20 Biker Hand Signals You Must Know

As soon as you hit the road, your safety is non-negotiable, from checking your mirrors to signaling other drivers. Even the tiniest unawareness can result in major hazards.

Everyone is familiar with the turn-left and right signs, not to mention the hazard lights. And those who own a jeep must be aware of the salute.

However, do you know that there are around 20 biker hand signals? Well, no matter whether you own a bike or not, you need to learn them to understand other riders.

Wondering why?

Imagine going full-speed on a highway. A driver suddenly stops and waves something. But you keep going bonkers since you have no idea what it means.

And boom, next thing you know, you are sliding on an icy road without control, waiting for your bike to crash into something. You poor thing could have avoided the crash if only you had known the “hazard ahead” hand signal.

Well, if you hit the road without even bothering to learn them, then it’s a great shame.

But there is no need to worry Since I have explained all these hand signals along with graphics.

Well, that’s what they say. Better now than never.

Basic Biker Hand Signals

Let’s start with basic signals that every biker and even other drivers must know before going on the road.

Left Turn Signal

For letting the other driver know you are taking a left turn, all you need to do is:  

• Approach the turn, and get into second or third gear.
• Stick your left hand straight out.
• Hold it in that position until you start turning your handlebars.

No matter whether you are going rogue with your biker buddies or rushing to your office. This signal can be used to let other drivers know that you are turning left.

Right Turn Signal

I know what you might be assuming.

Stop!

No, you can not stick out your right arm while taking a right turn.

Did I remind you of the victory pose? Well, that’s exactly what you need to do.

• Stick out your left arm to its full extension.
• Make sure it is at the level of your shoulder.
• Flex your forearm at the elbow joint to make a right angle.
• Now, clench your hand to a fist.

Stop Signal

Next up on the list is the stop signal. This will help you in letting your biker buddies know that you are stopping.

• Stick your left arm out.
• Flex the elbow joint at the right angle.
• Now, instead of your hand facing upward. Flip it such that it is facing downward.
• Make sure that your fingertips are pointing towards the road.

No matter whether you want to communicate with your folks or let other drivers know of an unusual stop to avoid any crash. This sign is crucial to know, especially if you are riding a bike.

Blinkers On

Imagine going on a road, and the blinkers of the car going in front of you are on. Quite frustrating? Isn’t it? Considering now, you don’t know whether they are tuning or not.

Well, a couple of seconds is what it takes to let him know. That is exactly how long it takes for you to prevent a mishap from happening. That is why it is crucial to let other drivers know.

• Stick out your left arm and make a fist.
• Now open this fist and close it again.
• Repeat it until the driver sees you.

Hazard Ahead

The number of hazards that occur because of road hazards, broken cars, and weather conditions is far too many. And most of them are completely avoidable.

You might have seen that video from India where a mass collision occurred because of a foggy road. The chain reaction of collisions continued for hours, not to mention the damage to property and lives.

All of it could have been avoided in the first place if they had signaled the incoming riders of the hazard ahead.

Well, to avoid this situation,

• Extend out your foot on the size of the hazard.

Use it for major potholes and hazards like broken cars or crashed vehicles.

Cops Ahead

Being a biker, I can understand the pain of being pulled out by the cops. No matter whether you are breaking any law or not, waiting in police alert areas is always frustrating.

All you gotta do is:

• Tap your helmet using your left hand a couple of times.

Slow Down

Rushing on a slippery road can prove to be hazardous. However, you can signal your biker friend to slow down by:

• Sticking out your left arm such that your palm is facing downward
• Swinging your palm down and repeating it until the riders slowly notice you.

Speed Up Signal

Just like the name suggests, the speed signal is the reverse of the slow-down signal.

• Stick out your left arm.
• And swing your palm upward.
• Repeat it a few times.

Motorcycle Hand Signals for Group Rides

While running your bike, nothing bums more than unnecessary stops and pauses. Not to mention, it takes all the joy out of riding. Well, to make every ride more fun, you gotta learn to interact with your biker friends without having to stop.

