A couple of weeks ago a motorcyclist coming the other way on the freeway patted his helmet. I thought, ‘CHP ahead.’ Sure enough, I was gaining on a cop. What struck me was that I had a vague memory of having learned the signal when I was a kid. I don’t remember seeing anyone using it since the '70s. It can also mean ‘hazard’, but most guys I’m behind usually just point with their foot.
Is the head-pat a signal that is taught in motorcycle riding classes? (I started riding when I was five, and never took a class.)
Another question: This afternoon I was stuck behind a Harley driver. He was only wearing one of those little beanie helmets (his ears were sticking out), but my Yamaha is pretty quiet. He had no mirrors. He was going so slow, splitting lanes, that I could barely steer. I don’t like using my horn – on the bike or in a car – unless a cager is changing lanes into me. Even then, I’m more likely to hit the throttle and get out of the situation. If you didn’t know you were holding up another motorcyclist, would you consider it rude or be offended if he gave you a beep to let you know he’s there?
So it looks as if the signal is not entirely unknown. But as I said, I haven’t seen it in decades. Anyone wanna hear my WAG as to why the signal is the tapping of the top of the helmet? Too bad. I’m telling you anyway. I’m guessing it’s meant to convey the pointing out of a beacon on the top of a police car.