Vulnerable Road Users

What special care should you take around pedestrians?

• AThey don't need special consideration
• BSound your horn if they are in your way so that they know to step back onto the pavement
• CPedestrians should keep out of your way, since the carriageway is provided for vehicles
• DGive them priority, reduce speed near them, and assume they might act unpredictably✓

Answer: Pedestrians are vulnerable and may act unpredictably. Always give them priority, reduce speed in areas where they're likely (residential, shopping areas), and assume they haven't seen you.

How should you ride past a cyclist?

• ASound your horn just before passing so the rider knows you are there, then squeeze by within the same lane
• BCyclists should immediately clear off the road when a faster vehicle comes up behind and wants to pass
• CLeave at least 1.5 metres of clearance, pass smoothly at a reduced speed, and don't cut back in front✓
• DPass as close as possible

Answer: The Highway Code Rule 163 requires at least 1.5 metres of space when overtaking a cyclist at speeds up to 30mph, and more space at higher speeds. Pass slowly and smoothly, and do not cut back in front of them, because riders may need to move out suddenly for a pothole or drain.

What hazards exist around elderly pedestrians or road users?

• AElderly road users need no extra consideration at all, since they have the most road experience of anyone
• BSlower reaction times, reduced hearing/vision, may not hear your motorcycle, may move unpredictably✓
• CThey are far more visible than other pedestrians and are therefore much easier to spot from a distance
• DOlder people only ever cross where there is a controlled crossing point nearby, so no extra care is needed

Answer: Elderly pedestrians and cyclists may have reduced hearing (won't hear your motorcycle), slower reaction times, and reduced vision. Give them extra time and space. Don't assume they've seen you.

How should you behave toward child pedestrians?

• ATreat them as unpredictable; reduce speed, don't assume they'll wait, and be prepared to stop suddenly✓
• BThey're easier to see than adults
• CChildren should stay off the streets
• DSound your horn to make them aware

Answer: Children are unpredictable and may run into the road without warning. Reduce speed significantly in areas where children are likely, assume they haven't seen you, and be ready to stop.

What special care should you give to horse riders?

• APass them quickly
• BHorses are predictable animals and will not react to engine noise or a machine passing close
• CReduce speed, pass smoothly and slowly, and avoid sudden noises that might scare the horse✓
• DThey should move off the road altogether, since horses have no right to use a public carriageway

Answer: Horses can be startled by motorcycle noise and exhaust. Pass slowly and smoothly, avoid revving your engine, and give them plenty of space. A startled horse could bolt into traffic.

What should you do if a guide dog is crossing the road with its handler?

• ASound your horn to alert them that you are approaching the crossing at speed
• BFlash your lights
• CSlow down and allow them to cross; they're trained and will guide safely✓
• DThey should move faster, and you may edge forward to encourage them to hurry along

Answer: Guide dogs are trained to cross roads safely. If you see one with a handler, slow down and allow them to complete their crossing. Don't honk or distract the dog.

How should you treat a visually impaired pedestrian on the street?

• AFlash your lights so that they can see you approaching from further down the road
• BThey should stay on the pavement only, and never step into the road at any point
• CGive them space, reduce speed, and don't assume they've heard your motorcycle✓
• DSound your horn

Answer: Visually impaired pedestrians rely on hearing. Your quiet motorcycle might not be heard, and they may step into the road. Reduce speed, give them space, and be prepared to stop.

What hazards are present around a disabled person in a wheelchair on the road?

• AThe same as any pedestrian
• BSlower movement, inability to move quickly if threatened, may need space to manoeuvr✓
• CThey should use pavements only
• DWheelchairs are very visible

Answer: People in wheelchairs move slowly and can't quickly escape danger. Give them extra space and time to cross. Assume they may need a wider path to avoid obstacles.

How should you react to a buggy or pram on the pavement near the road?

• ASound your horn to warn them
• BReduce speed and be alert; a parent may push the buggy into your path without looking✓
• CBuggies don't pose hazards
• DContinue at normal speed

Answer: A parent pushing a buggy may step into the road or push it out to cross without looking. Give them extra space and assume they haven't seen you. Reduce speed.

What should you be aware of when passing a motorcycle that appears to be struggling or swerving?

• APass them immediately
• BOther motorcycles don't need consideration
• CThe rider may be having control difficulties or be inexperienced; give them space and be prepared to avoid them✓
• DThey're being aggressive

Answer: A swerving motorcycle rider may be losing control, inexperienced, or dealing with mechanical issues. Give them space and be prepared to avoid sudden movements. Don't pass aggressively.