Learningly

Bicycle hand signals are signals given by cyclists and motorists to convey some information to the other traffic. Do not be surprised if you come to know that bicycles are considered to be vehicles and there are definite set of traffic rules which have to be followed by them too. In many countries the same hand signals are meant for other vehicles too which do not have signal lights or other modern ways of indication.

Some of the commonly used bicycle hand signals are:

Left turn:

For a cyclist to turn to the left of the road this signal is used. The cyclist has to extend his left hand in the direction of the turn to signal to others that he is going to turn left. This symbol is common in most parts of the world.

Right turn:

There are a number of ways in which a right turn is signified. In most places of the world the right hand is extended in direction of the turn to signal a right turn. While in the United States and Canada another method of signaling is also adapted. One has to extend his arm out to the left, parallel with the forearm held upward in order to signal for the turn.

Stop:

Stopping is signified by a number of means in different countries. In the United Kingdom cyclists have to extend their right arm parallel to the road with their palm facing down and wave it slowly to communicate to others that he is slowing down.

In the United States and Canada one has to extend his left arm to the left and parallel to the road and angle the forearm vertically downward while in Italy, the right arm held vertically with the palm facing the front indicates the same.

In countries like Australia and Denmark one has to extend his right vertically with palm facing the front as it Italy or one can put his right arm parallel to the road and keep the forearm vertical with the palm at the front to signal slowing or stopping.

A number of signals are also used by cyclists but they are not very common is use. It is very important for a person to be aware of these common bicycle hand signals before riding a bicycle in a different place. The bicycle hand signals in a particular country can be better understood with visuals.