How to signal a cop ahead? [Archive]

Beemer

5th August 2005, 16:32

I just took the Goose out for a ride (yay, it's done 1000kms now so I suppose it's run in!) and saw quite a few riders around the Otaki/Levin area. At Manakau there were two heading south and as there was a cop about 2kms south of there, I wanted to indicate this to them but couldn't remember how to do so! It wouldn't have been a big problem as neither appeared to be caning it and the cop was visible from quite a distance, but for future reference, can someone refresh my memory? I know there is a post about it somewhere but can't find it.

And thank you to all of the riders who waved - yes, it was a gorgeous day to be out on the bike!

chickenfunkstar

5th August 2005, 16:37

Try taking your left hand and waving it in a circular motion above your head.
Not too sure if this is the official sign or not but I've done it before.
You'd prob look a bit silly to people who didn't know what you meant though.

vifferman

5th August 2005, 16:38

What's wrong with flashing?

Your headlight(s)?

Odin

5th August 2005, 16:47

I would do the flashing too :moon:

Beemer

5th August 2005, 16:47

I think I got it right then - if the other two bikers knew the sign too! After I waved I sort of did a wiggly movement above my head so hopefully they figured out what I was indicating!

I find whenever I've flashed my lights in the past (may be different on the Goose) most people don't even seem to notice and even my own husband hasn't noticed when I've been frantically flashing behind him to let him know I was about to pull over!

I could try flashing for real - but then I don't want to be responsible for anyone crashing... :nono:

unhingedlizard

5th August 2005, 16:50

Odin

5th August 2005, 16:51

.......I could try flashing for real - but then I don't want to be responsible for anyone crashing... :nono:

Pictures required :D

What where you doing around Manukau anyway?? Its a long way from Levin ?

ManDownUnder

5th August 2005, 16:51

Yup.

Left hand, index pointing at the shy. 2 circles and then point in the direction of the cop...

That's what I do anyway. It's GREAT for warning bikes splitting in the same direction... closing fast...

Cleve

5th August 2005, 16:52

One problem with flashing headlights on a bike in the daytime is that most of us ride with lights on. From low to high beam in the daytime may not be so visible. I too have also usually done the "siren" twirling hand signal to oncomers, but wondered if it was just me...

Flyingpony

5th August 2005, 17:10

I just took the Goose out for a ride (yay, it's done 1000kms now so I suppose it's run in!)
Manual might state around 1600km before full rev range can be used.

But either way, you'll continue to notice more slight changes in your engine tightness feel for another 4,000-5,000km.

Don't forget to switch to a more synthetic oil at around 2-3k. I did and noticed a reduction in fuel consumption of around 15%. My fuel saving pays for the extra expense of the oil.

eliot-ness

5th August 2005, 17:35

Had a guy flash me heading south near Johnsons hill. Very effective. he had his lights on but switched them off/on a couple of times. Figured what he meant and slowed to the 80k limit. After about a mile I forgot. opened up to 110ks up the hill. Half way round the last bend before going down to wenderholm I spotted him, hard on the brakes but was still doing 100ks when I passed him. Didn't see a camera and he didn't follow me so I may have got away with it. Just have to wait for the post now. If he got me it's a first on a bike in 32yrs.

bugjuice

5th August 2005, 17:42

cos one of my headlights is always on, and the other is the high-beam, it shows well if I flash the light, which I do if we're passing each other quick, cos you can do that from a distance and be seen. Else if it's slower pace, then either a flash or the finger.. normally the latter..

FEINT

5th August 2005, 18:58

I don't know if the finger in air twirling cicles is the official method but it works!!

I think this is the official method.

Tap helmet with hand (as stated in the "survival skills" section) Link is here (http://www.kiwibiker.co.nz/forums/showthread.php?t=879#)

I usually do it to warn others behind me if there is a cop ahead, but the cop can figure out what I am trying to say. Tapping hand on head, they might not actually know what it means.....

But flashing always works!

TwoSeven

5th August 2005, 19:21

Please dont flash your headlights.. In fact, i'd prefer it if you didnt try and signal anything. Last thing I want is to be distracted looking for some imaginary problem with the bike or some hazard that does not exist.

zeRax

5th August 2005, 19:33

bugger that, signal all you can please, fines make me so angry at the world quick fucking blatant waste of money >_<

scumdog

5th August 2005, 20:34

I tried 'flashing' at a car today, it was approaching me at about 70+kph in a 50 kph area, driver never noticed so it was 'ticket-time', I mean WTF, when a cop car is flashing its headlights you would be expected to notices eh?

Qkchk

5th August 2005, 20:42

Had a guy flash me heading south near Johnsons hill. Very effective. he had his lights on but switched them off/on a couple of times. Figured what he meant and slowed to the 80k limit.

