Bicyclists share the road with cars, trucks, and pedestrians, making clear communication essential for safety. Unlike motor vehicles that have turn signals and brake lights, cyclists must rely on hand signals to let drivers and other road users know their intentions. Learning and using proper hand signals helps prevent accidents and keeps cyclists within traffic laws. If a crash happens due to miscommunication or driver negligence, a skilled New York City, NY bicycle accident lawyer can help determine liability and seek compensation. The Eskesen Law Firm has over 25 years of experience in dealing with cases like this. Continue reading to learn more about hand signals you should know for the road.
The Three Most Important Bicycle Hand Signals
Hand signals function as a cyclist’s way of signaling turns, lane changes, and stops. New York law sets the hand signals cyclists must use to show turns and stops (VTL 1237), and failing to signal can lead to dangerous situations.
Left Turn Signal
To signal a left turn, extend your left arm straight out to the side, parallel to the ground. This motion alerts drivers and pedestrians that you are preparing to turn left. Make sure to signal well before the turn and check for oncoming traffic before moving into the lane.
Right Turn Signal
There are two ways to signal a right turn. The most common method is to extend the right arm straight out to the side, just like the left turn signal but on the opposite side. The second option is to raise the left arm at a 90-degree angle with the hand pointing upward. Some cyclists prefer the right-arm signal because it is clearer to drivers behind them.
Stopping Or Slowing Down
To signal that you are stopping or slowing down, extend your left arm downward at a 90-degree angle with your palm facing backward. This warns drivers and cyclists behind you to reduce speed and avoid a collision. Since bicycles do not have brake lights, this signal is especially important when riding in traffic or with a group of cyclists.
If you are ever injured in a bicycle accident, you should contact a lawyer to help estimate the value of a potential case for you.
When And Where To Use Hand Signals
Using hand signals is most important when riding in traffic, approaching intersections, or changing lanes. Cyclists should always signal well in advance to give drivers enough time to react. If road conditions make it unsafe to take a hand off the handlebars, such as on rough pavement or at high speeds, cyclists should use extra caution and try to make eye contact with nearby drivers to ensure they are seen.
At busy intersections, making a turn while signaling can be challenging. In these cases, it may be safer to dismount and walk the bike across the street, especially if visibility is limited or traffic is heavy.
Why Hand Signals Improve Safety
Many bicycle accidents occur because drivers fail to anticipate a cyclist’s movements. Proper hand signaling reduces this risk by making intentions clear. Signaling also improves a cyclist’s visibility, as drivers are more likely to notice an extended arm than a smaller profile on the road.
Because New York requires cyclists to signal, failing to use hand signals could affect liability in an accident. If a cyclist is hit while making an unannounced turn, the driver’s insurance company may argue that the cyclist contributed to the crash by not signaling.
How A Bicycle Accident Lawyer Can Help
Even when cyclists follow all traffic rules, accidents still happen due to distracted drivers, reckless motorists, or poor road conditions. If a cyclist is injured in a crash caused by another party’s negligence, a bicycle accident lawyer can help investigate the case, gather evidence, and negotiate with insurance companies. Your lawyer can also help figure out what kind of compensation you can file for.
Understanding and using proper hand signals is one of the best ways for cyclists to stay safe and prevent miscommunication on the road. However, when an accident does occur, knowing your legal rights and seeking professional guidance can make all the difference in recovering from injuries and securing fair compensation. Calls are answered live 24 hours a day, 7 days a week at The Eskesen Law Firm. It is always important to seek help early so that you do not miss the statute of limitations for filing.
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