Cycling Hand Signals +1

I was watching a documentary on auto-pilots (there's no such thing BTW, despite Elon Musk insisting the misnomer is no more egregious for cars than planes) and when interviewed about "rouge drivers" the software designers complained that they don't play by the rules of negotiating on the road. "Negotiate" is EXACTLY the right word, as cyclists have to negotiate with motorists all the time to stay safe. In fact, whenever a motorist/s starts looking perplexed, START DIRECTING TRAFFIC!!!

We're all familiar with cycling turn signals, stick your left or right arm out to indicate a turn in that direction, because unlike motorists, both arms can be seen. There's also the raised arm for stopping, but I've never used it and you shouldn't either.

The Big Three

Keep your hands on your brakes where they belong when stopping. I crashed and fractured my pelvis going 12 mph because the sand at the intersection was like grease and I had my right hand off the brake blocks to signal a turn. Yeah, I wish I could do that one over. To hell with signalling, maintain control of your bike at all times. This is EXACTLY the advice my flight instructor gave me years ago as a student pilot (yes, I've had my ticket for 35 yrs). This is NOT to say you shouldn't signal. It is a reminder that signalling, and everything else too for that matter, is secondary to controlling your bike.

With the above for context, I'm introducing a new hand-signal. It's simple & straight-forward - a signal for going straight-forward. No, really. Here's the silly simple +1

Slash the air forward from your elbow, motioning your forearm from your shoulder to the straight-forward position. Pretend you're slashing a ribbon at the end  of a race. 
Repeat the motion 2-3 times.

This is so helpful I'm amazed I have never heard of it or seen it in print. Here's why...

1.  It tells a motorist directly across from you, going straight, that they can proceed immediately.
2. It tells a motorist directly across from you, wanting to turn R, that you aren't turning L, so they can proceed immediately.  
3. It tells a motorist directly across from you, wanting to turn L, they have to wait for you to clear the intersection. For cyclists, this is the most common source of collisions with motorists.
4. It tells motorists on your L that you aren't turning R, so they have to wait, because you won't be in the bike lane on the other side of the intersection from them, you'll be right in front of them for a few seconds.
5. At a 4-Way Stop, it tells everyone you intend to roll straight through the intersection, clearing it ASAP, so if they hold on 5-7 seconds you'll be out of their way. Direct traffic as required, slow & be generous, but take charge!
6. It tells motorists you aren't lazy or inept, that you aren't just neglecting to signal, but are going straight through the intersection, not turning either L or R.

Try it. I think you'll agree, it has an amazing effect on your interaction with motorists.