Indicating and arm signals

I was wondering how many of you indicate with arm signals. Examples:

Intent to move in to the left or turn left - left arm out
intent to move out to the right or turn right - right arm out
intent to slow down or stop - right arm out and moving up and down

according to the Highway Code:

You should always

[]give clear signals in plenty of time, having checked it is not misleading to signal at that time
[]use them to advise other road users before changing course or direction, stopping or moving off
[]cancel them after use
[]make sure your signals will not confuse others. If, for instance, you want to stop after a side road, do not signal until you are passing the road. If you signal earlier it may give the impression that you intend to turn into the road. Your brake lights will warn traffic behind you that you are slowing down
[*]use an arm signal to emphasise or reinforce your signal if necessary. Remember that signalling does not give you priority

67

You should

[*]look all around before moving away from the kerb, turning or manoeuvring, to make sure it is safe to do so. Give a clear signal to show other road users what you intend to do (see 'Signals to other road users')

if you do not use arm signals, why not?

sources:
http://www.direct.gov.uk/en/TravelAndTransport/Highwaycode/Cyclists/index.htm
http://www.direct.gov.uk/prod_consum_dg/groups/dg_digitalassets/@dg/@en/documents/digitalasset/dg_070566.pdf

^^ you'd be suprised how many people know this one (Although I used left arm - as a combo as I'm stopping on the left)

I often use it when slowing down to a stop on the narrow section on the North side of Tower Bridge where I jump off and carry my bike down the stairs to get to work, and more often than not traffic - especially lorries/busses give me extra time and wait until I've dismounted before moving slowly past me.

I'm a big fan of arm signals. I indicate everywhere - whether I'm turning, changing lane, moving out to avoid a parked car. I often physically point to a space in front of a parallel car that I want to get into and the car will drop back and let me in. If cars know where you want to go and you make it clear and are confident with your signalling you will get more respect as a road user. I always thank drivers who let me in as well, and find apart from the odd knob end - I'm given plenty of space in traffic.
The key is in my experience, be decisive, pre-emptive, visible and respectful of other road users. Most good drivers indicate, thank each other for letting you in etc - extend those courtesys to bikes and you get a lot more respect.

Well said Clefty.

Yep. on the money - car drivers appreciate it

It's helpful for other cyclists to...

if someones drafting me (and has taken their turn or said hello) I'll point out obstacles and the like to help them as well... more of a roadie thing though

If you don't signal whilst riding, don't EVER get vexed with drivers not indicating. You're ***both ***selfish and stupid.

clefty for queen!

I try and do my fair but but I am not the great personally especially when going fast. The best thing BWD told me once was the power of the thumb (other than the story about Hippy, murtle the Russian oligarch and 5Kg of tim tams), is when moving into a gap, indicate start to move and even if people try to squeeze you out give them the thumb and people chill and give you more room. It's great

Arm signal to thumbs up is always a winner.

Signals

Perfect Clefty.

Arm signal to thumbs up is always a winner.

+1

Arm signal to thumbs up is always a winner.

plus you can give them the finger if they ignore you too.

Signalling is a really important to me, and it fucks me right off when other road users don't do it bikes and cars alike - I see it everyday, cyclists riding behind a bus - then just veering out without looking when the bus pulls into a bus stop then complaining that the car is too close - FFS they can't read your fucking mind - just indicate!

[/bike-radar-rant]

I saw the most amazing signalling technique in France, the lady doing it was wearing huge high heeled shoes and looked like she was going to a ball.

She started by holding her arm straight up and pointing to the sky and brought it slowly down into the perpendicular signalling position as she came closer to her stopping point. Very stylish

Nice, I'd like to work some sort of Renaissance flourish into mine at some point.

Same as above. I use signals all the time, especially moving out to the right to get past parked cars.
I find very blatant signals telling the cars behind what I am doing the best, and a little thumbs up when they give you room.
We all need more love on the road. :)

I use all of them, the direction ones all the time as it's bloody important! But if I'm honest, I only really use the 'slowing or stopping' one on busy/narrow roads, or in the vicinity of buses/emergency vehicles with blues on.

I also always end my signal with a thumbs-up, a "thanks for respecting my intention instead of trying to race me" kind of gesture. I find this very important and wish more cyclists/nodders a) used signals in the first place b) were grateful to the drivers that acknowledge us.

I use all of them, the direction ones all the time as it's bloody important! But if I'm honest, I only really use the 'slowing or stopping' one on busy/narrow roads, or in the vicinity of buses/emergency vehicles with blues on.

I also always end my signal with a thumbs-up, a "thanks for respecting my intention instead of trying to race me" kind of gesture. I find this very important and wish more cyclists/nodders a) used signals in the first place b) were grateful to the drivers that acknowledge us.

I use the thumbs up as well especially when a motorist slows down or gives me room to manoeuvre, its just common courtesy.

I use the thumbs up as well especially when a motorist slows down or gives me room to manoeuvre, its just common courtesy.

Perfectly said

I have also been know to use this when my arm signals are ignored . .

i say thanks too but I dont use thumbs up, just stick my hand up like a car driver/motorcyclist would.

i also dont tend to use my right arm to signal as much as I do with my left - because my brake lever is on the right and I can't afford not to have it covered :)

I use signals whenver, and wherever it is possible to do so, including saying thankyou to good drivers, or people letting you pass into a turning or something, respect where respect/courtesy is due.
Obviously if i'm in the middle of hopping a curb or some other silly move, I just make sure I have enough time and space to do it, as there is no point indicating to the driver your intentions as they won't know what you mean.

I use signals whenver, and wherever it is possible to do so, including saying thankyou to good drivers, or people letting you pass into a turning or something, respect where respect/courtesy is due.
Obviously if i'm in the middle of hopping a curb or some other silly move, I just make sure I have enough time and space to do it, as there is no point indicating to the driver your intentions as they won't know what you mean.

Suppose this wont work neither knowing your attitude ;)

I'm a big fan of arm signals. I indicate everywhere - whether I'm turning, changing lane, moving out to avoid a parked car. etc etc

You Miss, are a good Cyclist.

I pretty much do what Clefty does. Usually, anyway :P

Anyone who doesn't really use signals, should. You'd probably enjoy other drivers more, even though some are twats. But some Cyclists are twats as well. They're everywhere they are, pests. Regardless if you've got a bit of a temper or not, just show respect & consideration. Even if someone is tooting you. No point getting ratted up about it. People who stress out too much over little things have a shorter life expectency. :P Fact, I think.