I Can't Indicate

[Andy_R]

It also helps to remember...signal before you turn. That way you're going in a straight line when signalling and not trying to turn and signal at the same time....keep it as simple as simples folks....

 

[Norm]

+1 to much of the advice, but especially the last two.

Find a big empty area that you can use on your own for a while, then get out there for 10-15 minutes every evening for a week. Start off just swinging the bike around in large circles / figure-8s with both hands on the bars, then try and lift your left hand an inch off the bars and repeat the shapes until your feel more confident, then with the right hand an inch above the bars and repeat, and gradually move your hand further away until you can get your arm out completely.

But, remember that "indicating" means you are "indicating to other road users that you are about to change direction and / or speed". Indicate in advance of the manoeuvre and get both hands back on the bars to perform the manoeuvre.

IMO, of course.

 

[stephen.rooke]

just keep practicing, most people have been doing it since they were kids, youll soon get the hang of it, when i got my road bike i couldnt ride with no hands without nearly crashing now i can. its harder on road bikes because the tyres are narrower than mountain bikes so less to balance on

 

[FailedComic]

Thanks a lot for all the advice, guys. I really appreciate it. I'll definitely go out and everything. Will let you know how it goes!!!

 

[Chris S]

Stop pedalling and freewheel before you take your hand of the handlebar, while you are learning to indicate.

Most people push down on the bars to maintain their balance as they pedal.

 

[D7JAB]

I had a bit of a problem with this years ago, i found holding the handlebars about 3/4 way out on the horizontal gives me a more stable up right position rather trying to do it from holding far down or wide (Lets face it your doing it to be seen). Porp yourself up a bit and relax when glancing over your sholder or putting your arm out. It doesnt have to be a full extension or wave or above your head, just what your comfortable with and it will just click.
Practice like everyone said above but make sure you practice both arms!...

 

[Andy_R]

I had a bit of a problem with this years ago, i found holding the handlebars about 3/4 way out on the horizontal gives me a more stable up right position rather trying to do it from holding far down or wide (Lets face it your doing it to be seen). Porp yourself up a bit and relax when glancing over your sholder or putting your arm out. It doesnt have to be a full extension or wave or above your head, just what your comfortable with and it will just click.
Practice like everyone said above but make sure you practice both arms!...

The problem with moving your hand from it's normal position towards the stem is that it amplifies the effect any movement your hand makes. So whilst a small correction whilst in the normal rding position is usually enough, it may be too much, resulting in overcorrection, if your hand is closer to the stem. I see it a lot when teaching people to ride.

 

[Wednesday]

I think the best bits have been said, but I have a couple of small things:

1. Ride around as much as you can in places where you don't need to worry about indicating and other awkward stuff. I found a lot of things to do with balance and handling difficult when I didn't have much experience, but even things I didn't practice got better as I got more used to being on a bike and making those unconscious fine adjustments. Of course it doesn't hurt to practice taking your hands off the bars when you're riding around the park or whatever.

2. Don't grind on hills! Newbie cyclists tend to think they should use the highest gear they can manage, which is unhelpful for a few reasons. One of them is that slowly forcing the peddles around makes you less stable, so indicating like that is awful. Took me a long time to work that one out .

 

[Hebe]

...(try to get into a habit of lifting your chin just before you need to signal)....

This worked perfectly for me this morning, my left hand signals are hugely improved! Thank you!

 

[Andy_R]

This worked perfectly for me this morning, my left hand signals are hugely improved! Thank you!

You're very welcome...now just practise, practise, practise.

 

[FailedComic]

I went out today with a cycling instructor to get some confidence cycling, especially using clipless pedals - which now feels more natural to use.

I also tried indicating. And I'm comfortable now getting my left hand straight across now. YAY! He told me to just cycle and keep putting my hand up off the bar a few times, then higher up a few times, and then out a few times etc... seems to have worked. I also got told to relax my shoulders! I was told I'll be fully comfortable once I get my hand on my head as I cycle.

I also used some of the techniques suggested here - so I just want to say thank you all very much!

 

[Norm]

I also tried indicating. And I'm comfortable now getting my left hand straight across now. YAY! He told me to just cycle and keep putting my hand up off the bar a few times, then higher up a few times, and then out a few times etc... seems to have worked.

Excellent, FC, congrats on getting comfortable with the clipless and moving the hands up, if only because your instructor seems to be following some excellent advice...

... then try and lift your left hand an inch off the bars and repeat the shapes until your feel more confident, then with the right hand an inch above the bars and repeat, and gradually move your hand further away until you can get your arm out completely.

 

[FailedComic]

I know I'm bumping this old thread, but just wanted to say YAY! I went out riding again today, and I was able to keep either hand out for about 5 seconds at a go. I feel good about my riding now

 

[Norm]

Sweet, FC. Congrats and glad that the lessons are working.

 

[mr Mag00]

well done, just found thisand was going to suggest getting a few lessons.