1.
Riding on the left hand side of the road (opposing traffic) is:
Correct Answer
B. Never ok.
Explanation
It is never ok to ride your bicycle on the left hand side of the road or opposing traffic not matter the shape or size of the road or the speed of the vehicles. Sometimes when folks decide to start riding their bicycles on the road, they decide to apply the pedestrian recommendations they learned in elementary school in their cycling. There are two problems with applying pedestrian rules to cycling. 1.) Bicycles are quicker and less manuverable which reduces the reaction time from the more manuverable pedestrian. 2.) Bicycles are legal vehicles and as such must obey all vehicles laws. It is against the law for cars to travel in the wrong lane opposing traffic.
2.
Rolling through stop signs is ok if there is no other traffic at the intersection.
Correct Answer
B. False
Explanation
It is never ok to roll through stop signs. Cyclists will often justify rolling through a stop sign so they do not have to lose all of their momentum. However, this is a bad school of thought. You can never really see what is coming your way at an intersection unless you come to a full stop as the law dictates you do. It is unsafe and against the law if you roll through an intersection.
3.
Riding on the sidewalk is safer than riding in the roadway.
Correct Answer
B. False
Explanation
Riding your bicycle on the sidewalk is actually more dangerous than legally riding in the roadway. Cars do not expect objects faster than a pedestrian to cross the street from sidewalks. It also puts you and the less predictable and more maneuverable pedestrian at risk of injury.
4.
Bicycles are legal vehicles and must therefore obey all traffic laws.
Correct Answer
A. True
Explanation
In the state of Utah and every other state in the nation, bicycles are recognized as legal vehicles and as such must obey all of the laws that there apply. Additionally, bicycles have all of the rights that other vehicles have on the roadway. This means that it is your legal right to be in the roadway.
5.
When approaching an intersection, it is appropriate to:
Correct Answer
D. Hold your position in the line of traffic by taking the lane.
Explanation
You should never pass vehicles on the right to get to the front of the line of traffic, ESPECIALLY AT INTERSECTIONS! The vehicles on the roadway do not expect this kind of behavior. Take your time, and wait your turn. In situations like these, vehicle traffic is slow enough for you to take the lane and still keep up with traffic.
6.
The general principle for selecting a lane is:
Correct Answer
D. The rightmost lane that serves your destination.
Explanation
Traffic law requires slower moving traffic to travel in the rightmost lane on the roadway. That same law applies to cycling. If you are traveling slower than the surrounding vehicle traffic, you must choose the rightmost lane. In choosing the rightmost lane, it must still be a lane that serves your destination. This means that if you are going straight through an intersection, you may not ride through the right turn lane. It is certainly the rightmost lane, however, it does not serve your destination which is straight ahead.
7.
Cyclists fare best when they ______ and are ________ as drives of vehicles.
Correct Answer
A. Act, treated
Explanation
Traffic systems are give and take. The reason our traffic system works is because we all behave in a certain predictable way dictated by law and we are all treated in a predictable way dictated by law. When someone steps outside of predictability, accidents occur. For this reason, it is best and legal for bicyclists to act and be treated as drivers of vehicles.
8.
Cyclists who ride too close to the right hand side of the road:
Correct Answer
D. All of the above.
Explanation
One of the most dangerous places to ride a bicycle is to far to the right hand side of the road. There is so much on the side of a road that hides a cyclist from the view of other vehicles. Also, bikes are less maneuverable and quicker than pedestrian traffic so car doors opening in your path pose a serious safety issue. It is best to ride outside of the door zone deeper in the lane thereby making yourself much more visible to all traffic.
9.
Cyclists who ride in the rain and snow are LESS likely to be involved in crashes.
Correct Answer
A. True
Explanation
Cyclists who ride in adverse weather conditions develop traffic awareness and handling skills that fair weather riders do not. These skills help cyclists to avoid crashes and collisions when they encounter them. Lesson learned: ride year round. You be helping not only physical prowess and your safety, but you'll also helping prevent the pollutive outputs from motor vehicle use from being released into the air during the time when we need it the most.
10.
Safe cycling requires the use of:
Correct Answer
E. All of the above.
Explanation
Safe cycling requires more than just one piece of safety or protective gear. It is the combination of a helmet, bright clothing, lights, and eye protection that will give you the best chance of staying safe out on the roads. Never be so confident in your ability to ride a bicycle that you neglect one of these areas.
11.
By not obeying vehicle laws while riding a bicylce, you put ______ at risk of road rage and its consequences.
Correct Answer
E. All of the above
Explanation
Most road rage begins when someone breaks vehicle laws. By not obeying all traffic laws on your bicycle you give this minority vehicle group a negative stigma with motor vehicles. The motorist may lose their patience in the moment, or may lose it later when your family is on the road. The consequences of road rage often last an entire lifetime. Therefore, anything you can do to avoid it is best.
12.
Driving your bicycle in a predictable and visible manner includes:
Correct Answer
E. Maintaining a straight line of travel, following through with hand signals, wearing bright colors and lights, and by how you position yourself within a lane of traffic.
Explanation
When it comes to cycling, the best thing you can do is to operate your bicycle in a visible and predictable manner. Nothing else will improve your chances of a safe ride quite like the this principle. Being visible and predictable is not doing just one thing but a combination of items. You wouldn't sink your life savings into only one stock, you would diversify! Diversify what you do to stay visible and predictable!