Bugger if you can't turn your light off as in my case......... some models come with the headlight on all the time. Guess it's a good idiot-proof feature. :doh:

oldrider

5th August 2005, 21:29

Had a great ride today just ambling along at 100kph mapping out an organised ride route. Slowly caught up to this Cop sitting on 98kph so indicated and passed him maintaining 100-105 looked in at him and he glared at me like I had just crawled out from under the woodpile. Indicated back in and pressed on. At the end of the strait a 4x4 cage comes steaming around the bend so I flashed him. So what does the silly bugger do, flashes me back, Dugh! The cop comes quickly up behind sits a while, real close (threatining like) then drops off.
Took a slow left turn onto another road. Indicator going, one 4x4 cage approaching turning into my corner. Flashed lights to help him see me. He cuts the corner and almost wipes me out. Would have if I hadn't taken to the long grass on the side of the road. Useless blind bastard but where was the scowling Cop, gone. Yeh! :yes:
I thought about chasing the cage and then I remembered my athritis and the fact that a little kid could beat the piss out of me these days.
Consoled myself all the way home remembering what I woulda done when I was younger. You know, "the older you get the better you were". I think I must still believe that bullshit.
Oh well!! it was a good ride otherwise. Cheers John. :ride:

scumdog

5th August 2005, 21:36

Took a slow left turn onto another road. Indicator going, one 4x4 cage approaching turning into my corner. Flashed lights to help him see me. He cuts the corner and almost wipes me out. Would have if I hadn't taken to the long grass on the side of the road. Useless blind bastard but where was the scowling Cop, gone. Yeh! :yes:
IOh well!! it was a good ride otherwise. Cheers John. :ride:

Dob the prick in!!
He has probably got away with it for ages and needs a good 'hone-up"

PM me if you want to follow it up. (and it IS worth it)

crashe

5th August 2005, 21:52

I always put my left hand up and do a few circular motions in the sky and point in the direction... to warn of a nice police officer ahead.

Some riders acknowledge it... but some don't.
I dont think many riders know the unofficial/official signal.

I have tried the flashing bit... but that don't impress them much....lol.
:rofl: :rofl: :rofl:

So I prefer the signaling in the air stuff.

scumdog

5th August 2005, 22:03

What?

6th August 2005, 06:52

What where you doing around Manukau anyway?? Its a long way from Levin ?
You supporting the conjecture that Aucklanders know not of anything south of the Bombay hill????? :devil2:

Odin

6th August 2005, 07:37

You supporting the conjecture that Aucklanders know not of anything south of the Bombay hill????? :devil2:

I thought as much but don't blame all Aucklanders as I'm a foreigner and dam, so many NZ place names sounds the same to me…… And it’s a handy excuse for my spelling :D

DEATH_INC.

6th August 2005, 07:51

I do the circle above the head thing,I think most know what it means :niceone:

Odin

6th August 2005, 08:00

I do the circle above the head thing,I think most know what it means :niceone:

....just be carefull not to do it at the side of the head :weird: as that could land you in trouble :lol:

Pixie

6th August 2005, 09:22

MSTRS

6th August 2005, 10:37

I thought as much but don't blame all Aucklanders as I'm a foreigner and dam, so many NZ place names sounds the same to me…… And it’s a handy excuse for my spelling :D
And it is all in the spelling.....ManAkau - just south of Levin. ManUkau - part of Orkland.

Zed

6th August 2005, 11:03

...but for future reference, can someone refresh my memory? I know there is a post about it somewhere but can't find it.I think the general populous recognise the flashing of lights as a warning of upcoming danger!! :ride: :nono: :ride:

Zed

6th August 2005, 11:07

And it is all in the spelling.....ManAkau - just south of Levin. ManUkau - part of Orkland.That's right, Livin' is that small hick town north of Wellytown, just blink and you'll miss it! :blink:

Don't knock the Aucks!

MSTRS

6th August 2005, 11:14

That's right, Livin' is that small hick town north of Wellytown, just blink and you'll miss it! :blink:

If only the same could be said about Orkland

Beemer

6th August 2005, 11:16

Yes, flashing of the headlight doesn't work that well when you only have one light and it's on all the time. I have never had a driver acknowledge me when I flash the bike light so I don't see much point.

TwoSeven - did we get out of bed the wrong side this morning? I'm not advocating warning people who drive/ride like idiots, but I don't see anything wrong in indicating to a fellow rider that there is a cop ahead, especially when he was parked at the top of passing lanes. As mentioned, neither rider appeared to be speeding so I doubt they would have got a ticket anyway, and I also doubt they would have thought there was something wrong with their bikes! If someone overtook me and pointed at the side of the road, maybe, but waving above my head while travelling in the opposite direction? Give me a break!

I always remember the two towns this way - ManUkau - Up north, ManAkau - around here! Mind you, I was having so much fun on the bike that I didn't really want to go home...

