What does a helmet on the ground behind a motorcycle mean? Biker signal explained

GETTING around on a motorbike can be a quick and easy way to travel.

The biking world is known for its tightknit community and they often share special signals which each other. Here's why bikers might leave a helmet on the road.

There is a strong bond between motorcyclists across the world.

The sees motorcyclists using special signals which each other to communicate.

They often can be seen waving to one another, or letting them pass by with ease.

One of the universal signs motorcyclists use, is when their bike is stopped on the side of the road with a helmet placed on the ground.

It's an unofficial rule, but a widely-recognised one.

Signal of distress

This type of action taken by a motorcyclist is to show they are in distress.

The biker could be having mechanical trouble, and may have broken down.

Or it could be something more serious, and the motorcyclist could have an injury and need medical assistance.

Warning of hazard

The reason why a biker might need to use this warning sign is because they may not have hazard lights.

Some of the newer bikes do come with them, but many older ones don't.

So as a way of warning there is a hazard, and to get the attention of a passersby, a helmet may be placed in the road.

This signal will be recognised by other bikers, but it might not be obvious to car and truck drivers.

Long tradition

The tradition of putting a helmet a few feet behind a motorcycle has a long history amongst motorcyclists.

When a biker breaks down on the road, a passing motorcyclist often stops to help if they see this signal.

The sign was created as a non-verbal way of saying "I need help", as it's an easy way to convey a distress message to a fellow biker on a busy or loud road.