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straight on hand signal

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  • February 19, 2013 at 6:04 am #18014
    Forester

    Am I the only cyclist using the ‘straight ahead’ hand signal (right arm raised, palm forward), or more importantly, do motorists recognise it? There aren’t many traffic lights here in the New Forest but one crossroad in particular is dangerous if you’re at the front of the queue with traffic wanting to turn right across you. So far a lightening start and bloodymindedness is getting me across first, aided possibly by the signal I learned in cycling proficiency lessons in the 50’s. Wonder how the urban cyclists manage.

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Viewing 13 replies - 1 through 13 (of 13 total)
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  • February 20, 2013 at 1:48 pm #717781
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    Bedfordshire Clanger

    One summer’s day on the Upper
    One summer’s day on the Upper Clapton Road in Hackney, I saw a platoon of coppers in training, bedecked head to toe in fluorescent green on their police issue MTBs, all giving the straight on sign at their leader’s signal.
    It’s one of the funniest things I’ve ever seen on the road.

    February 20, 2013 at 10:02 am #717779
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    Some Fella

    Surely a default no signal
    Surely a default no signal either left or right indicates you are going straight on?

    February 19, 2013 at 7:43 pm #717777
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    giff77

    A lot of motorists are
    A lot of motorists are clueless to much of the HC! I have found that the hand signal for stopping is appreciated by some motorists. The staight ahead is also useful when moving off from a junction as it prevents you being cut up. But as some have mentioned many are clueless to these signals.

    February 19, 2013 at 11:27 am #717775
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    Marauder

    I haven’t heard of this
    I haven’t heard of this either and I would be surprised if many motorist have too. If I was in this position then I would try and avoid confusion and just point where I want to go.

    February 19, 2013 at 10:37 am #717773
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    giff77

    I should add that these
    I should add that these signals allow you to indicate to the officer doing points which direction you wish to take.

    February 19, 2013 at 10:34 am #717771
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    giff77

    Yeah I know it and use it.
    Yeah I know it and use it. Not sure if motorists are taught hand signals in case their indicators fail. In fact most will be clueleess as to hand signals given by a police officer on points duty. Though on saying that I observed an officer not so long ago attempting points duty and making a total arse of it.

    February 19, 2013 at 10:24 am #717769
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    pepita1

    I stick out my arm and point
    I stick out my arm and point my finger in the direction I am intending to go (e.g. if I’m turning right, my right arm goes straight out to right side of my body). It usually works, although last Sunday some old git was trying to overtake me and turn the same direction as me. I had to throw my arm out in quick succession and glance back at the idiot to get him to acknowledge my intention.

    February 19, 2013 at 10:10 am #717767
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    therevokid

    know of it (it was in the
    know of it (it was in the highway code when I learnt !!)
    but I’ve never used it. I do occasionally point when
    the driver opposite looks puzzled.

    most drivers these days would probably see that as a
    “stop” indication …..

    February 19, 2013 at 9:18 am #717765
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    notfastenough

    Not heard of that before, but
    Not heard of that before, but strangely have been tempted to point forwards in some way to indicate my intended direction at lights.

    February 19, 2013 at 9:07 am #717763
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    mancsi

    As a driver when going
    As a driver when going straight over a junction I tend to lower my back windows and apply my hazards then feather the breaks so my break lights are in time with the hazards. This clearly indicates that I am not turning left nor right!

    February 19, 2013 at 8:32 am #717761
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    CraigS

    Never heard of it either and
    Never heard of it either and wouldn’t recognise it as a motorist!

    February 19, 2013 at 7:27 am #717759
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    Croydon Cyclists

    No, not alone. I use it too,
    No, not alone. I use it too, but I wonder how many motorists know what it means. As far as I can see, the “straight on” hand signal is no longer included in the Highway Code.

    February 19, 2013 at 7:25 am #717757
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    robert.brady

    Never heard of it but your
    Never heard of it but your description makes it sound like a Nazi salute! Can’t imagine motorists responding kindly to that…

    Rob

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