We’ve got our winners in the “How do I signal a right turn” contest. The question was regarding how to properly and legally signal a right hand turn while riding a bicycle.

In truth, the question was kind of a gimme – there are two correct answers. The first, which most people gave as their answer, is by holding the left arm out, bent at a 90 degree angle pointing up. This is the signal required by the DMV for use in automobiles – which makes sense. This is also what motorcyclists use, so the right hand can remain on the throttle. So yes – right arm at 90 degree angle is correct.

However, the DMV also has this to say:

Bicyclists may give right turn-signals with their right arm held straight out, pointing right.

So which is “better?” That’s a good question. Me personally, I use my right hand, held straight out to the right. I personally feel this is more definitive – there is no mistaking that I am pointing to the right. And it eliminates the possibility of motorists behind me mistaking my hand gesture for something less … helpful. As always though, follow your local laws, and do what you believe makes you safer on the road.

And now to the winners.

There was only one incorrect answer submitted: “Why bother. They won’t see you anyways” Soooo not helpful.

So the three randomly selected winners are:

• Jackie. Submitted via email. Jackie answered with the bent left arm.
• Phil. Submitted via email. Phil also went with the bent left arm.
• Doug. Submitted via comment to the original contest. Doug answered with the right hand.

Congrats to all! Send me your postal address to [email protected] and I’ll get your sticker shipped out to you this week. Since I have an email address for all three, I’ll drop you an email as well.

Happy signaling.

Hand signals. We all use them when riding on the roads. Right? Right?!? But do you actually know how to do it properly?

Between now and noon Feb 1, I’ll be taking your answers to the following question. 3 random folks will be selected from the correct answers and get a complimentary “Put the fun between legs” sticker. Postage paid. $0.00 out of pocket. Just answer this question correctly:

What is the legal and proper way to signal a right hand turn on a bicycle in the state of California?

You can submit your response in one of 3 ways:

• By commenting to this post (notice, you’re comment will be queued for approval if you have not posted here before. Never fear – I will get your comment!)
• By sending an email to [email protected] with “JAC Right Hand Turn” in the subject line
• On twitter, by mentioning @VeloReviews in your tweet
• On the VeloReviews Facebook page, as a comment on the post for this article.

Have Fun!