SESKStuff Everyone Should Know
SESK: Stuff Everyone Should Know · sesk.info/bike-left-turn-signal

Which hand signal tells drivers you are turning left on your bike?

Left arm held straight out to the side.

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  1. Left arm bent up at the elbow
  2. Left arm held straight out to the side ✔
  3. Left arm pointing down

Why: To signal a left turn, stick your left arm straight out sideways. Arm bent up means a right turn, and arm pointing down means stop or slow down.

Huh, didn't know that: These are the same hand signals drivers learn for when a car's turn signal is out.

The dad joke
I gave a left turn signal to my bike. It said, 'Hand it to you, that was clear.'
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References

Answer: Left arm held straight out to the side. To signal a left turn, stick your left arm straight out sideways. Arm bent up means a right turn, and arm pointing down means stop or slow down.

  1. RCW 46.61.758 Hand signals app.leg.wa.gov/rcw/default.aspx?cite=46.61.758
    Left turn. Left hand and arm extended horizontally beyond the side of the bicycle
    Checked 2026-10-12.

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