Safety Tips: Hand Signals
When out on our bikes, it's difficult to converse with one another. The wind, the helmets, and, of course, the pipes, keep verbal communication to a minimum.
That's why we use hand signals. And, in group rides, hand signals are how we pass valuable information from the front of the group to the rear. While there are numerous hand signals you may have been introduced to in your Basic Rider's Course from Harley or MSF, we use several standard signals on every ride.
HERE are examples of many common hand signals used.
Start Engines With your right or left arm extended, move your index finger in a circular motion.
Turn - Left Raise your left arm horizontal with your elbow fully extended.
Turn - Right Raise your left arm horizontal with your elbow bent 90 degrees vertically.
Hazard - Left Extend your left arm at a 45 degree angle and point towards the hazard. Alternate: Use of left foot extended towards the hazard.
Hazard - Right <<Extend your right arm at a 45 degree angle and point towards the hazard. Extend your left arm upward at a 45 degree angle with your elbow bent to 90 degrees and point towards the hazard over your helmet.>> Alternate: Use of right foot extended towards the hazard.
Speed Up Raise your left arm up and down with your index finger extended upward. This indicates the leader wants to speed up.
Slow Down Extend your left arm at a 45 degree angle and move your hand up and down.
Stop Extend your left arm at a 45 degree angle with the palm of your hand facing rearward.
Single File Formation Position your left hand over your helmet with your fingers extended upward. This indicates the leader wants the group in a single file formation. Usually this is done for safety reasons.
Staggered Formation Extend your left arm upward at a 45 degree angle with your index and pinkie finger extended. This indicate that it is safe to return to staggered formation.
Tighten Up Raise your left arm and repeatedly move up and down in a pulling motion. This indicates the leader wants the group to close ranks.
