was introduced, but it must be v useful.
I discovered the other day that "holding a line"
in the road and then taking up a secondary line a little later is actually taught as good practice.
I thought about it and realised I had been doing it well.... always.
However the gestures that a cyclists uses is a matter for a great deal more question.
I gesture all over the place if I think it is going to help my cause and its clarity. I always use hand signals and that does not restrict me to left and right signals. If I am going ahead and it may not be clear I point ahead with my arm ,hand, and finger. I sometimes give a stroking sign which drivers understand, from the forehead graciously forward and downward, and there are all sorts of others

Motorists inside their cabs now give any number of signs to each other on narrow roads. I can only assume that cycling training includes some liberal sign language instruction which i have acquired by practice over the years.

[tee-ell]

I rec'd an unusual signal from a white van driver last week. He was moving his hand in a rapid up and down motion while overtaking me in a road restriction and I can only surmise he was informing me of a bumpy section of road ahead. has anyone else seen this gesture used ?

[gar]

That is what Buzz must be thinking of about signs.
Interesting one that! Can many problems of the road be resolved by such sign language or does it actiually complicate matters?

G