Based on the sources provided, here is a summary covering bike hand signals, safety tips, and traffic laws for cyclists:

Across the United States, bicyclists are generally required to use signals to indicate their intentions when turning or changing lanes. While enforcement may be rare, using hand signals is crucial for alerting others to intended movements and helping to prevent crashes caused by miscommunication. Miscommunication can have severe consequences.

The three primary bike hand signals to know are for left turns, right turns, and stopping or slowing down.

• Left Turn: Extend your left arm fully out to your side.
• Right Turn: This can be signaled in two ways. The most common method is to simply extend your right arm out to your side. Some states, however, require extending your left arm out to the side and turning it up at a 90-degree angle.
• Stop/Slowing Down: Extend your left arm out and bend your arm down at a 90-degree angle, with your hand open. This signal is necessary because most bikes lack brake lights like motor vehicles.

When signaling, it's recommended to do so approximately 100 feet before turning or stopping. Hold the signal for about 3 seconds to give others time to react and allow yourself time to return both hands to the handlebars before maneuvering. Looking back quickly and making eye contact with others can also increase the likelihood of your signals being noticed. Hand signals are vital for safety, not just for motorists but also for other cyclists, especially when riding in groups.

Ensuring safety on the road involves multiple strategies beyond signaling. It's crucial to maximize your visibility by wearing bright clothing and using front white lights, red rear lights, and reflectors, even during the daytime. Be predictable in your movements, riding in a straight line and signaling turns or lane changes well in advance. Cultivate situational awareness by scanning your surroundings, anticipating the actions of drivers and pedestrians, and watching for hazards like potholes or debris. Using mirrors or radar devices can help monitor traffic approaching from behind.

Proper lane positioning is also key. Avoid riding too close to parked cars to prevent being 'doored'. If a lane is wide enough (around 14 feet) to safely share, position yourself about three feet to the right of vehicle traffic. If the lane is not wide enough, take the lane by riding in the middle to prevent unsafe passing. When approaching intersections, use the rightmost lane heading in your direction of travel. Riding on sidewalks is generally discouraged as it can be illegal and is often more dangerous than riding on the road due to less predictable obstacles and drivers not expecting fast-moving traffic from sidewalks.

Choosing routes with less traffic, dedicated bike lanes, or trails can enhance safety, especially when starting out. Tools like Strava heatmaps or cycling apps can help find popular or suggested routes. Alternatively, a two-part turn, similar to how a pedestrian crosses, can be used for left turns or crossing intersections, involving crossing the road straight at the right side and then turning and crossing again with the next light change.

In all 50 states, people on bikes are required to follow the same traffic laws as other drivers. This includes obeying traffic signals, stop signs, and yielding when necessary. However, some cyclists note that road laws are designed for cars and sometimes adhering strictly to the law might not feel like the safest option in certain situations.

Despite taking precautions, cycling on the road carries inherent risks, and collisions can occur. Many cyclists deal with fear and anxiety regarding traffic. Gaining confidence comes with practice and experience. Riding in groups or taking cycling education classes can also help build confidence and teach safe techniques.