Important Hand Signals for Cyclists

1. Important Hand Signals for
Cyclists
By: Lee Chimerakis

2. Important Hand Signals for Cyclists
Lee Chimerakis spent nearly 40 years as a portfolio manager and executive leader in the financial
service industry, prior to his retirement in 2018. Since stepping away from the financial industry,
Lee Chimerakis has led a healthy, active lifestyle. His interests range from strength training to
cycling.

3. Important Hand Signals for Cyclists
Individuals taking up cycling, either competitively or as a form of exercise, must learn the various
hand signals of cycling in order to ensure their safety, as well as the safety of motorists,
pedestrians, and other cyclists. Turning and stop signals are arguably the most important signals to
learn, as they are used most frequently.

4. Important Hand Signals for Cyclists
To signal a left turn, riders must simply raise their left arm parallel to the road and point in the
direction of the turn. Cyclists can mirror this gesture on the right side for a right turn, though it is
more common to raise the left arm, then bend at the elbow and point up. This traditional right turn
signal can be flipped, with the fingers pointing down, to signal a stop. Cyclists riding as part of the
group can shake their hand side to side while making the stop signal to indicate deceleration,
which may or may not be followed by a complete stop.

5. Important Hand Signals for Cyclists
There are also a number of related hand signals that are often used. For example, a cyclist at the
head of a group who notices an obstruction or debris in the road should notify their fellow riders by
extending the arm closest to the debris and either wiggling their fingers or waving their hand side to
side. Individuals should discuss additional signals with their riding groups, such as signals for lane
switches and sharing the lead rider position.