RTT Dealing with Vulnerable Road Users 2 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: When passing a cyclist on a two-lane road, how much lateral clearance should you aim to provide?
- At least 1 foot
- At least 3 feet (Correct answer)
- At least 5 feet
- At least 6 feet
Correct answer: At least 3 feet
Most U.S. states require at least 3 feet of clearance when passing a cyclist, though more space is always safer.
Question 2: A pedestrian is crossing mid-block outside a crosswalk. As a motorcyclist, what should you do?
- Maintain speed since they are jaywalking
- Sound your horn to warn them and maintain speed
- Slow down and be prepared to stop (Correct answer)
- Flash your headlight and proceed
Correct answer: Slow down and be prepared to stop
Regardless of legality, pedestrians are vulnerable and you must slow down and be ready to stop to avoid a collision.
Question 3: Which type of vehicle are motorcyclists most likely to underestimate the danger from when changing lanes?
- Semi-trucks creating air turbulence (Correct answer)
- Bicycles in the bike lane
- Parked cars with opening doors
- Buses stopping at curbs
Correct answer: Semi-trucks creating air turbulence
Large trucks create strong air turbulence and wind blasts that can destabilize a motorcycle, especially when passing or being passed.
Question 4: You see a child on a bicycle wobbling near the curb ahead. What is your best response?
- Honk to alert the child and pass quickly
- Slow significantly and give a wide berth before passing (Correct answer)
- Wait behind the child until they turn off the road
- Flash lights and maintain normal speed
Correct answer: Slow significantly and give a wide berth before passing
Children are unpredictable riders; slow down and pass with maximum possible clearance to account for sudden swerving.
Question 5: At a crosswalk with a WALK signal, a blind pedestrian with a white cane is crossing. You should:
- Proceed carefully since you have a green light
- Stop and wait until the pedestrian has completely cleared your path (Correct answer)
- Edge forward slowly to signal your presence
- Sound your horn gently to alert them
Correct answer: Stop and wait until the pedestrian has completely cleared your path
Visually impaired pedestrians with white canes have the absolute right of way; stop and remain stopped until they have fully cleared.
Question 6: When riding near a school zone during dismissal time, you should:
- Maintain normal speed since you are smaller than a car
- Reduce speed and watch for children darting between parked vehicles (Correct answer)
- Sound your horn periodically to scatter pedestrians
- Only slow if you see a crossing guard
Correct answer: Reduce speed and watch for children darting between parked vehicles
Children near schools move unpredictably and may dart into traffic; reduce speed well below the posted school zone limit and scan constantly.
Question 7: A motorcyclist approaches an elderly pedestrian who has started crossing but is moving very slowly. The light is about to change. What should you do?
- Proceed as soon as your signal turns green
- Wait until the pedestrian safely reaches the curb before moving (Correct answer)
- Nudge forward to encourage them to move faster
- Sound your horn to alert cross-traffic
Correct answer: Wait until the pedestrian safely reaches the curb before moving
You must wait for any pedestrian already in the crosswalk to safely complete their crossing before proceeding, regardless of signal changes.
RTT Dealing with Vulnerable Road Users 2
When passing a cyclist on a two-lane road, how much lateral clearance should you aim to provide?