Signalling other riders

[Groo]

Was wondering what most people do to make oncoming or passing bikers aware of nearby LEOs. The convention among most of my riding buddies is to tap the top of your helmet, or if riding with a group, dropping your left arm and rotating your left hand at the wrist (like opening a jar) back and forth....

Are there any other commonly used methods of doing this? I know in a car you can also flash your highbeams... but don't see that on bikes very often.

 

[Randy]

tap helmet or give the 'slow down' hand motion

 

[chickey191]

traditional notification has changed over the years -

it used to be your clutch hand lowered on the side of the bike - kind of like what is now a more traditional peace sign wave.

what is generally accepted in the circles I ride (no... I don't frequently ride in circles) is a pat on the top of the helmet - kind of like when someone asks you to rub a circle on your stomach while patting your head. an exagerated pat lets people know that you aren't just adjusting your head gear.

flashing headlights is a more universal signal - to autos

 

[radman]

Few know of the helmet pat. I have seen riders alerted by me ride full bore into speed traps several times. I tried a blown up pic of a torn in half DL, failed also and soon lost in the wind. I've flashed lights, waved, yelled, stood on the pegs and waved, yelled. I have nothing but failed relays, sore arms, hoarse voice for my efforts. You're on your own boyz!!

 

[FJRocket]

I've tapped my helmet many times to warn oncoming riders. Those riders without lids often flip me off, think I'm dissing them for not wearing a helmet.

Most sporties know what I'm motioning about.

You go what you can, then be thankful 'twasn't you in the trap. That time.

 

[Groo]

Those riders without lids often flip me off, think I'm dissing them for not wearing a helmet.

:lol: I've been thinking the same thing... "I wonder if that guy was thinking I was telling him to get a helmet...." :huh: :lol:

 

[ShinyPartsUp]

I tried the slow down motion with my clutch hand, but a couple people thought I was criticizing their speed evidently, as they raised the middle finger of their clutch hand .... I think indicating they were about to speed up, as it couldn't possibly have been a hint for me to rotate on the digit.

The flashing of lights doesn't work well.

So I gave up.

I haven't tried patting my helmet because I didn't know about that one. But I'll try it. I don't have to rub my belly do I?

Maybe I'll get a light up sign on my helmet that would flash LEO .... nah, they'd probably think it was my name and I was a narcisist........

 

[Rogue]

I have allways used the clutch hand signal for LEOs or anything else that they should slow for like gravel around the bend, slow traffic ahead, ect...

 

[FJRottie]

Flash your highbeams and then make a fist on top of your helmet, or the fist on top of the helmet alone.

Some times I just hold up this sign,

 

[GunMD]

A couple weeks ago I gave the tap the helmet signal and it met with dumb looks.

But, as some reassurance that it's a well known signal, I got it today and sure 'nuff...cop just ahead.

Communication is good.

 

[bikeama]

A couple weeks ago I gave the tap the helmet signal and it met with dumb looks.
But, as some reassurance that it's a well known signal, I got it today and sure 'nuff...cop just ahead.

Communication is good.

I wave and tap the Escort 8500 everyone knows what a radar detector is

 

[Sherman]

I thought it was one hand up, rotating (stirring?) your index finger around while it points up into the air to signify the old rotating cherries. Maybe then a quick palm parallel to the road to signify speed reduction.

 

[Rogue]

I want to know how TWN signals other riders.

 

[fjrchik]

I want to know how TWN signals other riders.

more of the usual, i'm sure!

 

[Mike-H]

I believe it's officially called the Trudeau salute :****: ....at least it is in Canada....

 

[Woodstock]

I either tap helmet or raise hand and make a circle like mimiking a gumball light strobe.

 

[Dwavey]

I've seen patting the head before but Radman's right, not everyone knows what that's about. Across Canada, most often I've seen some close variation of what Bruce described, left arm up, left index finger pointing up and quickly rotating the hand and forearm in a circle mimicking the rotating cherries (some show-offs even put both hands up rotating). Sometimes it's preceeded or followed by the left hand patting up and down to advise slowing down. Never had anyone flip me the finger or any other obscene gesture, heck, even the Hells Angels and the wannabe lookalikes on their cruisers who don't normally even acknowledge other riders wave in appreciation for the warning. :thumbsup:

 

[SouthernCruizer]

Down here in the swamps of South Louisiana, we all know that patting the top of your head means the MAN is out there. I've also been known to carry and throw out spike strips if I see another 2 wheeler speeding and in danger of getting ticket. That one doesnt usually go over very well :blink:

 

[radman]

I also tried learning this..

When I tried it, one guy was lookin' to steal second, another operating a crane on a nearby bridge dropped the load onto a Civic. Next plan plz.