Police in the vicinity sign

[Fifteen15]

Say you're on your bike and you pass a traffic car perched on the side of the road. 30 seconds later you see bikers coming the other way. What would you do? Would you warn them that there is a traffic car up ahead? If so, how?

I saw a YouTube video a while ago about motorbike sign language and tapping on your helmet with your left hand means there are police in the vicinity. Does anyone actually do this? If I did this, would bikers know what I meant?

Another one is a thumbs down. I had this today, but from a car driver. Sure enough just down the road was an unmarked traffic car with its lights flashing having already pulled someone over.

Also a lot of people flash their lights to warn others of speed cameras, however this is more a car driver thing to do. If a biker flashed his/her lights at me, I would think they are just saying hi.

Thoughts?
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"Pain is weakness leaving the body, and blood makes the grass grow faster...but I'll wear my gear anyway"

[.....]

Flash your lights and sort of wave up and down like bouncing a basketball with your right hand.

[Souleh]

Either the basketball thing or tapping the top of your helmet

[Nai]

https://files.sharenator.com/kiss_me_team_america_RE_grandma_got_molested-s340x256-114800-580.gif

[pepperami]

[Dazbo666]

patting the top of your helmet, or giving the thumbs down
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1st bike (Sept'06 - May'10) : 1991 GPZ500S / Current bike (since Nov 2009) : 2003 Suzuki Bandit 600N
Word of the day : DILLIGAF

[stonesie]

Thumbs down usually, in the car though my signal for a speed camera is double flash, pause, double flash... Most people seam to get the idea from that

[Dan_Davies]

i'd just flash the lights and sorta wave my arm as in a slowing down sorta motion (:
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current ride: 07 suzuki sv650s
ex rides : lifan mirage 125

[anthony_r6]

Was it this video you watched?

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8zKQv2dc-cM
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Ted : "Maybe he's agoraphobic."
Dougal : "Jack scared of fighting? I don't think so, Ted."

[Muscle Bike Rider]

I normall wave up / down slowly and they get the message.
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Previously Known As A5tra_G
Old Bikes :2010 Kawasaki ER6 F & 2000 Honda VTR Firestorm
Current Bike : XJR1300

[Fifteen15]

[Muscle Bike Rider]

Loved it!!
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Previously Known As A5tra_G
Old Bikes :2010 Kawasaki ER6 F & 2000 Honda VTR Firestorm
Current Bike : XJR1300

[kawakid]

Must be a North South divide, up here in Yorkshire & Cumbria it is exclusively the patting the air with your right hand motion. (Like bouncing a basket ball but a bit slower).
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I've a twin and a 4.

[G]

Generally I've seen the waving up and down means 'slow down' - so it could be for a speed trap, an accident or some thing in the road, etc.

A spinning finger or similar to indicate a siren and thus general police.

And thumbs 'clapping' to fingers to indicate a speed trap (ie flash.)

[Jim Mc]

I tend to make a clenched fist, and shake it from side to side to warn others.

If they misinterpret that, well that's their problem.

[st3v3]

[ClockworkJesu...]

If anyone's ever warned me, I've missed it.
I've always seen cars flash flash their headlights when I've been with others.

[R6 Wilson]

Was unaware this went on till I noticed my Dad potentially save someones licence at the Glossop uphill part of Woodhead pass don't recall anyone warning me of police
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♥ YZF-R6 '05 ♥
Time is money so I stay late

[blurredman]

[st3v3]

[G]

Also note often also means the same thing - been 'saved' by that twice.

[defblade]

I learnt it as put your left hand to forehead and open and close hand like a flashing light.

Used it once when I was a pedestrian and a bike was zooming away from the lights towards me. It was a widely ignored 30 limit and I gave him the "slow down/braking" arm signal... he gave me a WTF? sort of look/shrug and I gave him the flash on my head... he seemed to get the message and hopefully didn't crash into the police and ambulance at an accident all over the road around the next bend - don't think they'd have been impressed with a bike joining the pile at 50
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Honda Varadero 125cc => Suzuki Bandit 650 33bhp => 77bhp =>
BMW K1200R Sport 163bhp => Aprilia Shiver GT 750 95bhp

[The Artist]

Thumbs down mainly although I have seen others.

[Hetzer]

I flash my lights, bike or car. I've been saved a few times by others doing it, god bless them.
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"There's the horizon! Ride hard, ride fast and cut down all who stand in your way!"

[Peirre oBollox]

Flashing your lights + thumbs down or slow down wave are the normal signals used.
But its actually illegal to warn other motorists of police and other law enforcement officers presence. IF you get caught it carries a significant fine & a day in court. Just be careful warning others of hazards ahead, and take a quick look around for additional police cars etc before you start waving as its not unusual for them to go hunting in packs.

I usually stop warning once I`m more than a mile+ past the scene, as theres usually others closer to the scene who`ll take over the role
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I accept no responsibility for swearing, drinking, motorcycle riding or your pregnant teenage daughter.