device or signal for "help needed"
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Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Sep 2005
Posts: 5,072
Likes: 104
From: Prescott, AZ
device or signal for "help needed"
OK people, I am going to post this here - would like to start a global move but I know it will not happen. A few weeks ago I had a flat on Highway 1 along the CA coast (maybe my bitch is only with CA riders - maybe not) after Many bikes just road by, I finally had to step out into the road to get someone to stop - He was a big help, but had I not stepped out he would have just kept going. Today the wife and I had to take the car (ya I know, but it had to be) to Lake Tahoe coming back home along 88 over the mountains, I passed a female biker on the side of the road with a tool kit out. I turned around to check on her - bad battery and he fellow rider was off to find a phone. She was very thankful that we stopped - she was surprised how many bikers just road by - So here is my suggestion / or is this Not needed ... I a rider is in need of help, tie a white cloth, rag or what ever to a mirror - that will signal - No I am not just stopped to rest, pee, or take a picture - I need/want help.
So - am I tring to fix a problem that does not exsist or what??? I try very hard Not to pass up a biker - 99% of the time after I turn around - they say, no help needed, but thanks.. How is it in your area - if your stranded, how long before a biker stops??
So - am I tring to fix a problem that does not exsist or what??? I try very hard Not to pass up a biker - 99% of the time after I turn around - they say, no help needed, but thanks.. How is it in your area - if your stranded, how long before a biker stops??
Road Master
Joined: May 2006
Posts: 981
Likes: 3
From: Oklahoma
RE: device or signal for "help needed"
That a great post. it will be interesting what some of the other posts are. Man, it's pretty dangerous out there on the road anymore. you never know who's stopping to help. That's the real scary part, like leave a wife or a girl friend with the bike.
That's a tough one. As a rule I stop for bikers that look like they're have problems. But when it come to hitch-hikers I don't.
I would like to thing that someone would stop if I was having a problem.
That's a tough one. As a rule I stop for bikers that look like they're have problems. But when it come to hitch-hikers I don't.
I would like to thing that someone would stop if I was having a problem.
Ultimate HDF Member
Joined: Nov 2005
Posts: 5,256
Likes: 5
From: Concord, CA
RE: device or signal for "help needed"
I've stopped several times and very rarely have I even gotten more than grief for stopping.
I have never had someone stop while I was on the side of the road, even though I've never had a problem (knock on wood), even on an organized ride.
People should open their hood and trunk when they want help (on a bike topless with zipper open
)
I have never had someone stop while I was on the side of the road, even though I've never had a problem (knock on wood), even on an organized ride.
People should open their hood and trunk when they want help (on a bike topless with zipper open
)
Cruiser
Joined: Jun 2006
Posts: 200
Likes: 0
From:
RE: device or signal for "help needed"
So, about two weeks ago the wife and I rode up to Angel Fire (great ride). On the way back we both had to stop for a little "relief", the road is a very small two lane mountain road, twisty and beautiful so a lot of bikes. It was almost impossible for us to get our business done because of the number of people stopping to see if we needed help. I was sure I was going to have to ride down with wet pants. Finally the last guy pulled up, and I just looked over my shoulder and gave him the thumbs up as I watered the tree.
However, I appreciate the gesture, and I always stop unless I am waved off.
However, I appreciate the gesture, and I always stop unless I am waved off.
Road Captain
Joined: Mar 2006
Posts: 555
Likes: 93
From:
RE: device or signal for "help needed"
ORIGINAL: Harry Manback
So, about two weeks ago the wife and I rode up to Angel Fire (great ride). On the way back we both had to stop for a little "relief", the road is a very small two lane mountain road, twisty and beautiful so a lot of bikes. It was almost impossible for us to get our business done because of the number of people stopping to see if we needed help. I was sure I was going to have to ride down with wet pants. Finally the last guy pulled up, and I just looked over my shoulder and gave him the thumbs up as I watered the tree.
However, I appreciate the gesture, and I always stop unless I am waved off.
So, about two weeks ago the wife and I rode up to Angel Fire (great ride). On the way back we both had to stop for a little "relief", the road is a very small two lane mountain road, twisty and beautiful so a lot of bikes. It was almost impossible for us to get our business done because of the number of people stopping to see if we needed help. I was sure I was going to have to ride down with wet pants. Finally the last guy pulled up, and I just looked over my shoulder and gave him the thumbs up as I watered the tree.
However, I appreciate the gesture, and I always stop unless I am waved off.
Teu
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Outstanding HDF Member
Joined: Jan 2006
Posts: 3,015
Likes: 5
From: Alaska
RE: device or signal for "help needed"
Things are a bit different here. Alaska can be a big cold lonely place when you are broke down on the side of the road. We always check to be sure you are OK.
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Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Jun 2006
Posts: 30,860
Likes: 32,730
From: King George, VA
RE: device or signal for "help needed"
I would think that an action on the part of the broken down rider to indicate he needs help would be a better idea. Considering that the rider would be alert and looking for help from approaching vehicles, and possibly be void of any material to use as a sign or signal, i.e. helmet, jacket, bike accessories or road flares, he is only left with arm or hand signals. An arm signal that comes to mind that would be easily seen from a distance would be crossed arms of the broken down rider, forming an X to oncoming vehicles. Sometimes just a friendly wave from the rider who has stopped on the side of the road for a smoke could be mistaken for a signal for help, which discourages most people from stopping again. The broke downee wouldn't have to hold the crossed arms until the helper stopped, got off his scooter and came back to ask what the problem is. It would just be a momentary arm signal indicating non-life threatening mechanical problem. I'm not inclined to want to be wildly waving my arms in the air for a snapped clutch cable as though I had a dire emergency, i.e. heart attack, accident scene, or spilled my beer, but to just give a subtle but unmistakenable crossed arms would be more at something I would do. My wife says that's a guy thing.
Road Master
Joined: May 2006
Posts: 981
Likes: 3
From: Oklahoma
RE: device or signal for "help needed"
I carry these small lights with me. They are 2-1/2" diameter and flash in 3 different pattern like a strobe light, very bright. The batteries are built it.
I bought these at a bicycle shop, $11 each.
I bought these at a bicycle shop, $11 each.