We were taught that when we had bicycle safety back in elementary school, in the 1960's 1970's. I have remembered that since.
However, I've also learned that some people use the upright bent angle to indicate their intention to stop, or a warning for other people to stop. Since some people use it for something completely other than the use it should be for, it's not very practical to use at all.
I rely on my actual turn signals on my golf cart. The signal makes an obnoxious beeping sound, so there's no way I'll forget to turn it off after I've made my turn.
For riding my bike, I do a sort of detailed version of the handsignals. For right turn I do bent angle up, but with my palm facing my right, and my index finger pointing right. So there's absolutely no confusion as to why my hand is not on the handlebar of the bike.
For left turn, I put my left arm straight out to my side, and POINT with that hand to the left. Again - zero possible confusion.
For stop - I just pull over to the curb and stop, since I have front and rear brakes, and need both hands to use them efficiently.
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