The two-finger motorcycle wave is often a way of telling your fellow riders to stay safe, BikeBandit explains. Those two fingers pointed down symbolize keeping your bikes two wheels on the ground. But regardless of the specific variant, the wave is a way to express solidarity with other riders, Cycle World explains.

Why do bikers wave with 2 fingers?

The two-finger wave is a hand signal that motorcycle riders use to acknowledge another rider when passing them in the opposite or same direction. This is used as a greeting when riders first see one another or when they part ways. The two fingers are held away from one another like a peace sign.

Do bikers wave to each other?

There are various versions of how the biker wave came to be but the most popular is believed to originate from 1904 when Arthur Davidson and William Harley were passing each other on the road and they waved at each other. It was noted by a passer-by and believed to be etiquette among riders, or so the tale goes.

What do biker hand signals mean?

Essential Motorcycle Signals Right turn: Left arm out, bent at the elbow at 90° with a closed fist. Left turn: Left arm extended, palm down. Stop: Left arm extended down, palm facing back. Hazard in the roadway: Left arm extended, pointing with index finger toward the ground and right foot pointing toward the ground.