Bikers: Take your turns, but SIGNAL first – Safe Signalling

Anyone who has ridden with me around Broadlands, South Riding, Ashburn Farms or my former home in Franklin Farms knows this injury lawyer never likes to take his hands off of the handlebars. I simply do not have the bike handling skills of the top riders in the peloton top take both hands off the bike and throw them up in the air like you see at the finish of so many cycling races. So does the TriathlonTrialLawyer not signal his intent to turn, slow or stop. No, I place my left arm straight out to my side for left turns, bend it upwards at ninety degrees for a right turn, and bend it won perpendicularly to slow or stop;. I also give audible signals if there are other cyclists close by, especially during the Reston Bike Club evening rides or Potomac Peddler Tours.

According to the Uniform Vehicle Code, CHAPTER 11 – Uniform Vehicle Code: Rules of the Road – Pt. 3 signals ARE required for bikers. However, if you are like me, and need your hands to brake or maneuver, you can signal when it is safe to do so (like when you are coming down a steep hill). The Uniform Vehicle Code section 11-604.Turning movements and required signals.

  • (a) No person shall turn a vehicle or move right or left upon a roadway unless and until such movement can be made with reasonable safety nor without giving an appropriate signal in the manner hereinafter provided.
  • (b) A signal of intention to turn or move right or left when required shall be given continuously during not less than the last 100 feet traveled by the vehicle before turning.

This gives any vehicles or cyclists catching up to the biker time to react, maneuver and proceed with caution. Always try to signal when turning or stopping while riding your bicycle. Following bikers, motorists and runners will appreciate your “defensive cycling” so give them a hand and not just a finger !

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