June 3, 2010

The Bicyclist’s Language is Meaningless

Do you remember learning hand signals in Driver's Ed? Just in case you happened to be driving in a car made prior to 1940 that didn't have turn signal lights. Well, those are the same signals that I use as a bicyclist. Until today. Because no one understands them. "Woah, that dude on a bike is making a chicken wing gesture. What is that?" "Hey, I think that dude's a nazi! Oh wait, he's just turning right." Language doesn't work unless it's universal. So now, I make wide gestures with my hands signaling what I'm about to do and everyone understands. That's how language evolves, my friends. And I was a part of it this time.
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