Q: What is the correct hand signal for
a right turn when riding a bike? Do you extend your left hand up or your right
hand out?
A: Yes. At least according to the
law. But before we get to that, let’s agree that signaling, no matter how you
do it, whether you’re on a bike or in a car, is one of the bare minimum
behaviors that we commit to practice when we’re on the road. If you’re not
signaling, you’ve not only violated the written law; you’ve also violated the
unwritten rules that define how other drivers will feel about you as a fellow human.
Signals help other drivers understand our intentions, making driving more
predictable and safe. Not making the effort to push on that little lever on
your steering column or extend an arm is essentially like telling everyone else
on the road that you think you’re too special to play by the rules. Okay,
enough preaching. Back to the question.