Bit of a rant here, but I was driving into town today and noticed that very few (if any) bike riders used hand signals to when turning or stopping. Folks, you got the helmet but did you leave out your brain? Come on, we learned then in school. You had to learn them to drive (I know I did even in barse-akwards Virginia).
I was navigating the streets and this guy on a bike, well I couldn’t figure out if he was going to turn left (like I wanted to) or go straight (there wasn’t a bike lane).
Next turn I wanted to make (a right) same guy, same question (bike lane this time). The issue is that cars should yield and watch for bikes, but if we can’t tell WTF you’re going to do, it’s rather hard.
In case you have forgotten, here are the signals (from a BC bike safety site). Love this quote from the site:
Always make hand signals well in advance of any turn, not just when you think they are needed.
Also, may I remind bike riders that although we do get cut some slack on the rules of the road, you still must stop at stoplights, stop signs, etc. Right on red is cool, still gotta stop first.
Bikes are vehicles. The same rules apply unless noted (like do not enter, except bikes).
Okay enough ranting.
P.S. Yes, I do use them. I don’t like the feel of steel smashing into flesh, thank you.
Tris Hussey is a writer, teacher, blogger, and speaker on all facets of Internet life, WordPress, and social media. If you are interested in having Tris speak, teach, lead a workshop or consult for you, feel free to email tris [at] trishussey [dot] com.
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I hate bad drivers, but just the same, i hate bad bikers!
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