Intersection protocol/safety.
Cruiser
Joined: Nov 2007
Posts: 178
Likes: 2
From: Ontario,Canada
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!!
Elite HDF Member
Joined: Feb 2008
Posts: 3,817
Likes: 2
From: Novi MI
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.
Last edited by barjbar; Feb 16, 2010 at 08:15 AM.
Former Sponsor
Joined: Jan 2009
Posts: 19,364
Likes: 40
From: Los Angeles, CA
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.
Road Warrior
Joined: Sep 2008
Posts: 1,858
Likes: 0
From: Phoenix, AZ
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.
Extreme HDF Member
Joined: Nov 2007
Posts: 10,788
Likes: 2,222
From: Texas
And I thought that SOB was "flipping me off" all these years! ......... My wife told me that I really needed some glasses.
HD Forum Stories
The Best of Harley-Davidson for Lifelong Riders
7 Surprising Harley-Davidson Products that Are Not Motorcycles
Verdad Gallardo
8 Best Harley-Davidson Motorcycles Ever
Pouria Savadkouei
10 Worst Harley-Davidson Motorcycles Ever
Pouria Savadkouei
Killer Custom's Jail Break Is The Breakout That Refused to Blend In
Verdad Gallardo
Crazy Bunderbike Build Looks Amazing, But Is It Impossible to Ride?
Verdad Gallardo
Harley-Davidson Reveals Super Cool Cafe Racer Concept
Verdad Gallardo
Engraved Rebellion: Inside Bundnerbike's Glam Rock II
Verdad Gallardo
10 Motorcycles You Should Never Buy
Joe Kucinski
10 Things Harley-Davidson Needs to Fix in 2026
Verdad Gallardo
Banned
Joined: Jul 2009
Posts: 3,719
Likes: 1
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!
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!
Advanced
Joined: Jan 2010
Posts: 75
Likes: 0
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
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