![]() “A gauche” means “on the left”, and “a droite” means “on the right.Bike hand signals are a great way for cyclists to communicate intentions on the road. Here, the language of cycling – French – is generally used and understood. This is particularly common in sportives, especially on the continent where the route can be mountainous and the speeds higher on descents. For example, calling “on the right” as you approach a slower cyclist from their right flank, and vice versa. “On the left/right”įor use between cyclists, this warns a rider in front of you where you are in relation to them on approach. Some riders also use a “car left/right” call to emphasise the presence of traffic in this situation, but make the call loud and understandable so not to confuse “car” with “clear”. The absence of this call indicates the default position that a vehicle is approaching, and that it’s unsafe to pull out of the junction or across the split road. As a result, this call should only be used when the junction offers a clear line of sight in both directions. Used when attempting to join the flow of traffic from a junction to indicate that the road is clear and the group can begin to move through the junction without stopping but, crucially, after slowing to check for traffic. ![]() On top of the calls that function in tandem or in place of signals, here are others that rely solely on clear vocal communication. ![]() However, this is not to be overused – on UK roads, if we all shouted “hole!” every time the road surface was less than perfect, we’d probably never stop. This will sometimes be accompanied by a circling motion – if there’s time.įor deep and sharp holes in the road, a clear and loud call of “hole” or “holes” will help notify your fellow cyclists of the severity of the upcoming obstacle. If you are approaching a hazard in the road, for example a pothole, manhole cover or drain cover, outstretch your arm on the side that the upcoming hazard will pass your bike and point to the floor. If you’re at the head of a large peloton, it can be helpful to raise your hand to just above shoulder height, and point in the direction of the upcoming turn. Always have a quick look behind you to make sure those other road users have seen and reacted to your indication. Ensure you make this indication before you edge out to the middle of the road in the case of a right turn in the UK, so other road users have plenty of notice of your intentions. Outstretch your arm straight out to the side of you to indicate your intended turn. Top product picks this month: Kryptonite bike locks | Bike cleaning gear | New-season cycling glassesĪn essential signal for all road users. This will give riders an additional stimulus to react to, apart from your rear wheel suddenly rushing towards them. In addition to the signal, and if braking is more urgent and you haven’t got time to indicate safely, call out “Slowing!” loudly and sharply. Use this indication when you’re confident that you’re going to be pulling the brakes in order to significantly slow your speed. With your arm outstretched, palm-down, and slightly behind you so cyclists behind you get a clear view of your hand, move your hand up and down at the wrist to indicate that you’re about to slow. All illustrations by Matt Ward / Signals Slowing Here’s our guide to the key signals and calls you need to know to stay safe on the road. The nature of riding in a group means, if you’re not on the front of the bunch, you may not always see a hazard, but a well-drilled group using signals and calls correctly will ensure all riders remain safe on the road. With various signals and calls to warn the group of the hazards cyclists are exposed to, it’s vital you know what each one means, while being able and confident to make a call when you’re the rider on the front. To newcomers it can be surprising, and potentially confusing, just how noisy a group of cyclists can be. Group riding is one of the best and most enjoyable aspects of road cycling – whether you ride regularly with your club each weekend, train with a select few buddies as you build-up to your next race, or you’re making the trip to ride a sportive with a group of friends.
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