Motorcycles and cyclists represent unique challenges in hazard perception due to their size, vulnerability, and behavior patterns. The NSW Hazard Perception Test includes scenarios featuring two-wheeled road users to ensure learner drivers can identify and respond to these critical hazards. This comprehensive guide will prepare you to recognize motorcycle and cyclist hazards in both your HPT and real-world driving.

Why Motorcycles and Cyclists Are Critical Hazards

Two-wheeled road users are among the most vulnerable on our roads. Understanding why they present unique hazards is essential for both test success and real-world safety.

Vulnerability Statistics

Motorcyclists:

• 30 times more likely to be killed in a crash than car occupants
• Account for 15% of road deaths despite being only 4% of vehicles
• Often suffer severe injuries even in minor collisions
• No protective shell or safety cage

Cyclists:

• 13 times more likely to be killed per kilometer traveled
• Particularly vulnerable in traffic
• Minimal protection in crashes
• Susceptible to minor contact causing major injury

Why They’re Hard to See

Size and Profile:

• Smaller visual footprint than cars
• Easily hidden in blind spots
• Can be obscured by road furniture
• Disappear behind A-pillars easily
• Less visible in mirrors

Visual Search Patterns:

• Drivers subconsciously search for car-sized objects
• Brain filters out smaller objects
• “Looked but failed to see” phenomenon
• Expectation bias favors larger vehicles

Environmental Factors:

• Blend into complex backgrounds
• Lost in visual clutter
• Camouflaged by shadows
• Obscured by weather conditions

Motorcycle-Specific Hazards

Understanding Motorcycle Behavior

Motorcycles behave differently than cars in ways that create unique hazard scenarios.

Acceleration and Braking:

• Can accelerate much faster than cars
• Can brake in shorter distances
• Speed can be difficult to judge
• Closing distances change rapidly

Maneuverability:

• Can change lanes quickly
• Navigate through tighter spaces
• React to road hazards more dramatically
• Can appear in unexpected positions

Positioning:

• Often ride in different lane positions than cars
• May move within lane for safety or visibility
• Position changes based on road conditions
• Sometimes ride on road edges

Common Motorcycle Hazard Scenarios

Scenario 1: The Filtering Motorcycle

Description: Motorcycle moving between lanes in slow or stopped traffic.

Visual Cues:

• Movement between stationary vehicles
• Motorcycle visible in mirrors or over shoulder
• Approaching from behind in adjacent lane
• Appearing in blind spot area

Development Indicators:

• Motorcycle drawing level with your vehicle
• Moving into space beside you
• Entering your intended path
• Approaching as you prepare to change lanes

When to Click:

• As motorcycle enters your lane space while you’re moving or changing lanes
• When motorcycle filtering creates conflict with your movement
• If motorcycle appears in blind spot as you begin lane change

Common Mistakes:

• Not checking mirrors and blind spots
• Missing motorcycle in peripheral vision
• Not expecting filtering behavior
• Clicking when motorcycle is just legally filtering without conflict

Real-World Application:

• Always check blind spots before lane changes
• Be aware filtering is legal in NSW (with restrictions)
• Expect motorcycles to move between lanes in congestion
• Leave space for filtering motorcycles

Scenario 2: The Intersection Motorcycle

Description: Motorcycle approaching or in intersection, often harder to see than cars.

Visual Cues:

• Motorcycle waiting to turn
• Approaching intersection from side street
• At roundabout entry point
• In opposite direction preparing to turn

Development Indicators:

• Motorcycle beginning to enter intersection
• Moving into your path
• Misjudgment of motorcycle speed
• Motorcycle obscured then appearing

When to Click:

• As motorcycle enters intersection creating conflict
• When motorcycle’s path intersects yours
• If pulling out would cut off motorcycle
• As motorcycle becomes visible and is on collision course

Common Mistakes:

• Not seeing motorcycle until very late
• Underestimating motorcycle speed
• Assuming motorcycle will stop or yield
• Missing motorcycle in visual clutter

Real-World Application:

• Specifically scan for motorcycles at intersections
• Double-check before turning across traffic
• Give motorcycles full lane right-of-way
• Never assume motorcycle will stop

Scenario 3: The Swerving Motorcycle

Description: Motorcycle swerving to avoid road hazards or obstacles.

