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

How do you signal 'I'm stopping or slowing down' on a bike?

Left arm pointing down.

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  1. Left arm pointing down ✔
  2. Left arm straight out
  3. Right arm bent upward

Why: Point your left arm down toward the road to show you are stopping or slowing. Riders behind you and drivers get a warning before you brake.

Huh, didn't know that: Oregon says to give the stop signal for at least 100 feet before stopping, unless you need both hands to control the bike.

The dad joke
Why did the bike point at the ground? It was getting down to business.
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References

Answer: Left arm pointing down. Point your left arm down toward the road to show you are stopping or slowing. Riders behind you and drivers get a warning before you brake.

  1. RCW 46.61.758 Hand signals app.leg.wa.gov/rcw/default.aspx?cite=46.61.758
    Stop or decrease speed. Left hand and arm extended downward beyond the side of the bicycle
    Checked 2026-10-12.
  2. ORS 814.440 Failure to signal turn (Oregon Legislature) www.oregonlegislature.gov/bills_laws/ors/ors814.html
    without giving the appropriate hand and arm signal continuously for at least 100 feet before executing the stop
    Checked 2026-10-12.

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