Start here · Essential guide
Cycling Hand Signals and Communication
A practical overview of cycling hand signals for turning, slowing, stopping and pointing out hazards, plus verbal calls and why conventions vary by country.
Riding Skills
Etiquette and Signalling
Riding courteously and clearly with others.
Etiquette at Traffic Lights and Junctions
How to position yourself, wait and move off predictably at traffic lights and junctions, with notes on checking local rules and sharing space with others.
Hill Etiquette for Climbing and Descending
Who generally gives way on narrow climbs and descents, and how to pass or be passed courteously on a hill, with a reminder to check local conventions.
How to Call Out Hazards in a Group
Learn the common verbal and hand calls for holes, parked cars and stopping, and why agreeing on calls before a group ride helps everyone stay safe.
How to Pass Other Riders and Walkers Courteously
How to pass other riders and walkers politely by calling out, using a bell and leaving enough room, especially on shared paths and narrow routes.
How to Ride Considerately on Trails
Trail courtesy explained: who yields, how to leave no trace, and how to respect closures, wildlife and other trail users, whether you walk, run, ride or hike.
How to Ride Two Abreast and Single Out
When groups ride side by side, how to single out smoothly when traffic approaches or the road narrows, and why local rules on riding two abreast differ.
How to Signal a Turn Safely
How to signal a turn on a bike while keeping the bike steady with one hand, when to keep both hands on the bars instead, and how to practise safely.
How to Signal When Stopping or Slowing
How riders show those behind that they are slowing or stopping, using arm signals, calls and brake lights, and why signals vary by country and club.
How to Use a Bell Politely
When and how to ring a bike bell so it informs rather than startles, with tips on timing, tone, distance and combining a ring with a friendly word.
Shared Path Etiquette for Cyclists
How cyclists can share paths with walkers, runners and dogs: managing speed, leaving space, staying predictable and being friendly. Local signs and rules apply.
Related topics
More in riding skills
Balance and Control Staying upright, steering, braking and cornering. Riding Confidence Building calm, capable riding on real roads and paths. Group Riding How to ride safely and smoothly with other cyclists. City Riding Traffic, bike lanes, shared paths and bike share skills. Bike Computers and GPS Using cycling computers, sensors and navigation. Commuting Skills Skills and habits for riding to work and back every day. Cornering How to take bends on road and trail with control. Hands-Free and Limited-Control Riding No hands, one hand, feet and vision skills made safe. Advanced Skills Why advanced skills help in traffic, commuting and groups. Handling Variations Handling skills with different hands, brakes and seats. Riding Technique Body position, pedalling, braking and line-holding fundamentals. Advanced Riding Skills and tricks for experienced riders, with sensible limits. Style and Mastery Polishing skills, style and flow through deliberate practice. Speed, Agility and Flexibility Drills for quicker handling, faster riding and a more supple position. Handling Different Bike Setups How bar width, tyre size, stance and loaded bags change the way a bike handles. Practical Riding Fixes Riding straight, coping with a broken chain and riding well on little money. Falling and Crashing Safely Understanding falls, reducing their risk and what to do afterwards. Reading the Road and Trail Seeing hazards early and choosing where to ride. Gears and Cadence Using the gears smoothly and finding a comfortable pedalling rhythm.