Hand and Arm Signals
Cyclist hand signals are the way cyclists communicate changes in their movement on the roadway.
Cyclists are required by law to use hand signals to communicate their movement on the roadway. The only exception to this is if it is unsafe for a person riding a bike to remove their hand from their handlebar to signal then they are not required to do so. If a person is not able to signal with their hands, many people will use an audible signal such as “Turning left!” or “Stopping.”
The examples of hand signals which are legal in Michigan are pictured below. MCL 257.648 is the law which dictates these signals.
Signal a left turn by extending the left hand straight out.
A right turn can be signaled by bending the left arm at a right angle and pointing the hand upward OR by extending the right arm to the right.
A cyclist should also signal when they are stopping or slowing which is done by bending the left arm at a right angle and pointing the hand down toward the ground.
