We as bikers are always concerned about safety and public awareness. One of my biggest concerns is people waiting to pull out from arterials from left or right. Here is a little thing I have been experimenting with recently. I am always ready and expecting them to pull out in front of me, and sometimes they do and I have to get on the brakes to slow down to allow them to get in their lane of traffic , so I have my hand ready on the front brake lever, and now I will give them a little wave with the handle bars. Just enough to make those lights really show. Seems to really get their attention. Another thing I do when I see a motorist waiting for me to go by , is acknowlage them with a wave , this helps to promote public awareness. Give it a try.

 

I drop a gear and really let the pipes rattle off, and make eye contact with every car in an intersection.

the public is aware when I am near.

Your way is more politically correct, but you are still relying on them to ''visually see you''.

I have been stopped for being to loud twice. both times I asked the officer '' you heard me right?'' YES ''This noise drew your attention right to me correct?''. YES ''So it's no different than a firetruck trying to make it's way through the light, right'' All said calmly and politely (as I have a State Trooper as a best friend so I know how to talk to the law) I have never been cited for making my presence known in a hairy situation.

 

I don't use any of these tricks and "it works" for me too cause nobody pulled out in front of me ....... yet.
The key word is YET. Regardless what makes you feel good, stay alert and be on your guard all the time, that's all I'll say.

 

To me, eye contact is worthless, they will still pull out. I watch their front wheels....

 

did my own little experiment, several weeks w/o passing lamps on and several with...huge difference....almost daily someone would start to pull out (enuff for a pucker) then notice me...with the lamps on it was dramatically reduced

 

I flash my driving lights, rev the motor, wave my hand, kick out both legs and pump out ice cream truck music all simultaneously. Haven't hit anyone yet...

But I have been run down by small children!

 

"Here lies the body of William Jay,
who died defending his right of way.
He was right, dead right, as He sped along;
But He's just as dead as if He were wrong".

 

Making yourself more conspicuous with the headlight is a good tip. I sometimes flash my lights, but I'm always careful. You see, many cagers think this means it's ok to proceed.

 

Don't you really hate those spinner hubcaps?

 

Sometimes I just weave a little in my lane. They probably look and say what the hell is he doing, but at least they look. It could be the three lights flashing back and forth.