Hand Signals: Pass Them Back

You can't shout at speed, and most of us are not on comms. D76 rides use the Motorcycle Safety Foundation's hand signals, so riders from any group or rider course are speaking the same language. Signals only work if they get passed back, so whatever reaches you, send it on to the rider behind.

The MSF hand signals

• Stop: arm extended straight down, palm facing back.
• Slow down: arm extended straight out, palm facing down.
• Speed up: arm extended straight out, palm facing up.
• Single file: arm and index finger extended straight up.
• Double file (staggered): arm with index and middle finger extended straight up.
• Hazard in the roadway: on the left, point with your left hand; on the right, point with your right foot.
• Follow me: arm extended straight up from the shoulder, palm forward.
• You lead / come: arm extended upward at 45 degrees, palm forward, pointing with your index finger, swinging in an arc from back to front.
• Pull off: arm positioned as for a right turn, forearm swung toward the shoulder.
• High beam: tap the top of your helmet with an open palm down.
• Turn signal on: open and close your hand with fingers and thumb extended.
• Fuel: arm out to the side, pointing to the tank with a finger extended.
• Refreshment stop: fingers closed, thumb to mouth.
• Comfort stop: forearm extended, fist clenched, with a short up-and-down motion.

Turning: let your turn signals do the talking. If yours fail, the standard arm signals are left arm straight out for a left turn, and left arm bent up at the elbow for a right.

The lead runs through the signals at the briefing, so everyone is on the same page before kickstands go up.

Making them count

• Signal early. A hazard signal is only useful if the riders behind have time to act on it.
• Bike first, signal second. Only take a hand off when it's safe to. In a corner or under hard braking, ride first and signal after.
• Use your lights too. Hand signals add to your turn signals and brake light. They don't replace them.
• Don't assume it got through. If the rider behind you didn't pass it on, they might not have seen it. Ride with that in mind.

On comms? Great, but learn the signals anyway. They still work when the comms don't. The Group Ride Briefing Card in the next section has the full list to print and carry.

This course is for education. It doesn't replace a state-approved rider course or motorcycle licensing.