How to Use Hand and Voice Signals to Make Group Riding Safer

Cyclists use a variety of hand and voice signals to communicate road obstacles, traffic conditions, and how they are going to ride. Keeping the group in touch with each other reduces surprises, and makes everyone safer. Here are the most common signals:


POINTING DOWN TOWARDS THE GROUND, LEFT OR RIGHT SIDE

A point is used to warn the riders behind you of a smaller obstacle, usually one that doesn’t pose a risk of crashing, but is still not pleasant to ride over. Keep your hands on the handlebar as you are riding over the obstacle, as you don’t want to crash yourself by pointing it out!


“CAR BACK”

This call is made by riders at the rear of a group, when they notice a car behind the group that has slowed and probably wants to pass. The signal is directed at the riders towards the front, who probably haven’t seen the car behind the group. When they hear “car back”, everyone should slowly move towards the right side of the lane and get in single-file in order to give the car an opportunity to pass. A rider doesn’t HAVE to move over right away, though … if road conditions make you feel safer staying put, do so, and move over when it feels right to.


POINTING DOWN TOWARDS THE GROUND, WIGGLING FOUR FINGERS

This signal is used to warn of a longer patch of bad pavement or gravel on the road.


“RUNNER UP”
This call is to announce that there is someone on foot ahead in the lane. It ensures that everyone will be paying attention while passing the runner, and no one is surprised as the group drifts around them.


PATTING YOUR HIP WITH YOUR HAND. Or, waving your hand to the side behind your hip

This announces something sitting in the shoulder that everyone should be aware of, like a parked car or a trashcan. If a rider is casually following behind another, they may not notice the hazard until it is too late if the front rider abruptly swerves to avoid it.


“POTHOLE”, “BRICK”, or ”GRAVEL”
Calling out a road hazard by voice is usually saved for the really bad obstacles that would cause a wreck if anyone hit them. Remember that the rider behind you can’t see through you, and could hit an obstacle you pass before they have time to react to it. Call it out!


RAISING YOUR HAND TO SHOULDER HEIGHT
This is also known as a “wave”, and indicates that you are having a great day on the bike!


This may sound like a lot of details, but remember that the goal is to have these behaviors become habit, and ride along enjoying yourself without having to think about them.