You are driving down the motorway and in the corner of your eye you see a motorcyclist standing with a yellow cloth on his handlebars. Or one approaches you, tapping on his helmet. Do you think he is pausing or itching? Wrong. In the motorbike world, these are universal signals, and if you ignore them, you’ll leave someone in distress or ride right into a trap. Update: we have added new secret signals that every motorist should know.
The secret language of motorcyclists
Motorists often don’t understand the codes motorcyclists have among themselves. Waving, putting your foot out; it’s all part of the deal. But according to French site L’Internaute, the yellow cloth (or ribbon) on the handlebars is not a greeting, but a silent cry for help.
Especially in central Europe and Scandinavia, it is the way to signal that you have broken down, are out of petrol or need medical assistance. The yellow is chosen because it stands out, even in bad weather or twilight.
It simply means “I’m not here for fun, help me” Motorcyclists are known for their solidarity, but if you as a motorist do not recognise this signal, you are driving past someone who may have been waiting for hours.
Helmet on the ground? Stop!
There is another variant you should know, especially if you ride in countries like Spain. See a motorcyclist who has put his helmet on the tarmac behind his bike? That too is not carelessness, but a cry for help. A helmet on the ground means, “I need help.”
They are unwritten rules that can save lives. So next time you see a yellow cloth flapping or a helmet on the hard shoulder? Don’t be a lout.
Stop to ask if everything is OK, or at least call 112 if the situation looks serious. You would want them to do the same for you if you are in the middle of nowhere with a flat tyre.
Waving two arms is bad form
One last tip for observant road users: pay attention to body language. Someone waving happily with one hand is probably greeting you. But someone standing by the side and waving both arms up and down (like a bird) is trying to warn or stop you.
This is the international signal for an emergency or a dangerous obstacle ahead. See this? Slow down and be alert, because something is well wrong.
Also pay attention to the sticker on the helmet
There is another detail you need to pay attention to as an emergency responder when you stop at a motorcyclist’s house. Many motorcyclists put an ICE (In Case of Emergency) sticker or QR code on their helmet. In case the motorcyclist is not approachable, you will find crucial information about blood type, allergies and contacts.
In France and Belgium, this system is becoming increasingly popular. So if you stop at an accident and the motorcyclist is unconscious: look at the helmet. Never take it off (unless you are trained or breathing stops), but look for that sticker. It can make the difference between life and death before the emergency services arrive.
Tapping on the helmet: police approaching
See an oncoming motorcyclist tapping with his flat hand on top of his helmet? If so, brake immediately. This is not a greeting and he is not itching. In the motorbike world, this is the universal warning signal for “Police or speed camera ahead”.
It is a friendly warning that further down the road is being checked. Motorists often signal with their lights, motorcyclists tap their roofs. If you ignore this, there will probably be an acceptance letter waiting for you a few kilometres away.
The outstretched leg: thank you
Another confusing signal for motorists: you overtake a motorcyclist or make room in a traffic jam, and he sticks out his right leg. Is he angry? Does he want to kick? No.
Because a motorcyclist needs his right hand for the throttle, he often cannot wave in thanks. The extended leg (the ‘foot’) is the motorbike variant of the raised hand. He just thanks you for letting him pass. No aggression, but pure politeness.
Image source: Google AI Studio