Visual Cues:

• Motorcycle ahead in same lane
• Road surface hazards (potholes, debris, oil)
• Motorcycle positioned to one side of lane
• Sudden movement visible

Development Indicators:

• Motorcycle beginning to swerve
• Movement toward your space
• Avoiding obstacle in their path
• Sudden lane position change

When to Click:

• As motorcycle swerves into adjacent lane
• When swerve creates immediate hazard
• If motorcycle movement requires your response
• As swerve develops into your path

Common Mistakes:

• Not anticipating swerve for road hazards
• Delayed recognition of movement
• Following too closely to react
• Not giving motorcycles space

Real-World Application:

• Maintain greater following distance from motorcycles
• Watch road ahead for hazards that might cause swerving
• Expect motorcycles to move within and between lanes
• Be prepared for sudden movements

Scenario 4: The Obscured Motorcycle

Description: Motorcycle hidden by larger vehicles then appearing suddenly.

Visual Cues:

• Large vehicle (truck, bus) in adjacent lane
• Motorcycle partially visible beyond large vehicle
• Gap opening in traffic
• Motorcycle emerging from blind spot

Development Indicators:

• Large vehicle moving aside
• Motorcycle becoming visible
• Gap revealing previously hidden motorcycle
• Motorcycle in unexpected position

When to Click:

• As motorcycle appears and is in your path
• When revealed motorcycle requires response
• If changing lanes would conflict with newly visible motorcycle
• As obscured motorcycle creates developing hazard

Common Mistakes:

• Not checking beyond large vehicles
• Assuming lane is clear based on partial view
• Missing motorcycles hidden by trucks
• Not anticipating hidden vehicles

Real-World Application:

• Look beyond large vehicles before lane changes
• Assume vehicles may be hidden
• Take extra time to verify lane is clear
• Be cautious around trucks and buses

Cyclist-Specific Hazards

Understanding Cyclist Behavior

Cyclists have unique characteristics and vulnerabilities that create specific hazard patterns.

Speed and Acceleration:

• Much slower than motor vehicles
• Variable speeds (hills, wind, fatigue)
• Difficulty maintaining consistent speed
• Slow acceleration from stops

Stability and Balance:

• Less stable than motor vehicles
• Affected by road surface, wind, loads
• Can fall or swerve suddenly
• Requires space for balance

Legal Rights and Positioning:

• Entitled to full lane use
• Should ride at least 1 meter from parked cars
• May use different road positions for safety
• Legally allowed on most roads

Common Cyclist Hazard Scenarios

Scenario 1: The Door Zone Cyclist

Description: Cyclist riding near parked cars where doors might open.

Visual Cues:

• Cyclist riding beside parked vehicles
• Parked cars with possible occupants
• Cyclist positioned away from curb
• Urban or shopping area setting

Development Indicators:

• Car door beginning to open
• Cyclist swerving to avoid door
• Door opening into cyclist’s path
• Cyclist forced toward traffic lane

When to Click:

• As door opens into cyclist’s path
• When cyclist swerves toward your lane
• If door hazard forces cyclist into traffic
• As cyclist moves to avoid imminent door strike

Common Mistakes:

• Not watching parked cars for occupants
• Not anticipating cyclist reaction to doors
• Following too close to give cyclist escape room
• Missing cyclist among parked cars

Real-World Application:

• Give cyclists at least 1 meter clearance
• Watch for opening doors
• Expect cyclists to avoid door zones
• Never squeeze past cyclists near parked cars

Scenario 2: The Turning Cyclist

Description: Cyclist signaling or preparing to turn.

Visual Cues:

• Cyclist’s arm extended signaling turn
• Cyclist looking over shoulder
• Cyclist moving toward center of lane
• Approaching intersection or turn

Development Indicators:

• Cyclist beginning turn movement
• Moving into turn position
• Checking traffic before turn
• Executing turn across traffic

When to Click:

• As cyclist turns across your path
• When cyclist’s turn creates conflict
• If cyclist moves into your lane for turn
• As turn develops into immediate hazard

Common Mistakes:

• Not recognizing hand signals
• Not giving cyclists space to turn
• Attempting to pass cyclist preparing to turn
• Missing cyclist’s shoulder check indicator

Real-World Application:

• Learn cyclist hand signals
• Give space when cyclist is signaling
• Never pass cyclist approaching intersections
• Expect cyclists to take lane for turns

Scenario 3: The Swerving Cyclist

Description: Cyclist swerving to avoid obstacles, often with little warning.

