When motorcyclists make this ‘pedal gesture’ they are not angry, but happy | Car

Now that the nice weather seems to be continuing, the number of motorcyclists on the road is increasing, which sometimes leads to misunderstanding among motorists. They do many things slightly differently than other road users. For example, they often greet each other by raising their left hand. Sometimes they also add a V-sign.

This so-called ‘biker’s greeting’ was created by Barry Sheene, a well-known motorcycle racer from the 1970s. Sometimes the arm stays down. This greeting is also sometimes called the Harley or cruiser greeting. The arm is then pointed downwards at a 45-degree angle with one, two or more fingers extended and the palm facing the oncoming traffic.

So much for greetings to fellow motorcyclists. Because sometimes a greeting or a gesture is made to motorists and that sometimes looks rude to those who do not know motor sign language. For example, when you make room for a motorcyclist riding through the middle, you see him make a ‘step gesture’. However, that is not intended as a ‘step after’, but as a thank you.

Motorcyclists cannot always take a hand off the handlebars. For example, if they are standing at a red light and have squeezed the clutch, or if it all has to go fast and they don’t have time to take a hand off the wheel. Even in a busy environment, such as when driving through traffic jams, they prefer to keep both hands on the wheel. Incidentally, the motorcyclist usually extends his right foot as a thank you and not the left, because he operates the throttle with his right hand.

If a motorcyclist moves his arm sideways up and down, it is not a criticism either, but a warning that there is danger. For example, an accident or an approaching traffic jam.

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