Question

Difficulty: EasyTrams

You are driving on a road where tram rails are embedded in the surface. Why must you give extra room when following or overtaking a cyclist?

  1. A
    Cyclists are legally required to pull onto the tram tracks to let following motor vehicles pass.
  2. B
    Cyclists must brake sharply before riding over rails to prevent their tyres from skidding.
  3. The cyclist's tyres may slip on the rails or get caught in the tracks, causing them to wobble or swerve.Answer
  4. D
    Cyclists always require twice the normal stopping distance whenever they travel beneath overhead tram cables.

Answer

The cyclist's tyres may slip on the rails or get caught in the tracks, causing them to wobble or swerve.
Metal tram rails create a slippery surface, especially in wet weather, and have recessed grooves that can easily catch narrow bicycle tyres. As a result, cyclists may suddenly wobble, lose balance, or swerve to cross the tracks at a safe right angle. Drivers must leave plenty of room to allow for these sudden movements.

Step-by-Step Solution

1
Identify the specific physical road hazard presented by tram tracks to two-wheeled vehicles.
Tram rails consist of smooth metal running surfaces and narrow sunken grooves embedded in the roadway.
Vulnerable road users with narrow tyres, such as cyclists, face unique balance and steering challenges on these surfaces.
2
Determine the likely movement or reaction of a cyclist encountering these rails.
A cyclist may need to steer across the tracks at a direct angle or may unexpectedly slip or swerve if their tyre catches in the rail groove.
Following drivers must provide ample clearance so the cyclist has room to manoeuvre safely without risk of collision.

Key Concept

Hazards of tram rails to vulnerable road users and cyclists
Estimated Time:45s
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