Final answer:
In bad weather, giving more space to bicyclists, pedestrians, and motorcyclists is crucial due to their increased vulnerability compared to motorists in vehicles. Issues such as pollution and complex urban navigation necessitate greater caution. Adequate urban planning, especially in bad weather conditions, is necessary for the safety of these road users.
Step-by-step explanation:
It is essential to give more space to bicyclists, pedestrians, and motorcyclists in bad weather because these individuals are more vulnerable to adverse weather conditions. Unlike drivers in enclosed vehicles, they face greater challenges in maintaining control and stability, and bad weather can exacerbate these difficulties considerably. Additionally, in the case of emergencies or disasters, such as Hurricane Katrina (2005), the lack of adequate disaster planning for marginalized neighborhoods can lead to severe consequences, particularly for those without personal transportation means. Therefore, they should be given extra consideration and space on the road during such times to ensure their safety.
In places like Beijing, for example, pollution can be so severe that visibility is significantly reduced and air quality is poor, prompting cyclists and pedestrians to wear masks. These conditions necessitate that motorists remain especially vigilant and provide additional space to non-enclosed road users. Similarly, urban areas like New York, where sidewalks and roads force zigzagged paths and complex navigation, require drivers to be more aware of the heightened risks to pedestrians and cyclists, reinforcing the need for increased spatial allowances in unfavorable weather conditions.
Pedestrian Safety at Intersections:
At busy intersections, especially in areas with heavy foot traffic such as near a campus, pedestrian safety becomes even more critical. Calls for traffic signals to manage safe crossings highlight the importance of urban planning that caters to pedestrian needs. This further illustrates why during instances of bad weather, when visibility and road conditions may deteriorate, giving more space to vulnerable road users becomes doubly important.