How To Use Hand Signals Whilst Cycling | Essential Group Ride Communication For Bike Riders

Riding a road bike comes with some risks, but cyclists can help minimise these by communicating well with each other and other road users. In this video we go through a few hand signals that can help keep you and your friends safe on the roads!

Do you think all road cyclists should use hand signals?

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What do you think about using hand signals on a ride? Let us know your thoughts in the comments!

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Music - licensed by Epidemic Sound:
ES_Upbeat Electronic Pop (Indie Pop Version) - Gavin Luke
ES_These Neon Streets - A Month of Sleep
ES_Playing Safe (Instrumental Version) - Roof
ES_In the Name of Love (Instrumental Version) - Flux Vortex
ES_Good Look (Instrumental Version) - Lasse Lyx

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[gcn]

What do you think about using hand signals on a ride? Let us know your thoughts in the comments!

[mr.mcgaha]

Car drivers give hand signals to cyclists as well. Sometimes they even stop to tell us how much they like sharing the road.

[RonaldBeirouti]

When a car passes me with a good amount of space, I give them a thumbs up. They probably wouldn't see me, but the next driver behind sees me and sees I appreciate the previous car's maneuver and they are more likely to remember to give me space.

[SRSR]

I'm gonna need more than two hands to point out all the hazards on my local roads

[richardwitt]

1:22 - I love the way Manon's hand signal so subtly displayed the flash of a diamond

[heidijarvis]

As a. British Cycling ride leader communication is key on a guided ride. I have guided a deaf lady on a 20 mile ride using hand signals and had some amazing feedback on how safe and looked after she felt.

[DiderDoubios]

Really love the chemistry between Hank and Manon! I'm loving this! The video is also very informative, gonna tell me mates about this so next time we gonna use a propper hand signal to point out an obsticle and stuff :D

[msweirdoever]

I absolutely love watching videos of Manon and Hank, they have such amazing chemistry. Also great video, learned a few new signals! Cheers!

[ricksnyder]

One hand signal that I find particularly useful when riding in a group is the "Peace sign" displayed in the small of a rider's back to indicate a railroad crossing. Many times the riders in the back of the line don't see these obstacles and a quick alert is appreciated.

[richardc.]

It's nice to see GCN keeping potential new riders well informed about cycling etiquette. 👍🏽

[Ethan]

I tend to point emphatically in the direction I’m turning with my finger rather than vaguely waggling my hand, as pointing is more familiar to drivers, et al.

I also point down at an angle as I switch into a turn lane (“I’m going *there*”) and then raise my arm up to signal the turn itself once I’m in the turn lane.

I’ve seen other cyclists use those gestures and found them to be the most unambiguous.

[justinraywolfe]

"Is it a bird, is it a plane?"
"No, it's Manon!" 🤣🤣🤣

[cotteeskid]

The other reason to take the middle of the lane at a junction is to discourage cars from wanting to share your lane while waiting for traffic. It is the same with a motorcycle.

[nikketse]

usually when i need to emergency stop:
SH-"

[kimora_lee]

I am 15, and my Dad just bought me a new bike, I'm learning how to be safe on roads, this video is extremely helpful, because i don't quite know how to indicate, but i do now, thank you for sharing this!!❤

[ronbyers]

They look like they have fun. Good team.

[groovy_bear]

I learnt all of these as a kid when I was at bicycle school, and now I do them all the time without noticing it. This should be taught to every kid at school, not necessarily the group part, but the rest can be life saving (or maybe not, according to some studies... see below). Glad to see the signals are the same on both sides of the Channel by the way :)

[georgejohnson]

I am old and so can barely turn enough to see behind. Consequently If turning right on a main road. I pull over to the left and cross as a pedestrian.

I find that it is amazing how nice good drivers are at over-taking ... if you give a nice thumbs-up for a graceful distance, often they thank you with a flash of their turning signal.

On the other hand those that pass six inches from your pedal are not only reckless but don't care about it.

My main bike is a 36 year old Carlton ...

Love your vids!

Best wishes from George

[Truethee]

Informative piece. I’d add when we’re moving at a strong pace, a cyclist would say ‘HEADS UP!’ alerting everyone to look ahead for any sort of obstacle.

[Allnuts-H]

Manon & Hank best duo on GCN fosure!