Is Waving To Fellow Bike Riders Still An Accepted Practice?

Just finished a California to Maryland solo ride, US 50 mainly. Over six days, I waved to every rider I saw and received a return wave at least 95% of the time. I often found myself checking my mirror to see if I’d actually missed a bike that I saw in my peripheral vision (I hadn’t). I didn’t see any riders in a couple of states… Kansas (surprisingly, though it was Tuesday) and Kentucky (I was on the interstate early am between Louisville and Lexington), I think. In Nevada, several Harley “bikers” ahead of me gave a road hazard foot signal at one point (including the last rider).

I always give a friendly wave to cars that start to pull out in front of me then stop. I call it my 'thank you for not killing me' wave.

I still do, since most riders in Northern California still do it, except for the occasional rider who doesn't. Out of habit, I have waved to LEOs and most of them wave back.

I still do, since most riders in Northern California still do it, except for the occasional rider who doesn't. Out of habit, I have waved to LEOs and most of them wave back.
Or maybe they are a member of BayAreaRidersForum (BARF)

I wave when I can, but when I am texting and riding I am too busy for it. I always ignore Harley's as I can's stand their bikes and Honda riders are weird too.. The middle finger is a gem in most cases, specially flipping off 18 wheelers and soccer moms. Crotch rockets can KMA as well, as flip flops and a T-shirt aren't real riding gear....


Seriously, I wave when I can as it is still more common than not.
The ADV salute is an acquired taste but if you have an ADV sticker on your bike you'd better be prepared for it.. I remember years ago some hapless guy had an FYYFF and ADV decal on the bike and was wondering why he got the salute.. He asked me what was wrong with those people and I had to explain what the FYYFF meant as well as the 'salute'.... He promptly removed the stickers.....

I wave all the time.

Did an experiment a couple weeks ago on a bicycle camping tour from Eugene, OR to Crescent City, CA down 101. Wife and I were on a fully bagged up tandem in a party with three other single bikes (sons and BIL).

For the fist couple days I waved at vehicles who passed us with care and then using a single digit wave after the fact when a truck with logs or a maniacal RV rig buzzed us.

During the last few days I waved BEFORE the vehicle arrived behind us to let them know I appreciated what decision they would make in a situation which was not optimal for either of us. I also waved at all lumber trucks coming from the opposite direction who would likely be coming back by us to the mill later on. The result was that not one single vehicle buzzed us from that point on.

I think it is hard wired in all people to be nice and what happens on the road is that many people lose sight that they are on the road with other "human beings". When you stand up on the bike, wave, weave back and forth or even turn your head you are reminding all those around you that you are a fellow human being. Also, by "waving" I mean "waving", not pointing at the ground, a peace sign, hang loose, or any other gesture.

I'm a waver

I wave at everyone. Cars, trucks, bicycles, motorcycles, scooters and even Harleys. I get a wave back 95% of the time. Harleys seem to be the 5%. I can only guess that they're afraid to take their hands off the bars. I've also been known to give the BARF salute when well deserved.