Print

Please login or register.
1 Hour 1 Day 1 Week 1 Month Forever
Login with username, password and session length

[sneezy]

Has anyone ever heard of this being an international signal meaning the "rider is in distress" or "in need of help"? I just saw it today but had never heard of it before.

[Twolanerider]

That's an old school thing.  Hadn't seen nor heard that in a very long time.  Used to be a "common knowledge" thing.  I suppose with the advent of cell phones and the riding "community" being far less homogeneous than it used to be such things have passed from common usage.

[110tHunDer]

Never seen that before either, but i'll try it next time.  Twice I've been broke down on the side of the road and had several bikes pass by like I wasn't even there.  On the other hand, I've stopped for bikes sans helmets more times than I can count and have been waved on before I can come to a complete stop.

[lowflight]

I have been riding for 45 years and I don't remember it. First time I saw it was today on FaceBook. Who knows...maybe I used to know that? 

[J-Carr]

Since helmet laws are so variable from state to state I think it fell by the wayside.  I remember it back in the very early 80s (maybe late 70s) when I asked a cousin who rode why he was waving.  He also told me about patting the top of your head to indicate police ahead since the jap bikes were running with headlights on all the time by then.

I don't think I've ever seen it in practice.

I used to stop for bikes on the road.  I stopped stopping after the third time in a row it was someone pulled over on an interstate highway .... to text. I figure everyone's got a cell phone and they can call for help.  I feel bad because I started riding when Harley's weren't cool, they were old leakers like 2007/2008 110s but without the 40k price tag.  Back then you waved in acknowledgement of the suffering you experienced.    There was kind of a code were you didn't leave a fellow biker stranded.  But since it seems more often than not it's not a breakdown but a REBOOT for the infotainment (I hate that word) system or reading text messages I hope the helmet signal catches on.

[grc]

I think a more effective method would be for the rider to lay on the ground, not the helmet. 

In this age of modern electrical systems on bikes, the emergency flashers are probably a better way to get attention.  How many texting drivers do you think would even notice that helmet lying on the ground, even if they knew what it meant?  And if you don't trust your Harley electrical system, throw a couple flares in your saddlebags. 

Jerry

[r0de_runr]

Yes, it means "I need help".

I still slow down unless waved on, helmet on the ground or not.  Especially in my home area.  I know where the dealers and independents are so I can tell them how far they have to walk, lol.

They may be calling roadside assistance.  Could be a while.  I always have extra water on board, and in my truck.  I can also offer a tow on my trailer if they need it.

Don't assume everything is ok, one should always stop even if just to offer encouragement.

My first cross country on a used Harley, I got stuck with a "dead" bike.  Another biker stopped and simply said "check your battery cables".  And that was my problem.

[ultrarider123]

I would think this would be more effective.....

[9 1/2 Beers]

 I have never heard of the helmet down behind the bike as a distress signal.

I normally slow down and give the rider on the side of the road a thumbs up ( to symbolize are you okay ?) , if they give me a thumbs down, I stop, thumbs up i keep moving.

 

[porthole]

Has anyone ever heard of this being an international signal meaning the "rider is in distress" or "in need of help"? I just saw it today but had never heard of it before.

Never seen that.
But, Thunder Press has a PSA every month in the advert section about using a "rag" on the handlebar left grip for the "universal" need assistance sign.

http://www.thunderpress.net/

[harleyrules]

I learned about the helmet help about 30 years ago. I think in all that time I have seen it a handful of times. I always stop when I see someone on the side of the road to see if they need help. Most of the time I get waved on, but I know I would want someone to see if I needed help if I was on the side of the road.  The rag on left grip might help in a non helmet state. I will have to remember that one.

[Rooster]

I have never heard of the helmet down behind the bike as a distress signal.

I normally slow down and give the rider on the side of the road a thumbs up ( to symbolize are you okay ?) , if they give me a thumbs down, I stop, thumbs up i keep moving.

Me too. Except one time the guy looked at me weird and I pulled over to be told " I ran out of gas" I said sorry no excuse for dumbass and rode off. He did have a cell phone.

[sneezy]

I appreciate all the input. At 57 years old and 47 years riding, from mini bikes to Ultras, from the back yard to the corners of this country and I had missed this one.  The rag on the left grip is a good tip and it is good to see how many folks still make sure everythings ok before blasting by.
Thanks