Manon: When we go out and buy bikes and head out on the open road, we become a part of the traffic,
so it's important that we learn to interact with the traffic in a predictable and consistent way.
Hank: Yes, and hand signals are one of the tools that we need to be able to use comfortably
to be able to be a proficient road rider, but don't worry because we're here to help you learn
and practice, aren't we, Manon? Manon: Yes, but before we do that,
I think it's time for a poll in the GCN app. Do you think or
road cyclists should use hand signals? Hank: I know where I'm going to vote.
It's going to be under there. Manon: It's over in the GCN app.
Hank: Oh, yes. Manon: You're not going to learn, do you?
Hank: Should we get on with the hand signal video? Manon: Yes, I think we better.
[music] Hank:
Now, whether you're riding solo or you're riding with a group,
you need to be able to properly communicate with other road users. I mean, if a car turned
without indicating, you'd have something say, wouldn't you, so make sure you do it too.
Manon: If you don't drive, then, you might not know the phrase mirror signal maneuver.
It dictates the order of which a driver should perform a maneuver. Of course, on the open road,
drivers would check the mirrors, and most bikes don't have mirrors. If you don't, you can replace
that with a check over your shoulder. Check over your shoulder, check if it's clear, signal the
maneuver you want to perform, and then, maneuver. [music]
Hank: Right. Let's start off with probably the most basic one, signaling for a turn.
Now, you need to think about this way before the junction. It all depends on also what kind
of road you're on or how busy the traffic is. If it's a busy day and there's lots of traffic,
then, you're going to want to let all those road users know exactly what you're doing
way before the junction. If it's a quieter road, then, you can leave it so close to that junction.
Manon: First off, you're going to want to check over your shoulder and straight
ahead to make sure it's clear, then, you start signaling with a fully extended arm.
Then, you want to check over your shoulder again to make sure no one's overtaking you. Move into
the middle of the lane and keep signaling. Hank: Another thing worth thinking about
is the position of the road when you arrive at the junction. You want to be in a nice prominent
position in the middle of the lane. This gives you a nice route on to that next location. It's also
worth thinking about, before you leave the junction, to look around
over that shoulder just to make sure nothing's overtaking you, nothing's going to catch you
by surprise. The same works for roundabouts as well, make sure you're in the right lane,
looking over your shoulder as signaling for the exit that you want.
I'm heading off that direction. Check over my shoulder, off I go. All clear, nice.
[music] Manon:
Next, we need to show you what to do if you need to slow down.
There might be an obstacle in front of you or you need to reduce your speed,
then, the slow signal can be useful. You simply need to put your arm out to the side
and move it up and down. Slow down, Hank. Hank: You look like you're about to take off.
Is it a bird? Is it a plane? No, it's Manon. Manon: No, it's Manon.
[laughter] Hank: Stopping and letting everyone
know your stopping is absolutely paramount, especially when it comes to riding in a group or
with a friend. Now, there's two ways to do this. You can put your arm up, like so, or you can put
your hand behind you. Now, putting your arm up works best when you're riding in a big group.
This way everyone can see what you're doing. If you're riding with a friend or especially
if there's someone on your wheel, you can use the hand signal behind your back. That is the absolute
perfect hand signal there. Well done, Manon. Manon: Thank you. Shame I haven't got
any friends to signal to, but you know. Hank: You and me both, but this is really,
really important to let the group know that you're signaling or what you're doing
before you start breaking. The last thing you want is everyone going into the back of you.
Do you? Manon: No, don't need that.
Hank: Now, you might be wondering what happens if you need to emergency stop
and you need both hands. Manon: Stopping.
Hank: Yes, all you have to do is use your voice. I mean, this is definitely universally acceptable.
Make sure it's nice and loud, and nice and clear. Manon: Was that quite loud?
Hank: Nice work. Manon: Thanks.
[music] Hank:
If you are in a group with other cyclists, its good courtesy to get used to pointing out things
like potholes or obstacles in the road. All you have to stick your arm out on point with a finger
or with a hand where the hole is so the whole group knows exactly where it is. If you don't
have time to point it out, then, all you have to do is use your voice, so you say, "Pothole to the
left or obstacle to the right," that way everyone knows exactly where it is so they can avoid it.
With all of these, try not to shout every stick or small hole you see. Have a little bit of common
sense. Think, if you're that rider behind, how will it affect them, and what would you
like to know on the approach? Yes, you might not need to shout it absolutely everything.
I mean, after all, in the Welsh countryside, we don't want to scare every sheep in sight, do we?
Manon: Sometimes, you do get sheep on the road so you have to point them out.
Hank: Yes, probably worth point it out. Manon: We should be all right on this road here.
Hank: Hole. [laughter]
[music] Manon:
Overtaking parked cars or moving out into the road to avoid an obstacle is necessary on most
rides. To signal to the riders behind you what's coming up, you need to move your arm back behind
you to the small of your back. You want to use your right arm to point to the left and
your left arm point right. Make sure you look over your shoulder and give plenty of notice to
other road users. You don't want to have to slow down or stop when doing this maneuver.
[music] Hank: Now, this is
especially important when riding in a group. Now, this is about transferring that signal all the way
down the group so everyone knows exactly what's happening. If you see the rider ahead signal,
copy that signal. That way it goes all the way through the group and everyone knows where they're
going and it also keeps them nice and safe. Right. Nice signal there, Manon. Where we going, right?
Manon: Yes. Hank:
Let's communicate with all the vehicles on the road. If they're waiting behind us,
let's say thank you. A simple thumbs-up does go a long way. Why is it a sad time?
Because that's the end of this video. Manon: It is. I hope you all enjoyed this
video and that you find some of these techniques useful and you can use them out on the road,
especially this one, the right, Hank. Hank: Oh, really.
Manon: Yes, right. Hank: You would never have guessed.
What about his hand signal? Manon: What hand signal's that?
Hank: Well, it's the dab, obviously. You're not down with the kids?
Manon: I don't think that's very useful on the road, Hank.
Hank: Fine. `