Why It Feels So Darn Good Getting A 'Moto Wave' In LA

If you’ve ever left a little extra space or moved aside for a motorcycle, you might have noticed riders flashing a peace sign or lowering their left hand toward you as they pass.

These gestures, known generally as a “motorcycle wave,” can be a signal of gratitude to drivers. And in a city full of tough traffic and grueling commutes, being briefly recognized on the road can go a long way.

You’re not legally required to do any of these things for motorcyclists, but it helps them get home safely, and that’s something you can feel good about.

What is a “moto wave” anyways?

Jeffrey Irvin, who has been riding motorcycles for about 30 years, told LAist the “moto wave” is generally a way for riders to greet each other.

“Basically, take your left hand off the handlebar and hold it down, wave at them with an open palm facing the rider,” Irvin said.

But it doesn’t have to be a wave — some people prefer peace signs, points, or nods. In Hawaii, Irvin said riders use the “shaka wave” by pulling their three middle fingers back to their palm and slightly twisting their forearm.

Richard Varner, chairman of the Petersen Automotive Museum and CFO of MotoAmerica, told LAist that people riding motorcycles are involved by nature — you can’t eat, you can’t check your phone, and you can’t adjust the AC while you’re on a bike.

That means they’re more likely to notice another approaching motorcycle or vehicle, Varner said, and gestures are really the only way they can communicate.

“I think it then becomes kind of a club too,” he said. “People are involved with other people.”

Gary Chaidez, who learned to ride in Eagle Rock about 58 years ago, told LAist it’s a way for motorcyclists to show camaraderie, and there can be different styles of waves depending on the bike.

Harley Davidson riders, for example, tend to keep their arm lower and pointed toward the asphalt, Chaidez said.

If you ever find yourself on the back of a bike, you’ll start to notice this regular sign of solidarity from just about every rider who goes past.

Why riders do it to drivers

For drivers, the gestures have become a way for riders to say thank you and show their appreciation.

“If you make a space for a motorcyclist, he’s going to wave at you,” Irvin said.

A man on a motorcycle demonstrating the peace sign version of a "moto wave."

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Makenna Sievertson

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LAist

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For example, if you’re stuck in stop-and-go traffic and you hear the familiar hum of a Harley Davidson coming up behind you, moving over ever so slightly in your lane can make a big difference.

Or if you’re merging, like the 134 Freeway east toward Glendale, and you leave a motorcyclist enough space to zip into the fast lane, the rider will certainly appreciate it, Irvin said.

California is also one of the few states where lane splitting is legal, and Chaidez said navigating through traffic jams with luggage and a passenger on the back of the bike can be difficult.

“It’s a squeeze, but people will see you coming in the rear view mirror, and they move over, and I will wave at them,” he said. “It’s a thank you.”

Gary Chaidez and his wife, Jan, riding on Mulholland Drive on their way to Monterey, California.

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Photo courtesy of Gary Chaidez

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Varner described the wave as an affirmation of good people doing good things.

“How often now do people really show appreciation for anything,” he said. “And you're going to get it, it's going to be more apparent, I think, because a guy on a motorcycle's out in the air, he’s out in the open. It's just that little courtesy that you don't see anymore that I think is really kind of what propels that.”

Looking at the rider and making eye contact whenever possible is also a good way of showing that you see them and won’t suddenly move into their way.

That being said, you’re still behind the wheel of a huge hunk of metal hurtling down the road, and your safety is also important. Don’t get too distracted trying to be courteous that you end up making an unsafe maneuver.

Why you shouldn’t be hurt if you don’t always get one

Now, if you take all of these tips into account and still don’t receive a wave from riders on the road, it doesn’t necessarily mean you did anything wrong.

They might feel unsafe or uncomfortable taking their hand off at that moment, like if there’s a truck with wide mirrors just ahead, so try not to take it personally.

Instead of getting discouraged, the best thing you can do is keep being courteous — you’ll get to brag about getting a “moto wave” sooner than later.

“We all appreciate our drivers who do that, and motorcyclists respect each other for riding,” Chaidez said. “Tell your friends. As you guys move over, you will get a friendly wave.”