How Cyclists and Drivers Can Work Together for Safer Rides

As a commuter cyclist (and regular car driver too) I have stopped counting the number of dangerous incidents where I have almost come to grief at the hands of an inattentive driver – you know the ones, you see them drifting to the left (often across the painted white lines which are supposed to keep cyclists separated and safe!) because they are actually looking down at their phones…. Or think they can accelerate past you to get to the next intersection 5 seconds faster but then slam on their brakes in the left lane (if you are lucky, they may actually indicate their movements, but often too late to be of any use) and in the process cut you off and leave you nowhere to go. Let's face it, sharing the road with drivers can be intimidating, and sometimes downright scary. And for all the discussions about redirecting cyclists onto adjacent, often indirect cycleways, can I ask the question why should the cyclist, operating under their own steam, be expected to deviate, travel further and tiki tour around the back streets, while the driver gets the direct route? Its no skin off their nose if they have to move a block or two over is it?

This isn’t about the appropriateness or otherwise of street infrastructure though, but how a little, appropriate and expressive hand gesture can make all the difference – and no, I’m not talking about the use of the middle finger.

Hand signals by cyclists to drivers can be a game-changer for safer and more pleasant experiences on the road. They are a simple and effective way for cyclists and drivers to communicate with each other. We know drivers can indicate through their use of indicators and brake lights, and by using clear and concise gestures, cyclists can indicate their intentions to drivers, reducing the risk of crashes and misunderstandings.

While we all know the official ones (go on, admit you do know them, even if you don’t use them) I’m referring to the smaller gestures that can make the difference.

Image thanks to NZ Transport Agency Waka Kotahi

When you are cycling and you need to move across a lane to get into a turning lane for instance, rather than just indicating with the hand, how about giving the driver who slows down, the thumbs up as well.

How about when you see a car about to turn left (hopefully after the driver has checked their mirrors, their blind spot and put their indicator on at least 3 seconds before the manoeuvre!), make a small gesture indicating to the driver that you have seen the signal and that they can move across. This is a particularly good one as it removes the frustration and concern for both the driver and you: the driver knows that their intention has been understood and they can move smoothly into the turning lane, without the indecision and abrupt braking that impacts the wider traffic flow. It also means you won’t be forced to make an urgent change to your behaviour which also creates risk and danger.

In short, the appropriate use of hand signals by cyclists provides:

• Improved safety - helping prevent accidents by giving drivers advance warning of a cyclist's intentions.

• Reduces stress - When cyclists and drivers can communicate effectively, it reduces stress and anxiety for both parties.

• Better courtesy - Appropriate hand signals can help foster a sense of mutual respect and courtesy between cyclists and drivers.

As for drivers, when you see the signals, can you also please:

• Pay attention - Keep an eye out for cyclists using hand signals, and be prepared to respond.

• Slow down - If a cyclist indicates they're slowing or stopping, slow down and give them plenty of space.

• Give way - If a cyclist indicates they're turning or merging, give them the right of way.

Using appropriate hand signals between cyclists and drivers is just one part of a larger culture of mutual respect and courtesy on the road. By using the signals and responding to them, we can build trust and understanding between cyclists and drivers. So next time you're on the road, remember the power of hand signals – and try a few of the good ones out and see what happens.