In town, pedestrians can step into the road from behind a parked car, from a bus stop or right at the corner where you are about to turn. A motorbike rider can cause far more harm to them than they can to the rider, so the rider carries more responsibility. This guide brings together rules 204 to 210 of the UK Highway Code on GOV.UK and advice from the Utah Motorcycle Operator Handbook 2024 (United States). When you ride in Vietnam, you still need to follow the local traffic rules in force.
Quick answer: how to ride safely around pedestrians
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- Slow down in busy shopping streets, residential areas, near bus stops, beside parked vehicles and near schools.
- Give way to people who have started to cross and to people crossing the road you are turning into.
- Take extra care with children and older people, who may not be able to judge your speed.
- Never hurry pedestrians by revving your engine or edging forward.
- On narrow rural roads without a footway, slow down, be ready to stop and give people plenty of room.
Where to slow down and take care
Highway Code rules 206 and 208 list the places where you should drive or ride carefully and slowly:
| Place | Why | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Busy shopping streets and residential areas | Pedestrians can appear at any moment | Highway Code 206 |
| Bus and tram stops | Pedestrians may emerge suddenly into the road | Highway Code 206 |
| Beside parked vehicles | Children may run into the road unexpectedly | Highway Code 206 |
| Turning at junctions | Give way to people crossing or waiting to cross the road you turn into | Highway Code 206 |
| Road works or a closed pavement | People may be working in the road or walking in it | Highway Code 206 |
| Narrow rural roads without a footway | Pedestrians share the road; be prepared to stop | Highway Code 206 |
| Near schools | Young pedestrians and cyclists | Highway Code 208 |
Who is most at risk
Rule 204 names pedestrians, in particular children, older adults and disabled people, as the road users most at risk; those who can cause the greatest harm have the greatest responsibility to reduce the danger they pose. Rule 207 gives an example: at 40 mph (64 km/h) a vehicle will probably kill any pedestrian it hits, while at 20 mph (32 km/h) there is only a 1 in 20 chance of the pedestrian being killed.
- Children and older pedestrians may not be able to judge your speed and could step out in front of you.
- People with hearing impairments may not hear you coming; people with walking difficulties need more time.
- Blind or partially sighted people may carry a white cane or use a guide dog and may not see you approaching.
Children and school areas
Rule 205 warns that pedestrians, especially children, may step unexpectedly into the road, so ride at a speed suited to the conditions with the safety of children in mind. Rule 208 asks you to ride slowly near schools and watch for young pedestrians and cyclists, and rule 209 asks you to pass a stationary school bus carefully and slowly because children may be getting on or off.
- Slow down when you see children playing near the road or walking with adults.
- Take care beside parked cars, where a child can run out from between them.
- Be ready to brake with both brakes; see motorcycle braking technique.
Turning, and people who have started to cross
Under rule 206, when turning at a junction you should give way to pedestrians who are crossing or waiting to cross the road you are turning into or from. Pedestrians who have already started to cross ahead of you have priority too. Rule 207 asks you to be patient with older pedestrians and not to hurry them by revving your engine or edging forward.
- Slow down before you turn so you have time to check the crossing and the kerb; see how to change lanes and turn on a motorcycle.
- Wait until people have fully crossed before you move off.
- Do not rev or creep forward to hurry them.
Bus stops, parked cars and road works
Rule 206 notes that pedestrians may emerge suddenly near bus stops, and that people may be working in or beside the road at road works. The Utah handbook also advises keeping to the part of the lane away from parked cars to avoid people stepping out from between them.
- Slow down past bus stops, especially when a bus has stopped.
- Keep a gap from parked cars; see passing parked cars on a motorbike.
- Ride slowly through road works and expect pedestrians in the road when the pavement is closed.
Using the horn and riding on narrow country roads
The Utah handbook suggests a quick beep before passing anyone who may move into your lane, such as someone walking in the street. But rule 207 reminds you that people with hearing impairments may not hear you, so the horn is only a back-up. On narrow rural roads without a footway, rule 206 asks you to always slow down, be prepared to stop and give pedestrians plenty of room as you pass.
- Use a short, light beep rather than a long blast.
- Scan early so you see pedestrians from a distance; see the SEE strategy.
- Leave plenty of room when passing people on foot, and only pass when the road ahead is clear.
If you rent from Mr Tú – Old Quarter Motorbike Rental, read our tips on riding in the Hanoi Old Quarter, where pedestrians and motorbikes share narrow streets.
FAQ: pedestrians
Do I have to give way to pedestrians when I turn?
Under Highway Code rule 206, you should give way to pedestrians who are crossing or waiting to cross the road you are turning into or from.
Why should I ride slower near children?
Rules 205 and 207 explain that children may step into the road unexpectedly and may not judge a vehicle’s speed; lower speed greatly reduces the risk of death if there is a collision.
Should I use the horn to make pedestrians move?
A short beep helps people notice you, but do not use the horn to hurry anyone. People with hearing impairments may not hear it, so slow down and be ready to stop.
What should I watch for on country roads without a pavement?
Rule 206 says to always slow down, be prepared to stop if necessary and give pedestrians plenty of room as you pass.
Sources: GOV.UK – The Highway Code, rules 204–210 (Road users requiring extra care); Utah Department of Public Safety, Driver License Division – Motorcycle Operator Handbook 2024 (Horn; Passing parked cars). Checked on 13/11/2026.
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