Group Riding Hand Signals

Most Goldwing riders are using their CB radio's as the main communication device between riders. We often forget about those without radios and the cars vehicles and pedestrians around us when we forget to use our hands.

Hand signals promote an awareness within the group and to the people around us. It is like magic when you see a group of gold riders using hand signals. The group moves through traffic and the highway as they are on their own magic carpet. Practice your hand signals when solo and use them when riding with a group. Ride that magic carpet.

Make a difference to the lives around you.

"Follow "Me" Arm extended straight from shoulder. Palm forward.   Follow Me Signal
"Speed Up" Arm down to the side. Fist clenched. Twist as if turning throttle.   Speed Up Signal
"Stop or Slow" Arm extended straight down. Palm back fingers open and spread.   Stop or Slow Signal
"You Lead" Arm extended down. Palm forward. Swing forward from in an arc to motion the rider up into position.   You Lead Signal
"Hazard on Road" Point immediately with emphasis. Sometimes done with right arm.   Hazard on the Road Signal
"Single File" Arm and finger extended straight up.   Single File Signal
"Double File" Arm extended straight up. First and fourth finger form "ram's horn" sign.   Double File Signal
"Check Headlight" Tap on top of head with open hand, palm down.   Check Headlight Signal

Some Additional Signals
Not to be Confused with Traffic Signals

"Need Fuel Stop" Arm out to side. Point to the fuel tank.   Need a Fuel Stop Signal
"Need Food Stop" Arm out to side. Fingers closed. Thumbs to mouth.  Need Food Stop Signal
"Turn Signals Left On" Repeatedly open and close your hand with thumb and fingers extended.   Turns Signal Left On Signal
"Come Alongside" Same as "You Lead", Come Alongside Signal A
but then ending with alongside pointing to the position Come Alongside Signal B
"Pull Off" Arm positioned up, bent at 90 degrees as for right turn.   Pull Off Signal A
Forearm then swung toward the shoulder.   Pull Off Signal B
"Need Comfort Stop" Upper arm extended. Forearm straight up and down. Fist clenched. Need Comfort Stop Signal A
Short up-and-down motion (like pulling a toilet chain.) Need Comfort Stop Signal

If you are not used to using hand signals, it may feel a bit awkward. After you use them you will find that it helps keep you alert, on task and you become surprised when you see others not using them. Making them a habit might save lives and avoid accidents. By using hand signals you are more readily seen and noticed by motorists around you.