Why do motorcyclists point to the ground? What does it mean?
As a biker myself, we riders have a lot of gestures for many situations while riding.
We use these hand signals for many reasons; it is like morse code but for bikers.
We usually point to the ground for;
- Signaling a danger on the road
- Indicating an intention to change lane
- Saying thank you to other road users
But one gesture, in particular, stands out more than any others.
Why Do Motorcyclists Point At The Ground?
There are many reasons why a motorcyclist would point to the ground. Yet, a biker will often let go of his left handle to point his index and middle finger in a V shape toward the ground. It is known as the ‘’Biker Wave,’’ whose purpose is to say hello when motorcyclists pass each other.
It is the most common reason why you will see us biker point toward the ground.
We, motorcycle enthusiasts, like to acknowledge each other since we share a passion.
When two motorcycle riders come toward each other on opposite sides of the road, we often wave that two fingers V sign to the ground.
Whether we know each other or we are complete strangers rarely matters.
This biker wave is our way to say, ‘’hey! You ride too? Nice! Have a good day mate!’’
This ‘’hello tradition’’ also happens similarly in other activities too.
Let take fishing, for example.
Let assume two fishermen in boats are coming close to each other on a lake.
The two persons could pass each other and exchange a wave without exchanging words.
It would not be out of place at all. The biker wave got the same purpose.
It boils down to a sign of respect and approvement between peoples sharing a common trait.
That said, not all bikers wave or respect each other.
Why Do Bikers Wave With Two Fingers? What the Meaning?
The origin of the biker wave using the index and middle finger to form a V shape is unclear. Although the meaning of the gesture clearly shows a friendly attitude toward another biker.
Nobody knows for sure when the biker wave first happened.
We don’t even know for sure why it is in a V shape.
But there are theories about the biker wave origins.
The Biker Wave Came from Haley-Davidson
Legend is that William Harley and Arthur Davidson, the founders of Harley Davison, were the firsts to adopt the gesture.
These two often came across each other on their motorcycles.
Each time it happened, the two friends and partners would use the biker wave as a form of hello.
Later, other riders picked up the tradition to spread it across North America.
The Peace Theory
Another supposition is that the V shape of the fingers represents the Victory and Peace sign.
A lot of people used this gesture in times of war, and bikers picked up the hand gesture for themselves.
According to this theory, each finger forming the V represents a motorcycle wheel.
Since the V is downward toward the ground, the biker wave could be interpreted as ‘’keep both wheels on the ground.’’
It combines a message of saying hello as well and wishing another rider to keep their bike upright and be safe while riding.
Harley Davidson Riders And The Biker Wave
Hayley Davidson’s riders are known for their loyalty to the brand and creating a sort of closed-off fraternity between them. This exclusive club attitude may create a certain distance and tension with other riders. As such, some Harley owners won’t send back the biker wave to the non-Harley rider.
I will take a second to defend Harley riders that this sort of pompous attitude is less frequent these days.
But it still happens.
I get that it can quickly get old to wave to every biker on the road…
But when I wave at another rider, and they got plenty of time to wave back…
And they don’t,
Mate, that is just rude.
Then I realized that it said Harley Davidson on the side of the bike.
Well… there is the explanation XD.
Ok, I am done roasting you, Harley riders… For now 🙂
I know most of you are great peoples that simply love to be part of something exclusive.
But I love picking on you; I can’t help it. No hard Feeling 🙂
Other Reasons Motorcyclists Point At The Ground
Apart from the biker wave, a motorcyclist might point to the ground to highlight a danger such as an obstacle on the road. The two other common reasons are to state the intention to change lanes or show appreciation to another road user that allowed the biker to pass.
Pointing Out A Danger On The Road
A rider might point directly at a potential hazard on the road, such as roadkill, potholes, etc.
Usually, a rider won’t point out for this reason while riding on their own
The leadings motorcyclists mainly use this technique in a group ride to point out risks to the riders behind them.
It is our way to protect our riding buddies.
Worth noting, the acceleration throttle is controlled by a rider’s hands.
So it makes it awkward to point with our right hand.
We can’t really let go of the gas.
Otherwise, we could become a potential hazard ourselves by slowing down too much.
We got another way to point out trouble on the right.
If the threat is on the right side of a rider, we instead lift our right leg and point the menace with our foot as best we can.
Pointing Out An Intention To Change Lane
It is a habit that dates back to the old days when motorcycles didn’t necessarily come with blinkers back then.
Bikers would have to put their arm out to signal they want to change lanes or turn right or left similar to bicycle hands signals.
Yet, some bikers took it a step further.
Some riders will point to the ground to the right or left with one finger in a determined fashion.
A rider pointing to the ground like that means ‘’I claim that space for myself.’’
This behavior state a biker’s intent to change lane where they pointed.
There are still riders that use this technique today, but it is not common.
Saying Thank You To Other Road Users
It might be something that you experience if you kept your distance to let a rider pass you.
If a rider shows you this, it is a thank you message.
Congratulation, you just earned yourself a biker wave.
It is the equivalent of car drivers rolling down their windows and waving their hands to say thank you.
And by the way, please keep respecting a biker space on the road.
This behavior will earn you a lot of respect and is an easy way to rack up good karma points. 🙂
In conclusion, Why Do Bikers Point To The Ground.
We point to the ground as a form of sign language.
We do so to
- Highlight a danger to other bikers.
- That we wish to occupy that part of the road.
- Saying thank you for respecting the space distance to ride safe.
But more importantly, we do it as a sign of respect and safe travels to our fellow riders.
I hope I helped you clarify why we bikers point to the ground in such odd behavior while riding.
Take care ride safe…
If you don’t ride, then drive safe or whatever you do to get around 😉
