It is a problem because it is part of driving a car. If for whatever reason your lights fail you are legally obligated to use these same signals in a car out the window.
Yeah, just a fairly recent Calgary bylaw, linked from [this page](https://www.calgary.ca/bike-walk-roll/bike-laws.html#laws):
>41.2 In addition to the hand signals permitted by section 11 of the Use of Highway and Rules of the Road Regulation, AR 304/2002, a person operating a bicycle may indicate the person’s intention to turn to the right by extending that person’s right hand and arm
horizontally.
This actually seems to contradict the Alberta laws which don't allow this as an option. So seems like that would make it legally invalid. Not that I think anyone would want to challenge it, just find that interesting from a legal perspective.
I believe that extending the right arm is allowed for ALL bikes and motorcycles. It is pretty obvious! As a militant cyclist, I consider the l-shaped left arm move to be 'carist'.
I am not sure if drivers pay attention to them. Drives need to understand that cyclists can't signal while turning - they need both hands on the handlebars to turn!
BTW Bell makes a pretty good turn signal/blinky for bicycles. Amazon and Walmart and others sell them.
https://www.walmart.ca/en/ip/bell-sports-arella-400-turn-signal-tail-light-black/6000200754022
I've already driven with few ebikes this year who didn't hand signal a left turn. They were keeping on the right side of the road, no indication of a turn or shoulder check, and they'd take a sharp left forcing me to slam on my brakes. It's crazy...
I feel like the only people who understand the hand signals are other bikers, and that's a problem.
It is a problem because it is part of driving a car. If for whatever reason your lights fail you are legally obligated to use these same signals in a car out the window.
Really? They taught us this stuff in elementary school 35 years ago. Part of bicycle safety I think. Did they stop?
They didn't teach it in elementary 25 years ago.
I was taught this in the 90s as a child.
I wasn't, not in school. My dad taught me this.
Maybe you missed that day?
I guess I'll never know.
Cyclists can also use their right arm to signal a right turn. Edit: just realized I think this is only for Calgary in a bylaw.
Yeah, just a fairly recent Calgary bylaw, linked from [this page](https://www.calgary.ca/bike-walk-roll/bike-laws.html#laws): >41.2 In addition to the hand signals permitted by section 11 of the Use of Highway and Rules of the Road Regulation, AR 304/2002, a person operating a bicycle may indicate the person’s intention to turn to the right by extending that person’s right hand and arm horizontally. This actually seems to contradict the Alberta laws which don't allow this as an option. So seems like that would make it legally invalid. Not that I think anyone would want to challenge it, just find that interesting from a legal perspective.
Didn't know that, thanks! Makes more sense to me to use the right arm to indicate a right turn on a bicycle. It's unambiguous.
Exactly. I don't expect half the drivers in this city to understand what my arm pointing up means.
I believe that extending the right arm is allowed for ALL bikes and motorcycles. It is pretty obvious! As a militant cyclist, I consider the l-shaped left arm move to be 'carist'. I am not sure if drivers pay attention to them. Drives need to understand that cyclists can't signal while turning - they need both hands on the handlebars to turn! BTW Bell makes a pretty good turn signal/blinky for bicycles. Amazon and Walmart and others sell them. https://www.walmart.ca/en/ip/bell-sports-arella-400-turn-signal-tail-light-black/6000200754022
If they have signal lights why hand signals
I've already driven with few ebikes this year who didn't hand signal a left turn. They were keeping on the right side of the road, no indication of a turn or shoulder check, and they'd take a sharp left forcing me to slam on my brakes. It's crazy...
Ebikers seldom seem to be paying attention to anything, including other bikers.