Adventure Bike Rider Forum

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.

And Coach drivers mate. When I have to drive the coach at work nearly all other coach drivers wave. Trucks only tend to flash each other in, and only wave if you're in the middle of nowhere and pass one.

:whistle:

I pretty much nod at any motorbike unless I'm on a left-right, have to concentrate junction or roundabout...

I mostly have a smile on me face as I'm on me bike anyway so it doesn't bother me if the gesture isn't reciprocated, but I'd say roughly 70% returns to 30% nowts

One thing I've noticed this last couple of years down my way (East Anglia) is a sort of 'sideways' nod back, sort of like tipping a wink - seems to be the younger riders but it looks OK, and looks like they're out enjoying the ride

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.

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.

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.

Sent from my GT-I9505 using Tapatalk

Well im off to Cornwall first thing, if its naff weather will just get on with it, sun shining & the roads a skiping will wave & leg kick to all. There's more to life than getting a nod :whistle:

Its better to give than to receive......particularly in prison :blink:

Nodders.

:laugh:

Anyone else know what a nodder is?

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.

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.

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:

As a new rider I wave or nod to everything on 2 wheels. l'm still learning about cyclists. ...

Re Motorcycles :I get a slighty better response now I've lost the L plates!...

I'd say I get a 95% response rate in total here in Scotland.