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Sharing the Road with Skateboards, Scooters, etc.
Of recent special concern are personal wheeled transportation users such as
skateboarders, roller-bladers, nonmotorized scooters, electric wheelchairs, etc. People
using the roadway with these types of devices can sometimes be traveling at a significant
rate of speed. Users can move abruptly and change direction unexpectedly into your
travel path. Be especially alert and cautious around these types of roadway users.
Sharing the Road with Motorcycles
Today’s motorcycle riders are friends, relatives and neighbors. The motorcyclist has
the same rights and responsibilities on the highway as drivers of other vehicles. Motorists
should recognize this and not attempt to crowd motorcycles or take the right-of-way from
cyclists. Motorcyclists on the other hand must operate as responsible road users and not
attempt to take advantage of the cycle’s narrow silhouette and maneuverability.
Motorcyclists often slow by downshifting or merely rolling off the throttle, thus not
activating the brake light. Allow more than 4 seconds of following distance. At
intersections, predict a motorcyclist may slow down without visual warning.
Turn signals on a motorcycle usually are not self-canceling, thus some riders,
(especially beginners) sometimes forget to turn them off after a turn or lane change. Make
sure a motorcycle’s signal is for real.
Motorcyclists often adjust position within a lane to be seen more easily and to
minimize the effects of wind, road debris, and passing vehicles. Understand that
motorcyclists adjust lane position for a purpose, not to be reckless or show off.
Because of its small size a motorcycle seems to be moving faster than it really is.
Don’t think motorcyclists are speed demons.
Because of its small size, a motorcycle may look farther away than it is. When
checking traffic to turn at an intersection, predict a motorcycle is closer than it looks.
Because of its small size, a motorcycle can be easily hidden by objects inside or
outside a car (door posts, mirrors, passengers, bushes, trees, parked cars, fences, bridges,
blind spots, etc). Take an extra moment to thoroughly check traffic, whether you’re
changing lanes or turning at intersections.
Stopping distance for motorcycles is nearly the same as for cars, but slippery
pavement makes stopping quickly difficult. Allow more following distance behind a
motorcycle because it can’t always stop “on a dime”.
Maneuverability is one of a motorcycle’s better characteristics, especially at slower
speeds and with good road conditions. But don’t expect a motorcyclist to always be able
to dodge out of the way.
Carrying a passenger complicates a motorcyclist’s task. Balance is more difficult.
Stopping distance is increased. Maneuverability is reduced. Predict more problems when
you see two on a motorcycle, especially near intersections.
Mirrors are smaller on a motorcycle and usually convex. This gives the motorcyclist
a smaller image of you and makes you appear farther back than you actually are. Keep at
least a four second space cushion when following a motorcyclist.
There are a lot more cars and trucks than motorcycles on the road, and some drivers
don’t “recognize” a motorcycle and ignore it (usually unintentionally). Look for
motorcycles, especially when checking traffic at an intersection.
At night, single headlights and taillights on motorcycles can blend into the lights of
other traffic. Those “odd” lights could be a motorcycle.