Visual Cues:

• Cyclist ahead in lane
• Road hazards (glass, potholes, grates, debris)
• Uneven road surface
• Wind gusts or large vehicles passing

Development Indicators:

• Cyclist beginning to swerve
• Movement toward your vehicle
• Avoiding obstacle in path
• Sudden lateral movement

When to Click:

• As cyclist swerves toward your vehicle
• When swerve requires your evasive action
• If cyclist movement creates immediate hazard
• As swerve develops into your path

Common Mistakes:

• Following too closely
• Not scanning road ahead for hazards cyclist will avoid
• Attempting to pass too close
• Not expecting sudden movements

Real-World Application:

• Maintain safe following distance
• Watch road surface from cyclist’s perspective
• Expect swerving around hazards
• Give wide passing clearance (minimum 1 meter)

Scenario 4: The Group Ride

Description: Multiple cyclists riding together.

Visual Cues:

• Several cyclists in formation
• Cyclists in pairs or groups
• Cycling club or recreational ride
• Extended length of road space occupied

Development Indicators:

• Group spreading across lane
• Cyclists changing positions within group
• Group slowing or stopping
• Member of group making unexpected movement

When to Click:

• As cyclist from group moves into your path
• When group behavior creates hazard
• If individual cyclist has issue affecting you
• As group dynamics create developing situation

Common Mistakes:

• Trying to split group while passing
• Not allowing for entire group length
• Underestimating space needed
• Getting frustrated and taking risks

Real-World Application:

• Wait for clear opportunity to pass entire group
• Give all cyclists in group full clearance
• Be patient with groups
• Expect individual cyclists in group to move within formation

Scenario 5: The Uphill/Downhill Cyclist

Description: Cyclist on gradient with altered speed and stability.

Visual Cues:

• Hill or slope in road
• Cyclist going slower uphill
• Cyclist going faster downhill
• Cyclist standing on pedals or in different position

Development Indicators:

• Cyclist struggling uphill, moving slowly
• Cyclist descending at higher speed
• Loss of stability due to gradient
• Wobbling or difficulty maintaining line

When to Click:

• As cyclist’s gradient-affected behavior creates hazard
• When slow uphill cyclist requires you to brake or change lanes
• If fast downhill cyclist moves unpredictably
• As gradient-related instability affects your path

Common Mistakes:

• Misjudging cyclist speed on hills
• Passing too close on uphills
• Not expecting higher speeds downhill
• Underestimating instability on gradients

Real-World Application:

• Give extra space on hills
• Be patient with struggling uphill cyclists
• Expect faster speeds on descents
• Account for stability challenges

Scanning Techniques for Two-Wheeled Vehicles

Specific Scanning Adaptations

Standard Scanning Plus:

• Deliberately look for motorcycles and cyclists
• Check areas where they’re commonly missed
• Scan twice (“look again” approach)
• Focus on movement, not just large objects

Critical Check Points:

1. Before Lane Changes:

   • Check mirrors (motorcycles filter)
   • Physical blind spot check (essential)
   • Verify no cyclists beside you
   • Double-check before committing

2. At Intersections:

   • Specifically scan for motorcycles
   • Look for cyclists in bike lanes
   • Check for filtering motorcycles
   • Verify motorcycles aren’t obscured

3. In Traffic:

   • Watch mirrors for filtering motorcycles
   • Track cyclists ahead and beside
   • Anticipate two-wheeled vehicle movements
   • Maintain awareness of vulnerable road users

4. Near Parked Cars:

   • Look for cyclists in door zones
   • Watch for motorcycles parking
   • Anticipate cyclist movements to avoid doors
   • Check for two-wheeled vehicles between cars

The “Look Twice” Campaign

The motorcycle safety campaign “Look Twice, Save a Life” emphasizes the need for deliberate searching:

First Look: Standard visual scan Second Look: Specific search for motorcycles and cyclists

Application in HPT:

• Don’t assume first glance showed everything
• Deliberately search for two-wheeled users
• Check areas where they’re commonly hidden
• Make conscious effort to spot smaller vehicles

Weather and Lighting Effects

Two-wheeled vehicles are even harder to see in adverse conditions.

