Urban cycling is not only a fun activity, but also an eco-friendly and healthy way to get around. When taking to the streets with your bike, it is crucial to communicate efficiently with other road users.
Road safety is essential, both for drivers of other vehicles and for cyclists. For those who prefer bicycle mobility, hand-held cycling signals are a critical tool for communicating with other road users. Mastering these signs not only improves safety, but also promotes harmonious coexistence in traffic. In this article, we’ll explore the most important hand signals that every cyclist should know, helping you ride safely and efficiently.
Index
Importance of cycling signs when cycling
Before we dive into the specific signs that every cyclist should know, it’s crucial to understand the critical role these signs play. Beyond being simple gestures, manual cycling signals are the main communication tool on the road. He imagines the road as a space for constant exchange between different actors: drivers, pedestrians, users of personal mobility vehicles and, of course, cyclists. In this context, manual and visual signals become a shared language that facilitates coexistence and strengthens everyone’s safety.
When you deploy a signal, you’re not just informing about your next maneuver, you’re establishing a visual dialogue that allows others to anticipate your actions. This act of anticipation is key to reducing the risk of potential incidents on the road. Imagine riding a bike without signaling: other road users would have a hard time understanding your intentions, which could lead to confusion and potentially dangerous situations. Think, for example, if cars didn’t use their turning or brake lights, chaos would break out!
Thus, hand signals become an essential component of road safety in cycling. It is not just about rules or protocols, but about a form of communication that contributes to harmony and coexistence in traffic. By understanding and using these cues effectively, you not only improve your own safety, but you also contribute to the well-being of those who share the path with you.
Hand signals are the main communication tool on the road
Making it easy to anticipate
Imagine a driver behind you. Thanks to its clear signage, it can anticipate your turn, reducing the possibility of sudden braking and improving traffic flow. Cycling signs create an invisible but effective connection between cyclists and drivers, fostering mutual respect on the road.
Reducing the risk of accidents
Road safety is a joint effort, and hand signals play a critical role in this shared commitment. By communicating your movements in advance, you help prevent unnecessary collisions and maintain a safer road environment for everyone.
Conscious and empathetic cycling
Bicycle hand signals are not just traffic rules; they are an expression of responsibility and connection. By adopting this practice, you become a conscious cyclist, building bridges of understanding in the labyrinth of the streets.
Practical tips for cycling signposts
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Anticipate your movements: signal well in advance before making a turn or changing lanes. This allows other road users time to react and adjust their speed or position.
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Maintain consistency: Use signals consistently and clearly. This helps to establish effective communication with others on the road.
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Check your surroundings: Before signaling, make sure there are no obstacles preventing others from seeing your signs. In addition, verify that the road is clear and that you can perform the maneuver safely.
Type of cycling signs
In the next segment, we’ll explore the specific signals for you to become a “jedi” of two-wheeled communication.
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Right turn: When you are about to turn right, extend your right arm horizontally with the palm of your hand extended downwards, if you want you can point your index finger to the right. This is the option we think is clearest (and the one we use in Ossby) but you can also indicate the right turn like this: left arm bent up and palm extended. Both ways are contemplated by the DGT. In any case, hold the signal for at least five seconds before making the turn. This will alert drivers and pedestrians of your intentions.
- Left turn: To indicate a left turn, extend your left arm horizontally with your palm extended and down. The other option is: right arm bent upwards and palm extended. As with the right turn, it is important to hold the signal for a few seconds before making the turn.
- Slowing down: If you need to slow down, according to what the DGT says, put your left or right arm horizontally and make movements up and down several times. This sign alerts drivers and cyclists coming up behind you, signaling that you’ll slow down or stop. Remember to use it at junctions and when a stop sign is approaching or giving way
- Slowing down: If you need to slow down, according to what the DGT says, put your left or right arm horizontally and make movements up and down several times. This sign alerts drivers and cyclists coming up behind you, signaling that you’ll slow down or stop. Remember to use it at junctions and when a stop sign approaches or gives way.
- Stop: This signal is your way of communicating to your colleagues on the road behind you that you are about to stop. Its importance lies in preventing possible collisions and ensuring smooth circulation. The way to communicate this action is: raise your left or right hand above your head, with your palm facing forward. Additionally, making small movements with your hand can increase the visibility of the action, making sure everyone is in the know.
Signalling your manoeuvre when riding a bicycle is an essential practice for road safety and harmonious coexistence on the road.
These tips apply to both a traditional bike and a folding electric bike like the Ossby GEO.
By correctly understanding and applying cycling signs and signals, bike users contribute to a safer traffic environment for all drivers. Remember that effective communication is key, and these signals are an important means of achieving it. Safety starts with small actions, and proper signage is a critical step towards a safer and more enjoyable cycling experience. Pedal safely!
Now that you know the basic cycling signs to ride your bike or ebike, we recommend that you learn where bicycles and electric bikes should ride in the city.
¿Por dónde deben circular las bicicletas en ciudad (en España)?
