I would never point or flash my lights at someone in an intersection as different people take those signals to mean different things.When going through an intersection I keep my hands on the bars,never lane change ,and try not to have to change gears.And most of all watch everyone else!!

 

Might work if he had his pistol in his hand. I can't see how that would make any significant difference. If they don't see the bike with the headlights on, why would they notice his arm? I've been commuting to work for awhile and I find the best way to go through an intersection is offset behind a car (behind him in the adjacent lane) or close behind a car in front of me going through the intersection. If they see the car, they'll see you also. I never leave too much space so a car turning might misjudge how far I am behind the car. I always ride with my auxillary lights on. I've read bright colored clothes helps make you more visible also. Occassionally I've seen riders with bright red stripes on their jackets like road workers use. May not look too sleek but it is effective.

 

If I'm in my cage waiting to turn left and a person on the opposite side of intersection points at me I would take it as an indication he wants me to proceed. I would wave thank you and then make my turn.

 

That's what I was thinking. Point and shoot!

 

I believe pointing at someone could produce unknown results, anything from its is ok for them to go ahead and turn to they might think you flipped them off.

 

I slow down and watch what is going on. After two accidents at intersections, one from a car turning left in front of me, and another from a car turning right from the left lane and running me over I came to the conclusion that it sometimes does not matter what you do. But...slowing down as you approach and enter the intersection will allow you to be able to stop quicker should the need arise. Pointing? Not for me. But it is an interesting thought thought. If I were an oficer maybe hitting the lights and siren would help.

 

Flashing your lights means "go ahead" to many. Hand signals can be misinterpreted as well. I was at the gas station Sunday and there was a lady trying to get into the pump I was pulling out of. I pointed to myself then the direction I wanted to go, she waved and immediately pulled right where I pointed.

 

And I thought that SOB was "flipping me off" all these years! ......... My wife told me that I really needed some glasses.

 

I don't carry when I'm ridin, but IF I happen to feel the need to point at some one, they will get the idea from my next arm movement. Either swiftly down and back or moving across in front of me to signal 'go ahead'. But mostly I don't tell others what to do for fear of misunderstanding my intent. Just proceed cautiously, watching every vehicle around me.

And of course, we haven't been stating whether it was a four-way stop or a traffic light governed intersection. Like stated by others, too easy to misinterpret the meaning of any gesture!

 

I think he got this method from being a cop. If I saw a cop on a bike or car point at me I would stop. BUt in my town, if someone points or flashes their lights, it can mean "go ahead, I will slow down for you".

I might turn high beams on and leave them on in daylight, but really, I don't want to be doing anything at that time to take my hands/attention from watching out. cover the brakes, both of them, slow down a little (not enough so they think you are waiting for them!) and be prepared.

Don