Sharing the Road

Study questions with answers

12 sample Sharing the Road questions with the correct answer, a short explanation, and the official handbook reference. Read through them, then take the quiz above.

1. 1. Each marked traffic lane gives a motorcyclist how many usable paths of travel?

   Correct answer: Three

   A single lane offers a motorcyclist three possible paths of travel, unlike a car that fills the lane.

   Source: Colorado Motorcycle Operator's Handbook - Section 5, Lane Position

2. 2. The handbook suggests that a riding group larger than four or five riders should:

   Correct answer: Split into two or more smaller groups

   A group larger than four or five should split into two or more smaller groups so it does not interfere with traffic.

   Source: Colorado Motorcycle Operator's Handbook - Section 14.1, Keep the Group Small

3. 3. Before you carry a passenger, the motorcycle must have:

   Correct answer: Their own set of foot pegs

   A passenger requires their own set of foot pegs so they have firm footing and won't fall off or pull you off.

   Source: Colorado Motorcycle Operator's Handbook - Section 13.1, Passengers

4. 4. When carrying cargo, the handbook says to keep the load:

   Correct answer: Low and forward, over or ahead of the rear axle

   Keep the load low and forward, over or in front of the rear axle, to protect balance and handling.

   Source: Colorado Motorcycle Operator's Handbook - Section 13.2, Carrying Loads

5. 5. When you ride past a row of parked cars, you should stay:

   Correct answer: Toward the left side of your lane

   Stay toward the left of your lane near parked cars to avoid opening doors, people stepping out, and cars pulling from the curb.

   Source: Colorado Motorcycle Operator's Handbook - Section 6.3, Parked Cars

6. 6. If a car is merging onto the highway from an entrance ramp, you should:

   Correct answer: Give room by changing lanes or adjusting speed

   Give merging drivers plenty of room by changing lanes if open, or by adjusting your speed to open space for them.

   Source: Colorado Motorcycle Operator's Handbook - Section 6.3, Merging Cars

7. 7. When you are being passed, you should NOT drift to the far side of your lane because it may:

   Correct answer: Invite the other driver to cut back in too early

   Moving to the far side can tempt the passing driver to cut back into your lane too early.

   Source: Colorado Motorcycle Operator's Handbook - Section 6.3, Being Passed

8. 8. In a staggered group formation, the leader rides in the:

   Correct answer: Left portion of the lane, with the second rider back on the right

   The leader takes the left side of the lane while the second rider stays a bit back on the right side.

   Source: Colorado Motorcycle Operator's Handbook - Section 14.3, Staggered Formation

9. 9. Carrying a passenger or a large load should be attempted only by:

   Correct answer: Experienced riders who have practiced off-road first

   Only experienced riders should carry passengers or heavy loads, and they should practice off-road first.

   Source: Colorado Motorcycle Operator's Handbook - Section 13, Carrying Passengers and Cargo

10. 10. "Following those behind" while riding in a group means:

    Correct answer: Letting the tailrider set the pace and watching your mirrors

    Let the tailrider set the pace and use your mirrors; if a rider falls back, slow a little so the group stays together.

    Source: Colorado Motorcycle Operator's Handbook - Section 14.2, Follow Those Behind

11. 11. You should instruct a passenger to:

    Correct answer: Hold firmly to your waist and lean the same way you do

    Tell the passenger to hold firmly to your waist, hips, or belt, keep feet on the pegs, and lean as you lean.

    Source: Colorado Motorcycle Operator's Handbook - Section 13.1, Instruct Passengers

12. 12. Wearing bright clothing matters because a rider's body makes up:

    Correct answer: About half the visible area of the rider-and-cycle unit

    Your body is about half the visible surface area of the rider-and-cycle unit, so bright gear greatly improves visibility.

    Source: Colorado Motorcycle Operator's Handbook - Section 4, Clothing