Hand Signals

Below are some of the more common hand signals:

Hand signals provide quick communication regarding safety and navigation issues and are important to group riding safety.

Below are common hand signals used by the Chapter. Generally, though not always, the Road Captain initiates a hand signal and is passed back through the pack.

Stop                                                  

Extend the left (or right) arm at a 45-degree angle downward with the palm facing rearward.

 Slow Down

Extend your left (or right) arm and move up and down several times.

Left Turn

Raise left arm horizontally with the elbow fully extended.

Right Turn

Raise left arm horizontally with arm bent at elbow 90 degrees vertically.

Hazard Left

Option #1: Extend left arm at a 45-degree angle and point toward the hazard.

Option #2 Shake and/or point to the hazard with your left leg. (This is good to use when you shouldn’t take your hands off the handlebar.)

Hazard Right

Option #1: Extend your right arm at a 45-degree angle and point toward the hazard.

Option #2 Shake and/or point to the hazard with your right leg. (This is good to use when you shouldn’t take your hands off the handlebar.)

Staggered Formation

Raise your left arm well above your shoulder with your left hand showing index and pinkie fingers extended and continuously rotate your hand.

Single File

Position your left hand over the helmet with your index finger extended upward. This indicates the Road Captain wants to group in a single-file formation due to road conditions or hazards such as bicycles or pedestrians.

Tighten Up

Raise left arm with fist clenched and repeatedly move the fist up and down. Indicates Road Captain wants the group to reduce separation between riders.