Biking Etiquette
By Keep Britain Biking • 12th January 2012 • 82 viewsWhat makes you nod to your fellow biker?
We’re sure you’re all aware of the famous motorcycle ‘nod’, that friendly way of acknowledging a fellow biker when they pass.
Biking etiquette is one of today’s hot topics. What makes you execute the nod – is it the make of the bike passing you, its size, or maybe the obvious age and experience of your fellow enthusiast?
It has been argued that fledgling motorcyclists, fresh from passing their test dish out the nod the most, ever willing to please and just happy to be part of their new club.
But oh, how times change. As a biker gets more experienced, they often get more cynical, after all:
Why should you acknowledge the scooter trundling past you?
Why should the man in the midst of a mid-life crisis riding a matchy-matchy Yamaha bike and leathers deserve your recognition?
Then, just when you think you’ve got the nod out of your system you greet an oncoming biker, then, before you know it, the whole club is riding by. Do you nod at each individual, risking the chance you’ll end up looking like some life-size biking bobble head?
What do you think of the politics of the nod? You tell us – what makes you take the time to show your respect? Is old-fashion etiquette disappearing from the roads all together? We can’t wait to hear your thoughts!
sunrider said: On January 12, 2012
I always give a nod to a biker no matter what age the the rider or the type of off bike they riding ,all that matters is that they are on two wheels .They will always be the odd biker who doesn’t let on for what ever reason ,some say its the harley riders I rode a harley for 6 years and always gave a nod to any biker ,so i don’t think its the bike ! its just that some riders can’t be bothered or don’t know its part biking etiquette ritural . As for the noding whilst passing a group of riders whilst on my harley and out riding with the local chapter it was the lead rider who gave a nod and the last man in the group who also nodded and whislt passing anopther large group in would be the same the two lead riders would nod and the two tail gunners with give each other a nod ,so saving everyone in the group from having to give a nod
Paul
mikethebike said: On January 12, 2012
I always acknowledge fellow bikers who are riding responsibly, i never nod to those acting like an idiot or riding in a dangerous or aggressive manor. I look at it as a sign of respect for a fellow biker and a nod from a stranger somehow makes me feel better ? I’ts all about being part of the biking community.
I really like the way Europeans in general acknoledge each other, the nod is replaced by either the left hand letting go of the handlebars and almost going for a hand slap at handlebar height as bikes pass each other, ( as they ride on the right oncoming traffic faces you on the left) Or if there is a motorcycle coming up behind you, you would acknowledge their presence by hanging either foot off a footpeg
( depending on which side they are coming up on) This action is also used as a thank you when passing someone that has allowed you to do so..
It was especially fun when passing a group of around 20 tourers whilst riding the Pyrenees as they were all riding in a line and had thier right legs perminantly stuck out in my direction. I imagine someone who didn’t know what this meant would see it as very wierd !!
saggybikerz said: On January 13, 2012
I always nod at a fellow biker, no matter what type of bike they are on. Most times they nod back, but there are always some that don’t.
I am proud to be a biker and like to acknowldege other members of ‘the gang’
Klyyama said: On January 14, 2012
I always give a nod to members of the pack. It’s only right a proper! I don’t always get one back but then life is like that, and some people are rude.
The best and most unexecpted reaction I got back was about 2 years ago by a teen on a 50cc scooter!
I gave him the nod and he literally sat back on his seat and gave a double kick, double gun (YES DOUBLE) reply……I continued down the road a little bemused thinking to myself what was that?
I now think it was pretty cool but a little daft…..we were filtering in rush hour traffic.
Dave N said: On January 14, 2012
I found when I was riding a 125 with L plates it was rare to receive a nod even following giving one….however when moving onto a bigger bike without the L plates it’s now a common gesture shared by most fellow bikers….I nod to all bikers where possible (with the exception of those travelling at the speed of light and unlikely to see anyway) and value the gesture as both respectful and acknowledgement of a common interest and the mateship of biking.