[Roy]

I have ridden motorcycles on the road since before I had a driver’s license, and off-road since before that. I have never heard of this “sign of distress.” I ride sport bikes and V-twins, metric and standard, so it is not a motorcycle culture issue.

If I see a bike on the side of the road with the rider present and I am on a motorcycle, I slow and give them a “thumbs up.” If it is returned, I keep going.

If I am in a vehicle, I stop to make sure no help is needed.

Do you know the message an approaching rider is attempting to convey when he/she pats the top of his/her head/helmet?

[Doug]

Did not know that, good to know.

[Doug]

Colt, I know that one!

Cop/speed trap ahead . We need to ride again

[Archived]

Helmet down like hat has been the help sign forever.

[Eric]

Six foot deep pothole on shoulder.

[Mark]

I have been riding all types of motorcycles for over 45 years and have never heard of the helmet down being a sign of distress. Good thing I know now.

[Archived]

Both of my older brother’s road Harley’s, one still has one. I’ll ask them if they have heard of this.

One thing that kind of bothers me is if a person is on a fairly desolate road/hwy and we stop to see if someone needs help, then we are robbed and off they go.

And it makes you wonder, where is the rider? Maybe walking towards an exit?

Food for thought.

On edit: Silly me, the rider is taking the picture

Mark