The secret language of cyclists: Group riding hand signals explained

Sadly, it’s no secret that cycling on UK roads comes with its dangers. We have all heard of, or know personally, cyclists who have come into contact with reckless drivers or unsafe road conditions. Which is why it’s essential that we do everything we can to protect ourselves when out on the road, which is where cycling group hand signals and calls come in. 

And while we could wax lyrical on the topic, we’re here today to equip you with all the know-how possible so that you and your cycling buddies can help keep each other safe while cycling in a group. They will also come in handy during triathlon and cycling races too; even in competitions, it’s important look out for each other and relay potential dangers.

This article will cover all the key group riding hand signals and calls you need to know about to communicate with your fellow cyclists and stay safe on the road.

The secret, not so secret, language of cyclists 

Have you ever been on a group ride and seen the rider ahead of you flap their hand about in an almost indecipherable signal? Heard the shout of “car up!” and seen your fellow riders flap their fingers about like they’re trying to take flight? 

There’s method to the madness. Signals and calls may seem confusing at first, but once you get to grips with them you’ll be using them in your group rides all the time. 

The aim of signalling while cycling is to allow riders to communicate potential dangers or changes in the road ahead to those behind them. When cycling in a group, it’s nigh on impossible the be aware of upcoming road hazards, or to heard each other speak in the wind or rain, so it’s key to understand cycling signals and how to relay them.

Since the highway code indicates that cyclists should be in either single- or double-file, it’s only those in the front who can see clearly to anticipate the twists, turns, and obstacles on the road ahead. This is where signaling comes in, and the clearer and simpler, the better. 

Here we will cover a few of the more well-known hand signals, but it’s worth bearing in mind that regionally and internationally, signals may differ from group to group. Some of these signals will be only performed by the front rider, while most will be a signal communicated down the chain gang.    

Stopping – One hand help up with palm flat

Like the Queen’s wave hello, this sign indicates that the group is stopping at a light or junction. If you can’t see, some group members may yell “stopping” (especially if both hands are on the brakes), and you may also have the slowing sign relayed too (see below). 

Slow down – hand waving up and down 

Like bouncing an imaginary basketball, the arm is out to the side and raised up and down to indicate that the group should slow down. This could be due to coming up to a stop, or more likely that there is a sharp bend, descent, or unseen obstacle ahead, such as slowing traffic. 

Pothole! – point to the hazard 

With the arm out and index finger pointed at the hazard, this signal should be performed a few seconds before reaching the hazard to give the cyclist behind enough time to adjust their trajectory and relay the signal to those behind. 

Hazards could include potholes (if you’re cycling in the UK, you’ll use this multiple times a ride), litter on the road, drains, rocks, or any other road debris that could destabilise a slim road bike tyre that’s worth noting. 

Obstruction to the left – left hand pointing across back 

For UK drivers who drive on the left, an obstruction on the inside of the road like a parked car that requires a significant change in trajectory to be avoided should be relayed with this signal. With your inside hand, point across your lower back to your right side to indicate that riders should move more toward the centre of the road.

Obviously, if you’re in a country which rides (drives) on the right then it’ll just be your inside arm/hand that you’ll be using, so your right.  

Loose ground surface – summon your broomstick

Palm horizontal to the ground, rotate your wrist and move your hand from side to side (as if you’re ruffling your dog’s fur) to indicate a loose road surface. This signal is used if you’re coming up on treacherous gravel, small debris, icy sections (though “ICE!!!” would also be necessary), or roots/bumps in the road.   

Indicating – turn coming up

We should all know this one, if nothing else. To safely relay to all other road users, along with your group, that a turn is coming up. Stick out your arm horizontally to the ground as obviously as you can so no one can miss it.

Wave – Howdy matey

We all know this one, the famous cyclist wave or nod to say hi to each other while we’re out on the road. It’s discreet, subtle even, but always there consolidating your membership in one of the most friendly sports in existence (ok we’re a bit biased). 

Group cycling common calls explained 

“Car up!”

Meaning there’s a vehicle on the road ahead and all cyclists should slow down and keep to their side of the road. If it’s narrow, then you may want to consider riding single-file to allow enough room to safely pass. This call will typically come from the front rider and be passed along the cycling chain. 

“Car back!” (or car down) 

Meaning there’s a vehicle behind the group. Cyclists should tuck in to their side of the road if necessary (not too close to the curb though), and slow down to allow for safe passing. This call will typically come from the back rider and be transmitted along the chain. 

“On your right” 

When overtaking pedestrians or slower-moving cyclists, it can be helpful to call out a warning so there’s not caught off-guard. The main aim is to avoid them stepping out onto your side of the road/path suddenly in surprise, so be sure to give them enough time to collect themselves and keep out of your way. Of course, if you have a bell on your bike you can also ring this to announce your presence. 

“Clear”

This could be a call for pulling out onto a road, crossing a road, or similar, to signal to those cycling behind you that it’s clear of cars/bikes. If you do use this signal for a junction, just be sure that the road is completely clear and that your fellow cyclists have enough time to get to safety. 

“Bike up/runner up”

If there’s a runner or rider ahead that’s moving significantly slower than you and you’ll need to overtake, give your fellow cyclists a warning so they’re aware of the size and vulnerability (not in a car/metal box) of the upcoming obstacle. And slow down appropriately. This could also be used for horses, which will require significant slowing of pace to avoid spooking the animals  

Have we covered all the common cyclist signals and calls? Let us know on our Facebook page and share any signals you use with your cycling buddies.