How to Do the Railroad Crossing Bike Signal

Bikes, scooters and motorcycles face unique problems when dealing with railroad crossings. Novices who realize that their bicycles can fit between the gates of a railroad crossing face certain harm by a speeding train. Your use of the railroad crossing bike signal can stave off daredevils and help motorists anticipate sudden stops due to oncoming trains.

1. Step 1

   Keep your bicycle as far on the right side of the road as possible when you do a railroad crossing bike signal. The needs for sudden stops by cars at railroad crossings make a bicycle in the center of the lane an impediment to safety.

2. Step 2

   Remove your right hand from the bike handle to do a railroad crossing bike signal. Your arm should be stretched outward from your body without a bend at the elbow.

3. Step 3

   Initiate the railroad crossing bike signal by bending your right arm at the elbow. Your forearm should be bent downward with your palm facing backward to indicate a stop to fellow bicyclists.

4. Step 4

   Loosen your right arm to allow your hand to swing left and right as you do a railroad crossing bike signal. Your signal hand should swing like a pendulum to separate this signal from a traditional stop signal.

5. Step 5

   Remove your feet from the pedals to stop your bike completely as you do a railroad crossing bike signal. An active crossing allows a biker to take a break while they perform this signal.

6. Step 6

   Continue your hand signal until a train crosses your path to discourage movement by motorists behind you. You should use the railroad crossing signal until the coast is clear on inactive crossings.

7. Step 7

   Utilize your railroad crossing bike signal at every crossing to get into the practice of using this safety precaution. Frequent use of the signal in your community will help local motorists get used to watching for bicyclists.

8. Step 8

   Contrast your bike equipment from the drab colors of a passing train with bright colors to enhance the power of your hand signal. You can shop for gloves and jerseys with yellow, green and light blue accents to catch the eye of motorists.