Hand Signals: What’s the big deal?

By Michelle Stepanek, Bike Safety Communications Intern
Iowa Bicycle Coalition

Hand signals are not only the most efficient form of communication while biking; they are also the most important way of ensuring safety among yourself and others on the who are on the road. As Mark Wyatt, director of the Iowa Bicycle Coalition explains, hand signals, “make a big difference. Drivers cannot read your mind, you have to signal your intentions. The best way to operate is to negotiate with others by using hand signals. It’s all about negotiation”.

Hand signals not only prevent accidents among other bicyclists, motor vehicles and pedestrians, they also aid in helping bicyclists feel more comfortable and confident on the road. When Meleah Droll, Community relations officer of the Coralville Police Department was asked what the dangers of bicyclist not using hand signals are, she responded, “A bicyclist who turns without signaling causes confusion in fellow motorists, especially when making an abrupt or unexpected turn. Just like a turn signal is appreciated (and required, according to Iowa Code) for a motorist, hand signals are appreciated by motorists. It’s a way to communicate with drivers, and many times communication alleviates confusion and frustration”.

Hand Signals tell others what you intend to do and is a matter of law. Meleah Droll goes on to explain, “Since bicyclists have to follow the same rules of the road and laws as motorists and most bikes aren’t equipped with turn signals, the bicyclist needs to let other motorists know their intentions in traffic, and hand signals are the most effective way to do this”.

So others on the road have enough time to respond to you, it is important that to signal long before that action is actually made.

The proper hand signals that are to be used in Iowa:

When you are about to make a stop: Bend your left arm to a 90 degree angle with your hand pointing towards the ground. When you are about to make a left turn: Parallel to the ground, stick your left arm straight out from your body. When you are about to make a right turn: Bending your left arm to a 90 degree angle, point your hand upward towards the sky.

Additionally, noted by Dan McKay of Ride Right, “Cyclists do have other hand signals that they use for loose gravel, pot holes, road kill etc. These signals are usually to point down at the obstruction and call out the hazard to fellow riders. Riders, out of courtesy, should also call out there intent to pass another cyclist or pedestrian. For example saying on your left when you are about to pass”. Additional information on Iowa hand signals can be found in Iowa’s state drivers license manual.

Ensure safety, feel confident and avoid confusion. Use Hand Signals.