ysbytymike wrote:Once pulled over as there'd been an accident on the road ahead and got talking to this nice lady. She was telling me that she thought bikers waving to each other was great.
Only bikers and lorry drivers tend to show this sort of camaraderie.
Regardless of the type of bike isn't my experience. I dont think I've ever had a wave from a moped, maxi-scoot or 125cc rider in France. Its always been big bikes that waved or gave the V salute for me.daveuprite wrote:Here in France, recognition of another biker is very much considered the right thing to do. When passing in opposite directions, the usual is a low hand out-stretched recognition. Some bikers use a V for Victory (at least I guess it's that...), although exactly what the victory is I'm not sure. French bikers are always fighting some legislation or another and sometimes win, so maybe it's that.
Showing appreciation when passing a car that has pulled over a bit for you is normal - usually a dangled leg will do.
Even parked up bikers, or someone just walking along with a helmet in their hand, will give you a wave.
On the whole the biking spirit is alive and well in France, regardless of the type of bike.
I'm a Lambretta rider and as previously stated I nod to all and sundry on motorised 2 wheels when on my GP200. Of course not all nod back, only the ones with manners. :laugh:AndyB wrote:Just lifting a hand to someone and having it noticed is much easier when you ride on the right hand side of the road because you're not taking your hand off the throttle and it's not just France where you see this happen. I ride all over Europe and the same form of acknowledgement is given in most countries.
Obviously nobody in their right mind bothers with the likes of scooters but at least that teaches the riders of things like that that they're nothing until they get a proper bike.
