Vulnerable Road Users Flashcards

Which action should a motorcyclist take when approaching a school crossing patrol (lollipop person) who is stepping out?

Answer: Stop before the crossing — it is a legal requirement to stop when signalled by a school crossing patrol

A school crossing patrol officer has the power to require vehicles to stop; failing to stop is a criminal offence under s.26 of the Road Traffic Regulation Act 1984.

When is a motorcyclist at greatest risk from a car door being opened into their path?

Answer: In urban areas with parked cars on either side — a door can open from either side and from both driver and passenger doors

Dooring is a major cause of motorcycle crashes in urban areas; doors can open from any side of any parked vehicle; maintaining a safe distance from parked vehicles (a 'door zone' buffer) is essential.

What is the responsibility of a motorcyclist when they see a child's ball bouncing into the road ahead?

Answer: Anticipate that a child will follow immediately and be prepared to make an emergency stop

A ball in the road is a classic predictive hazard; a child will almost always follow without checking for traffic — the rider must immediately cover the brake and be ready to stop.

Why should motorcyclists be especially cautious at dusk when passing pedestrians wearing dark clothing?

Answer: Dark clothing makes pedestrians very difficult to see in the transition from daylight to artificial lighting — the rider's own vision and the pedestrian's visibility are both reduced

Dusk lighting is transitional and inconsistent; the rider's visual acuity is reduced and pedestrians in dark clothes can be nearly invisible until very close — requiring significantly reduced speed near footpaths.

A motorcyclist approaching a pedestrian crossing where a wheelchair user is about to use the crossing should:

Answer: Stop and give way — wheelchair users may take longer and the rider must not endanger or rush them

Wheelchair users have exactly the same priority at crossings as other pedestrians; the rider must give way, wait patiently for however long it takes, and never attempt to intimidate or rush any pedestrian crossing.

What special hazard do large puddles present at the edge of the road for motorcyclists riding near pedestrians?

Answer: Riding through a puddle near pedestrians may cause a large splash, soaking and potentially startling them — reducing speed is both considerate and a legal obligation under the Highway Code

Rule 151 Highway Code requires drivers not to splash pedestrians; beyond the legal obligation, a large splash near pedestrians is inconsiderate and can cause them to step back into the road.