Cycling question - signalling left and right?

PopeSock

I've just started cycling again, and got a hybrid bike. I've not ridden on roads before and I was wondering about signalling.

I assume you need to signal if you're going left, or right? The Highway Code section on junctions seems ambiguous, suggesting that you only need to indicate when turning right. Am I mis reading this, as it seems odd.

Also, I've tried signalling when going around the park to practice, but I get wobbly when I try to signal with a hand off the handlebars. Will this come more naturally as I practice more? I'm mostly sticking to the park/trails so far till I get used to it.

Tigsteroonie

As a driver and a pedestrian, please DO signal. I hate the guessing games.

(And yes, as a driver, I do remember to indicate.)

littleredhen

It's best to signal when turning left or right but I don't hold my arm out the whole time, I signal so oncoming traffic know my intention and then I may signal again if a car has passed and another is approaching. You will get the hang of it, it just takes a little practice

Moto2

The general rule for all road users is to signal if it'll benefit anyone.

esuhl

Moto2 wrote: »

The general rule for all road users is to signal if it'll benefit anyone.

That's what I tend to do.

I also avoid signalling at all if it's necessary to keep both hands on the handlebars (if the road surface is poor, or if drivers are positioning themselves aggressively/recklessly and I need to maintain full control).

It's frustrating that most drivers fail to indicate at junctions. There's not really any excuse for not flicking the lever -- I think it must be their belligerent attitude that makes them think that no one else on the road matters.

ljonski

i am always weary of taking my hands of the handlebar particularly at a roundabout. Has anyone thought of flickers for cyclists?

GwylimT

I always signal if there are other road users around or a pedestrian wishing to cross the road. It really isn't that difficult to ride in a straight line for a few seconds with one hand, if you're unsteady then you aren't ready to be a road user.

custardy

PopeSock wrote: »

I've just started cycling again, and got a hybrid bike. I've not ridden on roads before and I was wondering about signalling.

I assume you need to signal if you're going left, or right? The Highway Code section on junctions seems ambiguous, suggesting that you only need to indicate when turning right. Am I mis reading this, as it seems odd.

Also, I've tried signalling when going around the park to practice, but I get wobbly when I try to signal with a hand off the handlebars. Will this come more naturally as I practice more? I'm mostly sticking to the park/trails so far till I get used to it.

Always signal right,signal left where possible.
Watch out for poor road surfaces,pedestrians etc on left tuns especially.
If you are wobbly then don't throw your arm way out.
A hand off the handlebar and indicating left/right and out slightly is better than nothing

custardy

ljonski wrote: »

i am always weary of taking my hands of the handlebar particularly at a roundabout. Has anyone thought of flickers for cyclists?

If you mean indicators then many have come out.
Usually over priced and poorly implemented (IMO)
I see there's a new helmet available with them built in

http://techcrunch.com/2015/07/14/lumos/#.12vf0g:xJbT

I like the idea of a brake light more. With disc brakes I can outbrake many cars and you have to rely on a driver seeing the distance closing in a emergency breaking situation.
In normal situations i simply use the highway code slowing down hand signal

Marco_Panettone

I tend not to signal, using road position instead. I prefer to have hands on the bars to steer safely and brake when necessary. Obviously there are a few exceptions to this - where signalling would make things safer or easier - but on my regular commute this is rare.

Swampy3k

I don't signal too often turning left, but a good look about is a must (pedestrians mostly listen and rarely look) turning right again I tend to try and time it better so I don't need to signal, but if needed, I just take my hand of the handlebar and wave left or right, it is definitely not like the pictures on the highway code!.