As for my comment about being able to thrash the bike now, anyone who knows me will know this means maybe pushing it to 130 - I'm not exactly Aaron Slight! My husband went in and bought a new air filter for it today, and it will get the best attention from him regarding servicing. We bought it in Rotorua so will be getting it serviced locally - and he can do a lot himself.

Zed

6th August 2005, 11:22

If only the same could be said about OrklandYou sound like either an ex-Aucklander who's been deeply offended by something that happened to you in Auckland, or a South Islander?? :nono: :rofl:

Zed

6th August 2005, 11:27

Yes, flashing of the headlight doesn't work that well when you only have one light and it's on all the time. I have never had a driver acknowledge me when I flash the bike light so I don't see much point.Acknowledgement from the oncoming driver/rider shouldn't be required though, most people will slow down or be on awares because they've been flashed and they don't feel the need to wave, nod their head, or raise their eyebrows at you in return!

Flashing of your lights will work better than anything else, you need to believe it that's all.

MSTRS

6th August 2005, 13:27

You sound like either an ex-Aucklander who's been deeply offended by something that happened to you in Auckland, or a South Islander?? :nono: :rofl:
got out of there before they built that thing they call a bridge

Zed

6th August 2005, 13:31

got out of there before they built that thing they call a bridgeAha, an ex-Orker, I thought as much!

MSTRS

6th August 2005, 13:38

Aha, an ex-Orker, I thought as much!
I like to think of it as an accident of birth, but thankfully my folks saw the light before the damage was done.

Lou Girardin

7th August 2005, 16:37

Dob the prick in!!
He has probably got away with it for ages and needs a good 'hone-up"

PM me if you want to follow it up. (and it IS worth it)

I see this shit at least 4 times a day. Can I PM you too?

scumdog

7th August 2005, 16:45

I see this shit at least 4 times a day. Can I PM you too?

Sure, if you need to but I've given you enough credence to figure out what to do!!!!! :yes:

raster

7th August 2005, 17:11

I see this shit at least 4 times a day. Can I PM you too?

Try this website for Dobbing someone in.

http://www.police.govt.nz/service/road/roadwatch.php

*555 it it is urgent and the police might be able to do something about it.

What?

7th August 2005, 19:26

...dam, so many NZ place names sounds the same to me…
Then, boy, are you going to have fun with all the ones that are spelled the same!! (good excuse for taking the long way home, though...) :ride:

Zed

7th August 2005, 19:44

I see this shit at least 4 times a day. Can I PM you too?Gonna become a *snitch* Lou? :nono:

myvice

7th August 2005, 20:10

So the hands spinning around the head isn’t a rodeo wannabe then...
So how do you warn for cattle rustlers ahead?

inlinefour

7th August 2005, 20:26

that the flashing of the lights meant there was a copper about :devil2:

gixxer rider

7th August 2005, 21:34

flashings good..........except when the cops watching.....

I put my left hand in front of my chest, about chin height, hand flat parallel to the ground and move it up and down. means slow down. most people get it.

I'm a trucker and this action normally works for me too! Has done for years if you got no C.B

scumdog

8th August 2005, 08:52

I put my left hand in front of my chest, about chin height, hand flat parallel to the ground and move it up and down. means slow down. most people get it.

You would be amazed at the wallies that DON'T know what it means!!
Try standing at a crash scene doing that AND with all the appropriate signage around - you'll find there are a hell of a lot of idiots just whip past at a great rate of knots (and at times end up planted into the rear of a vehicle stopped just a little further ahead) :mad:

GN1NiteStnd

8th August 2005, 10:03

With my learner status i dont think I could pull off the hand circling over your head thing. I'd just flick me spot lights on and off.

If they dont get the picture at least I tryed.

Mind you I'd be freaking out that the coppers behind me whenever I do this, uno that classic moment. :Oops:

Lou Girardin

8th August 2005, 12:03

Gonna become a *snitch* Lou? :nono:

Just doin' Gods work Zed.

Lou Girardin

8th August 2005, 16:19

Another good way to warn of cops ahead is to take out your wallet and wave it at other drivers.

scumdog

8th August 2005, 16:25

Another good way to warn of cops ahead is to take out your wallet and wave it at other drivers.

Nah, they'll just think you're skiting about how you ripped of some dudes wallet while driving; wait, that's it, THAT'S exactly what you're saying - except it's your OWN wallet:rofl:

Zed

8th August 2005, 16:31

Just doin' Gods work Zed.Just make sure you give a good offering next time you step foot in church!

Lou Girardin

8th August 2005, 16:37

Nah, they'll just think you're skiting about how you ripped of some dudes wallet while driving; wait, that's it, THAT'S exactly what you're saying - except it's your OWN wallet:rofl:

Nah, wouldn't steal my own wallet. There's nowt in it after a visit from Helengrab.