RTT Dealing with Vulnerable Road Users 5 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: A motorcyclist is approaching an intersection where a large SUV has stopped for a pedestrian. What is the safest action?
- Filter around the SUV and proceed if the way looks clear
- Stop behind the SUV and wait until fully certain no pedestrian is in your lane (Correct answer)
- Sound the horn to alert the pedestrian and proceed slowly
- Change lanes and proceed past the stopped SUV at normal speed
Correct answer: Stop behind the SUV and wait until fully certain no pedestrian is in your lane
A large vehicle stopped for a pedestrian blocks your view; pedestrians may still be crossing in your lane, so stop and verify before proceeding.
Question 2: What is the greatest danger posed to motorcyclists by in-line skaters or skateboarders on a shared path?
- They travel at the same speed as motorcycles, creating lane conflict
- They move erratically and can fall or cross suddenly into the motorcycle's path (Correct answer)
- Skateboards and skates create road debris hazardous to tires
- They are legally prohibited from sharing paths with motorcycles
Correct answer: They move erratically and can fall or cross suddenly into the motorcycle's path
Skaters and skateboarders have unpredictable movements and can fall suddenly, crossing into a motorcyclist's line of travel without warning.
Question 3: When riding in a construction zone with workers on foot, what is the most important protective strategy?
- Increase speed to minimize exposure time in the work zone
- Slow to the posted work zone speed and maintain maximum alertness for workers stepping into traffic (Correct answer)
- Follow the vehicle ahead closely to use it as a shield
- Ride on the shoulder to stay away from workers
Correct answer: Slow to the posted work zone speed and maintain maximum alertness for workers stepping into traffic
Construction workers are focused on their tasks and may step into traffic; obey reduced speed limits and be ready to stop at any moment.
Question 4: An electric bicycle silently overtakes you from behind on a shared path. This illustrates which hazard unique to e-bikes?
- E-bikes are legally classified as motorcycles and should not be on shared paths
- E-bikes accelerate quickly and travel near-silently, making them harder to detect by audio cues (Correct answer)
- E-bikes carry more riders than conventional bicycles, widening their footprint
- E-bike batteries create electromagnetic interference with motorcycle electronics
Correct answer: E-bikes accelerate quickly and travel near-silently, making them harder to detect by audio cues
Electric bicycles produce almost no sound and can reach 20-28 mph, meaning you may not hear them approaching and must rely on mirrors and visual checks.
Question 5: When sharing the road with a motorcycle club riding in formation, what should you be aware of regarding vulnerable road users nearby?
- Group rides eliminate the need to watch for pedestrians since noise alerts them
- The group's formation and noise may startle pedestrians or cyclists, causing unpredictable reactions (Correct answer)
- Riding in formation gives the group legal priority over pedestrians
- Pedestrians are legally required to yield to organized group rides
Correct answer: The group's formation and noise may startle pedestrians or cyclists, causing unpredictable reactions
Loud group rides can startle nearby pedestrians and cyclists, causing them to swerve or freeze unpredictably; remain alert to their reactions.
Question 6: In a shared lane scenario, a cyclist suddenly signals and moves left to make a left turn. You are directly behind. What is your best response?
- Maintain speed and pass on the right
- Brake firmly and allow the cyclist to complete their turn before proceeding (Correct answer)
- Sound the horn to abort their maneuver
- Pass on the left before they complete the turn
Correct answer: Brake firmly and allow the cyclist to complete their turn before proceeding
Cyclists have the right to use the full lane to turn left; brake and give them space to complete the maneuver safely.
Question 7: What does the term 'friction zone of vulnerability' mean when discussing motorcyclists and pedestrians at intersections?
- The area where motorcycle tires lose traction on wet pavement near crosswalks
- The overlap zone where pedestrian paths and vehicle turning paths conflict (Correct answer)
- The point where braking friction is insufficient to stop before a crosswalk
- The legal zone where both pedestrians and motorcycles have equal right of way
Correct answer: The overlap zone where pedestrian paths and vehicle turning paths conflict
The friction zone of vulnerability is where turning vehicles and crossing pedestrians occupy the same space simultaneously, creating the highest collision risk.
RTT Dealing with Vulnerable Road Users 5
A motorcyclist is approaching an intersection where a large SUV has stopped for a pedestrian.
What is the safest action?