Rain:

• Motorcycles and cyclists smaller in mirrors
• Spray obscures visibility
• Dark riding gear blends with wet roads
• Helmets and rain gear reduce silhouette clarity

Night:

• Smaller lights harder to see
• Single headlight can be misjudged
• Cyclists often poorly lit
• Distance and speed harder to judge

Sun Glare:

• Silhouettes provide less detail
• Cyclists especially hard to see backlit
• Reflections off helmets confusing
• Shadows hide two-wheeled vehicles

Strategy:

• Increase scanning intensity in poor conditions
• Allow more time for identification
• Expect motorcycles and cyclists despite poor visibility
• Use extra caution in adverse weather

Practice Strategies

Targeted Two-Wheeled Vehicle Practice

Focus Areas:

1. Size Recognition:

   • Practice identifying smaller vehicles
   • Learn motorcycle and bicycle profiles
   • Recognize partial views and obscured positions
   • Train eyes to spot smaller road users

2. Blind Spot Awareness:

   • Practice scenarios with blind spot checks
   • Learn where motorcycles hide
   • Understand cyclist positioning
   • Develop habit of physical checks

3. Behavior Prediction:

   • Study motorcycle and cyclist movement patterns
   • Learn to anticipate swerves and position changes
   • Understand filtering and lane positioning
   • Predict two-wheeled vehicle reactions

4. Multiple Hazard Scenarios:

   • Practice scenes with motorcycles and other hazards
   • Learn to prioritize vulnerable road users
   • Develop awareness of multiple two-wheeled vehicles
   • Handle complex traffic with cyclists and motorcycles

Real-World Observation

As a Learner Driver:

• Specifically watch for motorcycles and cyclists
• Practice commentary driving (“motorcycle filtering on left”)
• Get feedback from supervisor on blind spot checks
• Build real-world awareness

Active Learning:

• Note where motorcycles and cyclists appear
• Observe their behavior patterns
• Learn common routes and locations
• Understand seasonal and time-of-day patterns

Common Mistakes in HPT

Mistake 1: Not Seeing Them at All

Problem: Missing motorcycles and cyclists completely.

Solution: Deliberately scan for two-wheeled vehicles. Make conscious effort to spot smaller road users.

Mistake 2: Misjudging Speed

Problem: Underestimating motorcycle speed or overestimating cyclist speed.

Solution: Recognize motorcycles can travel at speed of traffic. Don’t assume slow movement.

Mistake 3: Not Allowing Space

Problem: Clicking only when two-wheeled vehicle is very close.

Solution: Identify developing hazards earlier, giving appropriate following and passing distance.

Mistake 4: Missing Obscured Vehicles

Problem: Not checking beyond large vehicles for hidden motorcycles or cyclists.

Solution: Always verify lanes are clear beyond visible vehicles. Assume motorcycles may be hidden.

Legal and Ethical Responsibilities

NSW Rules for Motorcycles and Cyclists

Minimum Passing Distance:

• Must leave at least 1 meter when passing cyclists (under 60 km/h)
• Must leave at least 1.5 meters when passing cyclists (over 60 km/h)
• Can cross center line or solid line if safe to do so
• Penalties apply for unsafe passing

Filtering:

• Motorcycles can filter in NSW under specific conditions
• Must be done safely and at appropriate speed
• Learner and P1 riders cannot filter
• Expect filtering motorcycles in traffic

Lane Positioning:

• Motorcycles and cyclists entitled to full lane
• Can position anywhere in lane for safety
• Don’t squeeze or pressure to move over
• Respect their right to road space

Ethical Considerations

Beyond legal requirements, protecting vulnerable road users is a moral responsibility:

• They have families and loved ones
• Minor mistakes can cause major harm
• You’re in the safer, protected vehicle
• Extra caution costs you little but protects lives

Conclusion

Motorcycle and cyclist hazards are critical components of the HPT and real-world driving safety. Success requires understanding:

1. Vulnerability factors - size, visibility, lack of protection
2. Specific behaviors - filtering, swerving, positioning, speed variations
3. Common scenarios - door zones, intersections, blind spots, obscured positions
4. Scanning adaptations - deliberate searching, blind spot checks, “look twice” approach
5. Legal and ethical duties - passing distances, lane rights, protective responsibility

By mastering two-wheeled vehicle hazard perception, you demonstrate readiness to share the road safely with all users. The skills you develop aren’t just for passing a test - they’re for protecting the most vulnerable people on our roads.

Practice motorcycle and cyclist scenarios extensively, develop your scanning technique, and build the awareness needed to always see and respond to two-wheeled road users. Your vigilance could save a motorcyclist’s or cyclist’s life.

Remember: Motorcycles and cyclists have every right to the road. Your responsibility is to see them, anticipate their movements, and give them the space and respect they deserve. Master these skills for your HPT and for every journey you take.