RADAR AHEAD - Hand gestures??

[john10toe]

Seems we are seeing the authorities out on the trails with radar guns more frequently these days...... All riders certainly need to show common sense, and I am not condoning speeding while riding the trails, but having said that, I am certain we have all gone a tad over the limit at one time or another trying to make it to the next rest room, because apparently you can even get a fine for doing that on the side of the trail now?? (Yikes!!) A speeding fine from the Federales for doing 19 KPH over the posted 50 KPH (that's only 30 MPH) seems a bit ridiculous on a straight, flat, wide, trail that you can see traffic coming miles in advance.....

So I am also seeing many different hand gestures from other riders in an effort to warn of these speed traps. I'm sure we all appreciate the advance warning but I am curious if there is any sort of international hand gesture?? I have seen the whirlybird finger, tapping top of helmet, pointing hand like a shooting gun, pushing palm to the ground, and others that just don't make any sense at all.

Thoughts??

 

[Black7]

Used to be, back in the day, at least while driving cars/trucks - we'd turn our headlights on and off a few times towards oncoming traffic. I stopped doing this when I would get "high-beamed" back all the time. Chalked it up to ignorant drivers who thought I was being rude.
BUT! Lately, I've seen this technique come back. What's old, is new!
For the trail, maybe cycle the highbeams "On" and "Off" a few times?

 

[Mileage Quest]

I use the whirlybird for DNR/ Groomer ahead... Either way speeds should be kept down

 

[Rockmeister]

I also use the Whirlybird to signify the Gumball machine.

 

[buddah]

I also use the Whirlybird to signify the Gumball machine.

The only whirlybird you use is on top of your beanie...........

 

[HartleRacing]

on motorcycles, we always pat the top of our helmet as a way to let oncoming riders know to check their speed for the next section. that idea should work for sleds as well?

 

[smokingcrater]

I like the flashing headlights, used quite a bit on highways also.

Keep in mind doing this is actually illegal, and the fine is more than the speeding ticket...

(oops, I see there was just a federal case on that on feb 5th, so now it MIGHT be legal to flash for a speed trap. Also that is in the US, I have a feeling Canada might be a little more strict in that regard.)

 

[Yamadog]

3 yrs ago I got 2 tickets in West Yellowstone in one day - same deal there 35 mph speed limit on all trails even not in the park.
They even carry a credit card machine for instant processing - Bastardos!!!!
Not interested in looking for squirrels. I ride for adrenaline not the view, I can enjoy that when the snow melts.

 

[bjowett]

I like the flashing headlights, used quite a bit on highways also.

Keep in mind doing this is actually illegal, and the fine is more than the speeding ticket...

(oops, I see there was just a federal case on that on feb 5th, so now it MIGHT be legal to flash for a speed trap. Also that is in the US, I have a feeling Canada might be a little more strict in that regard.)

Gotta love that First Amendment...

 

[Mooseman]

Flashing the headlights is actually illegal here (improper use of headlights) but a hand signal? I can't see how that could be ticketed.

Apparently the OPP were out south of here but in town, the local cops don't go very often.

 

[Pstn head]

I use the whirlybird and tap the top of the helmut.

 

[Yamadog]

I usually point at them then give the middle finger meaning you slow down or your fu@$ed!!!

1st year ever miles are down to about 3600 for the season but did not see 1 DNR agent in the woods.

 

[OVR4D]

They were probably there, but you were going too fast to notice and they knew they had no chance of catching you.

 

[Sasquatch]

Seems we are seeing the authorities out on the trails with radar guns more frequently these days...... All riders certainly need to show common sense, and I am not condoning speeding while riding the trails, but having said that, I am certain we have all gone a tad over the limit at one time or another trying to make it to the next rest room, because apparently you can even get a fine for doing that on the side of the trail now?? (Yikes!!) A speeding fine from the Federales for doing 19 KPH over the posted 50 KPH (that's only 30 MPH) seems a bit ridiculous on a straight, flat, wide, trail that you can see traffic coming miles in advance.....

So I am also seeing many different hand gestures from other riders in an effort to warn of these speed traps. I'm sure we all appreciate the advance warning but I am curious if there is any sort of international hand gesture?? I have seen the whirlybird finger, tapping top of helmet, pointing hand like a shooting gun, pushing palm to the ground, and others that just don't make any sense at all.

Thoughts??

]

Ya Ontario! Like anyone does 50k! Sask has a 80k limit and Manitoba does not seem to have one except in ditches. Governed by the road speed then. Ontario has to go 50k which even the OFSC president when he rode through here did not follow!

Lucky here they just patrol the towns. How to warn I have no clue! Maybe we need to come up with a universal gesture like pointing your finders down and gesturing to the ground. Probably confuse it with last in line so I like the patting the head sign best. Whirly bird might be confused with more sleds coming. If your in an area with lots of radar being used it won't take long for people to figure it out and adopt it. Got to love the forums as well.

 

[Yamadog]

They were probably there, but you were going too fast to notice and they knew they had no chance of catching you.

That did happen in Michigan 2 yrs ago - They were putting up logging signs as 2 buddies and I blew through a turn WOT and they tried to jump in front of us. We waived hello and kept going - made Wisconson in about 10 minutes - See Ya!!!

Then we ran across an area where 1/2 the signs they were dragging around had fallen off the rack and were strewn all over the trail.