FROM THE INTERNET...
Coming from England to the U.S. I was taught somewhat different hand signals. I have continued
to use my U.K. signalsduring the 18 years I've been cycling in the States and have found that even
the stop signal I use, which is not generally practiced here, is well-accepted.
- Right turn: The standard right turn signal is the right arm held out horizontally and palm of the
hand held vertically. This is unambiguous. (The first time I saw the U.S. left-arm-bent-upwards
signal I was waiting for vertical takeoff! This signal was evidently invented for a cabin-trapped
motorist. It doesn't mean cyclists should follow suit.)
- Left turn: The same but with the left arm held horizontally.
- Slow, possibly preparing to stop: The "broken arm" U.S. signal is a poor substitute for the
U.K. signal, IMHO, which commences by stretching out the arm as for a left turn signal but with
the palm facing DOWN, and then moving it rhythmically down to the vertical position, and then
back up again, repeating as necessary. I find this not only catches following drivers' attention but
seems to better convey the intention. At the very least drivers will slow down to see what your
next move is! It also lends itself to conveying to a following driver (by adding a backwards
component to the downwards motion when necessary): "Back off and slow down you twit, can't
you see I'm going to stop at this stop sign?!" - or whatever. (Again, when I first saw the U.S. equivalent, my wicked British humor interpreted it as "preparing
to take a nosedive vertically downwards!")
With regards, Martin Pion. [Effective Cycling Advocate.]
Gainesville Cycling Club Web Site