Take Lead

Feeling cramped after leading for too long? Well, ask one of your buddies to take the lead using this hand signal.

• Begin with getting closer to the biker you want to lead.
• Stick out your left arm near waist height and extend it.
• Keep your fist closed and point with your index finger to the front.
• Swing your arm in an arc while pointing towards the road in front.

Follow Me

Taking the lead signal is just as important as handing it over. In order to let others know that you are leading,

• Lift your left arm upward.
• Keep the palm open such that it is facing forward.
• Do not wave or move your palm.

Single File

Moving to tight roads and or freeways might require your group to organize in a single file. You can indicate your biker buddies.

• Raise your left arm above your head such that the elbow joint is at 90’s angle.
• Stick out your index finger as if you are pointing one.

Double File

In the same way, you can lead your group to get into a double file.

• Raise your left arm such that the elbow is at a 90′ angle.
• Stick out two fingers instead of one, index and middle.

Comfort Stop

There is a hand signal for telling your buddies that you need a bathroom break.

• Stick out your left arm at a 45-degree angle with the shoulder joint. Your elbow should be straight.
• Make a fist with the hand.
• Move it up and down at the shoulder joint.

Refreshment Stop

Well, that is exactly what you need to do.

• Using your left hand, point towards your lips with your thumb. As if you are about to sip through it.
• The rest of the fingers must be clenched in a fist.

Fuel Stop

Running out of fuel while riding with your biker friends is such a bummer. Well, there is one thing for sure: once you have been through it, you will never let it happen again.

All you need to do is point towards your fuel tank. Your friends will instantly know that your fuel is about to get out.

Pull Off

Riding a bike is quite a strenuous hobby, and you might have to stop for some reason or the other at some point. While leading, you can point your buddies that it’s time to come off the main road.

• Extend your left arm out above your shoulders and head.
• Point towards your head using your index finger.
• Move it laterally upward.
• Bend it towards the head again.
• Repeat this motion.

This signal is not the most popular one, so make sure to tell your friends about it.

Next Junction Stop

This sign functions the same as the pull-off signal. However, it is mostly used when you can not take a beak instantly. So, you let everyone know beforehand to stop at the next junction to avoid splitting the group.

• Point towards your head with your thumb.

Drop Off

Sometimes, while going at a fast pace, your pals may get split up in case of any unexpected turn. For instance, while turning from the split road. In that case, indicate your buddies about the split before turning.

• Indicate towards the side of the road using your index finger. This will give them the idea to wait for the rest of the members before turning.

Courtesy Signals

These signals are pretty basic. 

Thumbs up Signal

Ever hurdled over some unexpected obstacle while riding with your buddies? Well, you can use this signal to let them know that you are okay and do not need any help.

All you have to do is,

• Raise your hand above your head with your thumb Up.

Flat Tire Signal

If you have a flat tire or other mechanical issue, use this signal to let the group know that you need to stop and fix it.

• Point at your flat tire.

Biker Sign of Respect

Avid bikers are already aware of this sign. It is used for saying simply hello to other riders.

• Extend out your left arm at the level of your knee.
• And make a victory sign using your index and middle fingers.

Can I communicate without using Signs?

Well, good news for you because nowadays you can communicate with your pals without using any signs or signals.

Using your brakes and signals to give directions is the one way to do it. But I have an even better solution.

Bluetooth Intercoms! My personal Favourite are the Cardo PackTalk series and Sena 50S

Unlike old Bluetooth devices, these innovative pieces will enable you to stay in touch with 15 of your group members at one time. No matter whether you are together or split up, you will still be able to stay in touch with them.

Neat. Isn’t it? Well, you need not remember all these hand signals and enjoy your ride without any worry.

Conclusion

In this article, I have mentioned twenty biker hand signals. Learning them and teaching your biker friends about these signals will make riding even more fun.