…to the cager or cagerette who pulls over or widens the gap so you can filter?
with both hands on the bars - don’t want to loose control at 10 - 15mph going through small gaps so…
I usually lift my fingers off the clutch and stretch them upwards in a vain attempt to wave like trying to do a Nazi salute with my glove super glued to the bar or a quick nod whilst turning my head slightly.
I don’t think either of them are noticeable enough
I want to encourage cagers who actually make an effort but it’s tricky.
Maybe an LED sign on the back that said “Thanks!” would work and brighten their day whilst in the jam ( and also say “Hey we’re human too!” )
There was a survey a couple of years ago that said most car drivers think that you are trying to kick the car with the leg out. something that I avoid.
Left hand or right leg. Couldn’t care less if they think I’m trying to kick them as it means their abit thick. Honestly who tried to kick a car once your Infront of it.
A sideways nod or a Mexican style wave of the fingers on or off the bars, just be aware that some over enthusiastic plod may see hands off the bars as an MS60 :w00t:
Although I do wonder if they are making space for us to filter. Of course some will be but many appear to me to be moving over to protect their precious cages. Have you never noticed the late movers, they suddenly move over about a foot or so just as you pass or just after you’ve passed. Granted a motorcycle filtering at a progressive pace, and lets face it most of you filter too fast, does appear to be a lot closer than it actually is when your inside looking out.
As above on the leg out, it can look like an attempted kick to some.
always make a gesture, if my hands are free to do so otherwise helmet nod.
i also do it when i see cars looking at us bikers before pulling out at junctions in the countryside. and to pedestrians who look before crossing the road.
I usually give a thumbs up, universal symbol of ‘cheers’.
Otherwise a wave or nod depending on circumstances.
I think manners are really important, and considering the lack of courtesy on London roads, any effort is appreciated greatly.
As above, left hand or nod to the right but I like the LED Thanks, only problem is if I built one I’d be tempted to add options that would get me into all sorts of trouble…
Since becoming a biker i always look out for bikes and make space for them and gaps when I’m driving. It’s always nice to get an acknowledgment from the rider, be it a nod, wave, thumbs up or smile with eye contact. You never know, that considerate driver is most probably an LBer temporarily in a cage!
Good topic, I was recently having this exact same conversation with my brother who (in his car) saw a guy overtake him after my brother gave him some room and the guy put his leg out rather ‘vigorously’… My brother too thought that he was signalling some sort of ‘next time, I’ll kick your car in’ message and got annoyed!
I tend to use my hand if I am overtaking and if I’m filtering in between rows of traffic going in the same direction will use a very pronounced head movement… if I can I’ll use my hand in both but at 10mph in between cars that may move lanes I’d rather have as much control on the bike as possible!
I think if you do the leg you have to do it rather softly, hanging more than kick but even so doubt most would know what it means
The leg out gesture is as old as the hills. Best one I had was being passed by a Blackbird on the M1 north when I was on the CB500. I saw him approaching at warp speed, there was just enough time to get out of the way and kick out my leg, which he did the same before dissappearing over the horizon. You can also sweep the leg to tell someone to pass. Not sure if that is a universal one but seems to work.
