do you know these cycling gestures
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Besides riding alone, we often ride in formation with fellow cyclists. Because of the tight arrangement and the lead rider breaking the wind, formation riding allows the entire team to easily achieve an average speed of over 30 kilometers per hour. In good road conditions, even faster speeds are possible. However, various unexpected situations can occur during formation riding. If not handled properly, a 'domino effect' can easily occur. Therefore, learning to understand and use cycling hand signals is very important. This can make our rides safer and more enjoyable.
Today, let's follow the beautiful cyclist @Hongxi GUANand learn some cycling hand signals.
1. Turning
Extend your left or right hand horizontally with the palm facing forward to indicate a change in direction. Left hand for left turn, right hand for right turn. Note, overtaking is prohibited while turning.
2. Moving Forward
Raise one arm and lean forward at a 60-degree angle with the palm facing inward.
3. Accelerating
Raise one arm and lean forward at a 60-degree angle with the palm facing inward, moving up and down.
4. Slowing Down
Raise your arm high with the palm facing forward to indicate an obstacle ahead and the need to slow down.
5. Stopping
Raise one hand high and make a fist to indicate a red light or an emergency situation ahead, requiring an immediate stop.
6. Noting Obstacles
Extend your right hand diagonally towards the ground to indicate an obstacle on the right side of the road or to watch out for people and vehicles. If the obstacle is on the left, extend your left hand.
7. Bumpy Road
Extend one hand diagonally towards the ground and move it up and down like bouncing a ball to indicate a bumpy road and remind the team to slow down and be cautious.
8. Avoiding Large Obstacles
Extend your right hand behind you to the right side and swing it widely to the left to indicate a large obstacle such as an oncoming vehicle on the right side of the road, prompting the team to move to the left. If the obstacle is on the left, extend your left hand.
9. Avoiding Obstacles
Extend your right index finger diagonally to point to a specific spot on the right side of the ground to indicate obstacles like glass shards or potholes, reminding the team to avoid them and pass from the other side. If the obstacle is on the left, extend your left hand.
10. Alerting Oncoming Traffic
When passing an intersection, extend your hand horizontally towards oncoming traffic or pedestrians with the palm facing the direction of the oncoming traffic to alert them to yield.
11. Single File Riding
Raise one index finger to indicate that the team should ride in a single file.
12. Double File Riding
Raise two fingers in a V shape to indicate that the team should ride in double file. (No, it doesn't mean 'Victory')
13. Changing Lead Rider
Move your right hand quickly back and forth at your side with the palm facing forward to indicate a change of the lead rider. The current lead rider should speed up for two pedal strokes, then move to the left side of the team, and the following rider should quickly take the lead while the former lead rider moves to the back of the team.
14. Allowing Overtaking
Extend one arm diagonally downward with the palm facing forward and move it back and forth a few times to signal the team behind to overtake. Extend your left hand to indicate overtaking from the left, and your right hand for the right.
15. Maintaining Formation
Place one hand behind you and move it diagonally downward from side to side to remind the team to maintain formation and follow behind.
Want to learn more about cycling? Want to see more cycling shares? Then quickly follow@Hongxi GUANCycling Man will select three followers from her fans to receive a set of cycling gear!