Why don't bicycles have turn signals?

Question

I recently started bike commuting and I understand that safe biking means following rules of the road and thinking like a motorist. One of my first thoughts getting started was, "hey, I need turn signals for my bike!" I can't find decent turn signals for my bike and it seems cyclists have no interest in them. Why don't turn signals make sense for bikes as for cars? Are they not bright enough or too close together to be effective? I use hand signals, but find them awkward. Riding one handed while looking forward and backward while moving left into a break in traffic all the while sticking out my arm doesn't feel very safe. What do you do while waiting to make a left turn in middle of the road with no turning lane, just stand there with your arm out? Please help me understand how to make safe left turns in traffic on a bike.

Answer 1

The signals, for one, would be extremely small, and would up the cost of bikes. Also, when you're driving in a suburban area, it's hard to see if there's a bike infront of the car ahead of you. You often don't see a bicyclist unless they're right infront of you.

That, and traditionally, bikers use certain 'hand signals' to signal which direction they're about to turn in. You can find an image with these hand signals here:

http://www.bikemiamivalley.org/safety1.h...

Answer 2

I agree with serenity but this caught my eye;

http://www.safeturn.com/

Answer 3

All bikes ARE equipped with semi-automatic turns signal-- called  a human operator.

You don't have to signal constantly, just every little bit; it becomes easier.

Since bikes turn by leaning and not by turning, it is hard to figure out how to turn off turn signals.  I worked with a manufacturer for a year.

I had a pair... what a pain.  signaling by hand is easier.

Answer 4

Want to make a safe left turn in traffic?  Ride to the intersection, get off your bike and  press the little button to trigger the signal to cross the street you just came to.  Wait for the signal and then walk your bike across the street in the cross walk.  Repeat to cross the street to the left and viola, you have made a left turn with almost no risk of being hit.

The next time you stick your left arm out and squeeze into a spot in traffic to then sit in the middle of a crowded intersection on your little bicycle, ask yourself while you are doing the perfectly legal thing, are you doing the smartest thing?

Answer 5

why would you ride in the middl of the street? they have something called bike lanes and crosswalks.....!?