When you’re driving around motorcycles, you might notice that they occasionally flash a two-finger salute at each other when passing another biker. Hopefully you “cagers” have noticed anyway, because you should be paying extra attention to the road when you’re around a two-wheeler. So what does that little gang sign mean, and why does it matter? Why is it so important for bikers to recognize other members of the community with a little secret code? It’s a lot more simple than you might have thought, but it’s more than just a traditional peace sign.
The two-finger salute from one biker to another is code for “stay safe out there.” While many riders, like the one in the photo above, put two fingers up in the air when waiving at other bikers, it’s traditionally done with two fingers pointed down, as in “keep it two wheels down.” That simple hand motion translates to care for your fellow riders; don’t crash, keep your head about you, keep your eyes up, and don’t ride outside your comfort zone.
There’s so much message in those two little fingers. It acknowledges that riders are inherently subject to more danger on the roads than anyone in a car has ever been. It recognizes that sometimes our danger is self-inflicted. And it symbolizes a shared sense of community between everyone who rides.
Many riders are stingy with their salutes, refusing to flash them at commuters on scooters or sport bike riders refusing to acknowledge someone on a chopper (or vice versa). The motorcycle riding community is small enough as it is, we don’t need this kind of exclusionary action, it’s important to be as welcoming and inviting as possible to help keep the bike world alive and pass the torch to a new generation.
Next time you’re out and you see bikers waving to each other, you’ll know it’s a secret little love note to riding and the community. And maybe you’ll consider giving us a little more room on the highway.