Turn Signals for Bike: Everything You Need to Know

What are Bike Turning Signals

Bike turning signals are devices or gestures that cyclists use to indicate their intention to turn or change lanes. These signals play a crucial role in ensuring the safety of the rider and those around them. Traditionally, cyclists use hand signals to communicate their intentions.

However, with the advancement of technology, LED turn signals have become a popular and effective option. These signals are usually integrated into the bike’s handlebars or rear lights, providing a clear and visible indication to other road users.

Hand signals are the traditional method of indicating turns or stops. For a left turn, extend your left arm straight out to your side. For a right turn, extend your left arm out and bend it up at a 90-degree angle, or extend your right arm straight out to the side.

To signal stopping or slowing down, extend your left arm out and bend it down at a 90-degree angle. While hand signals are effective, they can be less visible at night or in heavy traffic. This is where LED signals come into play.

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Can You Put Turn Signals on a Bike

Absolutely! Adding turn signals to a bike is not only possible but also highly recommended for enhancing safety.

Many modern electric bikes and traditional bicycles can be fitted with LED turn signals. These can be installed on the front and rear of the bike, and some even come with wireless remote controls that can be mounted on the handlebars for easy access.

Hand signals, while still effective, can be supplemented with LED lights to increase visibility, especially during night rides or in low-light conditions.

Turn Signal Bike Types

There are two main types of bike turn signals: LED lights and hand gestures.

LED lights are electric signals installed on the bike. They are bright, easy to see, and can be controlled via a remote or built-in switch. LED turn signals are particularly useful for e-bikes and are often integrated into the bike’s design.

Hand gestures involve the cyclist extending their left or right arm to signal a turn. While this method does not require any additional equipment, it relies on the cyclist taking one hand off the handlebars, which can be less safe, especially at higher speeds.

Comparing LED lights and hand gestures, LED lights are more visible, especially in low-light conditions. They allow cyclists to keep both hands on the handlebars, providing better control. LED lights also enhance safety by making signals clear and visible to all road users.

Why is Bike Turn Signal Important

Bike turn signals are crucial for preventing accidents and ensuring the safety of cyclists and other road users.

According to data from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), bicycle accidents account for a significant number of traffic-related injuries and fatalities each year.

In 2020 alone, over 1,000 cyclists were killed in traffic accidents in the United States. Many of these accidents could have been prevented with better communication between cyclists and other road users.

Using turn signals significantly reduces the risk of accidents by clearly indicating the rider’s intentions, thus allowing drivers and pedestrians to react accordingly. This is especially important in urban areas with high traffic density.

A study by the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) found that visibility enhancements, like bike lights and reflective gear, reduce the risk of accidents by 40%. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) reports that urban areas see the highest number of bicycle-related accidents due to dense traffic and poor visibility. The NHTSA also reports that nearly 30% of bicycle accidents occur during nighttime

Ebike with Turn Signals and Brake Lights

 TESWAY's electric bicycles feature super obvious LED turn lights and brake lights. When you need to turn or brake, the red brake light will light up, providing clear signals to others on the road.

"I recently had the opportunity to ride the TESWAY X5 folding e-bike at night, and I must say, the experience was exceptional. The bike’s LED turn signal lights and brake lights are incredibly bright and easy to see, even from a distance.

Riding through the city streets, I felt much safer knowing that drivers and pedestrians could easily see my intentions. The brake light is particularly useful, as it provides an extra layer of safety by alerting those behind me whenever I slow down or stop.  

TESWAY X5 has significantly improved my riding experience, especially during night rides." Ben explained.

Conclusion

Incorporating turn signals into your biking routine, whether through LED lights or hand gestures, is a simple yet effective way to enhance your safety on the road. TESWAY offer ebikes with built-in turn signals and brake lights, ensuring your visibility and communication with other road users has never been easier. Stay safe and enjoy your ride!