Jacqui Too Posted September 28, 2008 Share Posted September 28, 2008 I'm very pluzzled[8-)]I've been driving for over 30 years and have not noticed this in UK, but whilst driving in France I keep noticing that every time motor bike riders pass me or anyone else out comes their right leg off the bike straightens it up for a second or two then rests it back on the peddle, I have also somtimes seen both legs out stretched at the same time, whats going on!!Is it some kind of signal? is it a rude gesture? or are they just stretching their legs? I noticed one biker passed me and three others and did the same to us all.Someone please put me out of my quandary, does this happen everywhere or just in France? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
woolybanana Posted September 28, 2008 Share Posted September 28, 2008 It means 'Thank you'. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Jacqui Too Posted September 28, 2008 Author Share Posted September 28, 2008 [quote user="woolybanana"]It means 'Thank you'.[/quote]Oh thats nice[:)]But what for? not knocking him off. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Clair Posted September 28, 2008 Share Posted September 28, 2008 For letting them pass. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Bob T Posted September 28, 2008 Share Posted September 28, 2008 Giving us the room to pass (and not knocking us off) Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Jacqui Too Posted September 28, 2008 Author Share Posted September 28, 2008 Aahhh how very polite [kiss] can they come over here and give our lads some lessons !Thank you Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
DerekJ Posted September 29, 2008 Share Posted September 29, 2008 [quote user="Jacqui Too "]Aahhh how very polite [kiss] can they come over here and give our lads some lessons !Thank you [/quote]It's done in the UK as well but usually with a slight wave or lifting of the hand. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Callie Posted September 29, 2008 Share Posted September 29, 2008 [quote user="DerekJ"]It's done in the UK as well but usually with a slight wave or lifting of the hand.[/quote]Yes, Derek, because in the UK, when a biker overtakes, you will notice he raises his LEFT hand, as that is the one that the car driver will see ![:)]Now, think about the same scenario here in France : biker overtakes car - if he raises his RIGHT hand, what happens ??? [:$] Oooops, loss of acceleration......hence the right leg. I think it's cute ![8-|] Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
DerekJ Posted September 29, 2008 Share Posted September 29, 2008 Callie. Exactly...Acknowledgement of other bikers is different as well... Usually just a nod in the UK but it seems to vary over the channel... sometimes a wave, sometimes a lift of the leg. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Callie Posted September 29, 2008 Share Posted September 29, 2008 Well, thank goodness "Europe" hasn't yet decided to legistlate on that : no doubt one day some bored guy in Brussels will decide that the 'Thank you' sign needs to be the same everywhere.........[;-)] Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Jacqui Too Posted September 29, 2008 Author Share Posted September 29, 2008 [quote user="DerekJ"]It's done in the UK as well but usually with a slight wave or lifting of the hand.[/quote]Exactly my obs or even a thumbs up, but now I understand the right hand excelerator thing (never ridden anything but a horse) all becomes clear[:D] Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
sid Posted September 29, 2008 Share Posted September 29, 2008 [quote user="Jacqui Too "] Aahhh how very polite [kiss] can they come over here and give our lads some lessons ![/quote]We find that the French drivers are, in most cases, more respectful and tolerant of bikers (and towards cyclists too), and we are more grateful and polite in return. [:)]In the UK bikers spend most of their time dodging the cars driven by mobile-phone-wielding drivers... there's not a lot to be friendly about. Sorry, don't get me started! [:-))]French bikers also acknowledge each other with a left-handed inverted V-sign; it's very cool; I think it's meant to indicate "Two wheels, good!". So much easier too, as we pass in opposite directions our free hand is the left one, not the one on the accelerator. [;-)]Sid Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Chezstevens Posted September 29, 2008 Share Posted September 29, 2008 In Naples area the driving is mad (insert scary?) however they generally have good awareness of bikes. I have a daily commute of some 16 miles each way around the Naples basin. After 3 months I hope it has honed my sense of self-preservation to new heights!! Now where is that piece of wood?Again here the drivers will leave a sliver between the centre reservation and themselves for bikes and, even on motorway, 2 lanes very quickly becomes 5 and don't talk about when it rains!! Mind, 3 months with 35C until last week is bearable with the right kit Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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