35.169. When driving straight in this situation, must you take into account that the cyclist may start moving at any moment?
UAЧи повинні Ви під час руху прямо в даному випадку враховувати те, що велосипедист у будь-який момент може розпочати рух?
This is an exam question from the Traffic Rules of Ukraine concerning safety when driving straight alongside vulnerable road users. In real-life situations, a cyclist near the roadway can change the situation on the road at any moment, so the driver must not only "drive by the rules," but also anticipate risks and act proactively to avoid an accident.
The question tests knowledge of the general duties of the driver and the principle of increased attentiveness to cyclists in the traffic rules, primarily the requirements of clause 1.7. Additionally, the logic of this task is connected with the norms regarding attentiveness and response to changing conditions (clause 2.3), choosing a safe speed (clause 12.1), and maintaining a safe distance (clause 13.1). Such situations are often included in the theoretical exam, where the focus is not on the formal "who is right," but on preventing danger.
The answer "yes" is correct, because the driver is obliged to take into account that the cyclist may suddenly start moving, swerve, move closer to the traffic lane, or misjudge the distance. Conversely, the answer "no" is incorrect: ignoring the potential start of movement by the cyclist contradicts the requirements of attentiveness and safe driving, even if the driver is moving straight and not changing direction.
Practically, this means: when approaching a cyclist, you should assess their position and intentions in advance, reduce speed if necessary, maintain a safe lateral distance, and be ready to brake. This understanding of the topic helps to answer exam questions correctly and to safely apply the traffic rules in everyday driving.
Clause 1.7
Drivers are required to be especially attentive to cyclists, persons moving in wheelchairs, and pedestrians.
Application: in a situation where a cyclist is standing next to/near the roadway and may potentially start moving, the driver must anticipate possible changes in their behavior in advance and be prepared for the emergence of danger.
Clause 2.3 (subparagraph "b")
To ensure road safety, the driver is obliged to: be attentive, monitor the traffic situation, respond appropriately to its changes, monitor the correct placement and securing of cargo, the technical condition of the vehicle, and not be distracted from driving the vehicle while on the road.
Application: the driver must anticipate possible actions of other road users (in particular, the cyclist) and be ready to respond if they suddenly start moving.
Clause 12.1
When choosing a safe speed within the established limits, the driver must take into account the traffic situation, as well as the characteristics of the cargo being transported and the condition of the vehicle, in order to be able to constantly control its movement and drive it safely.
Application: when approaching a cyclist who may unexpectedly start moving, the driver must choose such a speed as to be able to react safely.
Clause 13.1
Depending on the speed, traffic situation, cargo characteristics, and vehicle condition, the driver must maintain a safe distance and a safe lateral interval.
Application: when passing by a cyclist, it is necessary to ensure a safe interval, taking into account that they may start moving or change their trajectory.
That is, the correct answer is "Yes.", considering that according to the Traffic Rules, the driver is required to be especially attentive to cyclists, carefully monitor changes in the traffic situation, and choose such speed and interval as to be able to react safely to the possible sudden start of movement by the cyclist.
While driving straight, you must not only follow signals and road markings, but also constantly anticipate the possible actions of other road users near you. If there is a cyclist near or on the roadway, even if they are currently stationary, the situation can change instantly.
Clause 1.7 of the Traffic Rules obliges drivers to be especially attentive to vulnerable road users, particularly cyclists. This means you must assess the risk of their sudden maneuver in advance and drive in such a way as not to endanger them and to have enough time to react.
A cyclist may unexpectedly start moving: misjudge the distance to your car, fail to ensure it is safe, lose balance when starting, or swerve to the side. For the driver, this is a real threat, as you are moving straight and may quickly get closer to them, even if you formally have the right of way.
Therefore, when approaching a cyclist, you must take into account the possibility that they may start moving: reduce your speed in advance if necessary, control your trajectory, and maintain a safe lateral distance so that in case of their sudden actions, you can avoid a dangerous situation.
Thus, the correct answer is "Yes.", since according to clause 1.7, the driver is obliged to be especially attentive to cyclists and to anticipate their possible sudden start in advance.