Book

41. Semi-trailer truck

A semi-trailer truck (also called an articulated lorry, tractor-trailer, or simply semi) is a large freight vehicle consisting of two main parts: . Tractor unit – the front part with the engine, driver’s cab, and the coupling device (fifth wheel). Semi-trailer – the rear load-carrying unit without a front axle, supported at the front by the tractor unit and at the rear by its own wheels.

• Often 16–18 meters long in standard form, but can be longer with special permits.
• Long-distance cargo transport (containers, bulk goods, refrigerated loads, etc.).
• The pivot joint allows the trailer to turn independently from the tractor, giving better maneuverability than a rigid truck of the same length.
• Requires a heavy vehicle license in most countries.
• Dangers: wide turning radius, longer stopping distance, blind spots.

A Mercedes semi-trailer truck. (Regensburg, Germany) © Wikimedia.org/High Contrast, CC BY-DE

42. Trolleybus

A trolleybus is an electric bus that draws power from overhead wires using spring-loaded poles called trolley poles. Operates in bus lanes or mixed traffic. Drivers must be aware that trolleybus wires often run above streets, especially at intersections. Unlike trams, trolleybuses have rubber tires and run on regular roads instead of rails.

• Electricity supplied through two overhead wires — one for the outgoing current, one for the return.
• Zero tailpipe emissions.
• Quieter operation compared to diesel buses.
• Can steer around obstacles since they’re not fixed to rails.

A trolleybus. (Landskrona, Sweden) © Wikimedia.org/Carl-Johan Aberger, CC0

43. Speedpedelec

A speedpedelec (short for speed pedal electric cycle) is a type of electric bicycle that can reach higher speeds than a regular e-bike. Looks similar to a regular bicycle but may have bigger frames, larger batteries, stronger brakes, and integrated lighting.

• Provides pedal-assist up to 45 km/h (28 mph) — unlike standard e-bikes, which are typically limited to 25 km/h (15.5 mph).
• May require registration, license plates, insurance, helmet use, and minimum age.

A Speedpedelec of German manufacturer 'Riese und Müller'. © Wikimedia.org/Sänger, CC BY-SA

44. Delivery vehicle

A delivery vehicle is a motor vehicle used for transporting goods, packages, or food from a distribution point to customers or businesses. Subject to general road regulations, but some cities have delivery-only access times for certain streets.

• Easy loading/unloading access (sliding side doors, rear lift gates).
• Short- to medium-distance transport of goods, often with frequent stops.
• Types:
  • Small vans (e.g., courier vans, postal service vehicles).
  • Light trucks (for larger deliveries).
  • Cargo bikes or electric tricycles (in urban areas).

A delivery vehicles from UPS. © Wikimedia.org/28704869, CC BY

45. Idling

Idling means keeping a vehicle’s engine running while the vehicle is stationary and not in active use for driving. Switch off the engine if you expect to be stopped for more than a short time. Modern vehicles with start-stop systems do this automatically.

• Waiting in traffic for long periods.
• Parked with the engine on for heating, cooling, or powering accessories.
• Queuing at drive-throughs, ferry terminals, or checkpoints.

A vehicle with the engine on and speed 0 km/h, it's idling. (Volkswagen Golf) © Wikimedia.org/Spacekid, CC0

46. Tow truck

A tow truck (also called a wrecker or breakdown truck) is a motor vehicle designed to move disabled, improperly parked, impounded, or damaged vehicles.

• Hook and chain – lifts one end of the vehicle using a hook and chain (less common today due to potential damage).
• Wheel-lift – uses a metal yoke that lifts the vehicle by its wheels.
• Flatbed – has a hydraulic platform that tilts and slides to load the entire vehicle.
• Integrated – combines wheel-lift and boom, often used for heavy-duty towing.

A tow truck removes an illegally parked vehicle. (Moscow, Russia) © Wikimedia.org/Stolbovsky, CC BY-SA

47. Four-wheel drive

Four-wheel drive (4WD) is a system that powers all four wheels of a vehicle at the same time, giving it better grip on difficult surfaces.

• Better grip on snow, mud, sand, gravel, and off-road terrain.
• Increased stability when climbing steep or uneven surfaces.
• 4WD helps in slippery or loose conditions but doesn’t make a vehicle immune to skidding.

Vehicle with four-wheel drive going through mud. © Wikimedia.org/B101uk, CC BY-SA

48. Road users

A road user is any person or vehicle that uses a road, street, or highway for transportation, travel, or movement. Road users include drivers, cyclists, pedestrians, and public transport passengers who interact with traffic systems.

• Motorized Road Users
  • Drivers of Cars, Trucks, and Buses – Follow traffic laws and signals.
  • Motorcyclists & Scooter Riders – Must wear helmets and follow road rules.
  • Public Transport Operators – Bus and taxi drivers who transport passengers.
• Non-Motorized Road Users
  • Cyclists – Use bike lanes or roads, must obey traffic rules.
  • Pedestrians – Walkers who use sidewalks, crosswalks, and pedestrian crossings.
  • People with Disabilities – Using wheelchairs or mobility aids on footpaths and crossings.
• Special Road Users
  • Emergency Vehicles (Ambulances, Fire Trucks, Police Cars) – Have priority in traffic.
  • Construction & Maintenance Workers – Operate in work zones with road closures.
  • Animal Riders & Horse-Drawn Vehicles – Common in rural areas.

© Wikimedia.org/Fabián Heredia Montiel, CC BY

49. Passenger

A passenger is a person who travels in a vehicle but does not operate or control it. Passengers can be in cars, buses, trains, airplanes, boats, or any other mode of transportation. They rely on the driver, pilot, or operator to reach their destination safely.

• Follow safety rules – Wear seat belts, helmets (on motorcycles), or life jackets (on boats).
• Obey transport regulations – Listen to drivers, conductors, or pilots for safety instructions.
• Respect other passengers – Avoid loud noises, follow public transport etiquette.
• Pay fares if required – Ensure tickets or payments are made for public transport.

© Wikimedia.org/Arpingstone, CC0

50. Bicycle

A bicycle, also called a pedal cycle, bike, push-bike or cycle, is a human-powered or motor-assisted, pedal-driven, single-track vehicle, with two wheels attached to a frame, one behind the other. A bicycle rider is called a cyclist, or bicyclist.

• Types of Bicycles:
  • Road Bike – Lightweight, designed for speed on paved roads.
  • Mountain Bike – Built for rough, off-road trails.
  • Hybrid Bike – A mix of road and mountain bikes, good for general use.
  • Electric Bike (E-Bike) – Has a motor to assist pedaling.
  • Folding Bike – Compact and easy to carry for commuters.
  • BMX Bike – Small and strong, used for stunts and racing.

Bicycle racks at the train station Steinhausen, side view with details of how the bike pedal fits the slot to hold the bike. © Wikimedia.org/Datendelphin, CC0