By bike, many accidents occur as a result of a change of direction. To ensure your safety and that of others, it is essential to be clear in your intention to turn. Here are the 5 most used techniques by cyclists to be safe when changing direction.

1- Do nothing and pray 🙏

This technique is clearly discouraged (and prohibited!) but it is not uncommon to see many cyclists still change direction without making the slightest gesture and without caring about what might happen behind them.
It is totally unaware of showing any intention to turn for their own safety but also for the safety of others. Hoping that this technique disappears from our roads as soon as possible!

The + 

The -

👎 Immediate danger to oneself and others

Security rate = 0%

2- The side mirror

Here is the first real technique that allows you to turn after checking that no one is overtaking you or that there is a danger behind you that could jeopardize your turn.

Generally positioned on the left handle, it is not uncommon to see cyclists with 1 mirror on each side of their handlebars.
You can also find some rearview mirror bracelets on the market but the visibility is much lower than a mirror installed directly on the bike's handlebar.

The +

👍 Good view of what is happening behind 
👍 Habit of drivers to look in a side mirror

The -

👎 Blind spots
👎 Bulky on the handlebars
👎 Not very resistant to shocks

Security rate = 56%

3- Raise the arm

The technique most used by the vast majority of cyclists and recommended by road safety.

To the right or to the left, you need to let go of one hand from the handlebars to indicate your intention to turn to the users behind youThe gesture quickly becomes natural after a few attempts, but it is not uncommon to see some falls from beginner cyclists who are not used to riding their bike with one hand for a few meters.
Attention nonetheless, your arm is invisible at night!

The +

👍 Clear intention of change in direction
👍 Standard for other road users
👍 Allows you to keep your eyes on the road

The -

👎 Dangerous to let go of the handlebars for beginners
👎 Invisible at night

Security rate = 61%

4- The bicycle indicator

With a thumb movement on a remote control, you indicate your direction and are visible up to 100 meters day and night thanks to flashing LEDs.. The turn signal lights are quite powerful to be clearly visible to other drivers, regardless of the situation.  

The turn signal is wireless, it can be easily attached under your seat (or on a helmet). The 3-button remote attaches to the handlebars with a soft membrane. 

Be careful, just like for drivers, it's not because you use your turn signal that you are safe from all dangers coming from behind.

You can find our clignotant sans fil pour vélo on our site 😊

The +

👍 Allows you to keep your eyes on the road without letting go of one hand
👍 Visible up to 100 meters day and night
👍 Same operation as on cars and motorcycles

The -

👎 Too small in full sun
👎 Can give a false sense of confidence

Security rate = 73%

5- Blink, look, and indicate!

None of the previous techniques is sufficient on its own. and cyclists are never careful enough on the road against motorists and other motorized vehicles.
To maximize your chances of turning safely, we prefer to combine different techniques :

1) indicate your intention to turn with a turn signal and/or by raising the arm
2) check behind oneself that the way is clear at a glance or with the help of a rearview mirror.

The +

👍 Your intention to turn can no longer be ignored

The -

👎 A lot of actions to integrate

Safety rate = 95%

Safe travels and be careful!