Here's What It Means When You See A Biker Point Their Thumb At Their Helmet

Motorcycle riders on the open highway often face limitations in traditional communication methods. Other motorists may not be able to see their faces under their helmets, and if many riders are riding in a group without some means of audible communication like radios, it's too loud to just talk. This, among other reasons, is why biker culture comes with an entire dictionary of hand signs and signals to communicate intent with other bikers on the road, such as pointing up two fingers or sticking their leg out. Whether you're a burgeoning road warrior yourself or are just curious about what all the wild gesticulating means, knowing the meaning behind common motorcycle hand signals can teach you a lot about biker culture.

To cite a specific example, if you've ever seen a group of bikers out on the road, you may have noticed one of them, probably the leader of the pack, pointing their thumb up at their helmet. This is likely followed by the group pulling off at a highway exit. While you may expect that little interaction to simply mean "let's get off the highway," that signal is meant to communicate a specific goal. That goal is the need for a rest stop, whether to get a snack, use the facilities, or just for everyone to rest their arms and legs.

When out on the road, a biker may jab their thumb at their helmet with their left hand, either to the side of the helmet or to the front of the helmet where their face is. This particular hand motion is meant to mimic the appearance of drinking something from a container through a straw, such as a water bottle with a spout. Bikers use this signal to say, "Hey, I'm thirsty, hungry, or tired, and we need to pull over at a rest stop." If the biker and their group pull off the highway at this point, they're probably going to look for a rest stop or gas station to take a break at.

It's worth noting that the rest stop signal must specifically use a raised hand and outstretched thumb; there are some similar signals with different meanings. For example, if a biker only raises their left fist with no thumb, that's a right turn signal. Or, if a biker holds up their left hand, but extends their index finger instead of their thumb, that's a signal for a pull off. They'll pull off the highway, but they may not necessarily be making a refreshment stop, or any stop at all.