Vulnerable Road User

A term used to describe pedestrians, cyclists, horse riders and motorcyclists, abbreviated to VRU. The term reflects the fact that these users are not surrounded by the protective shell of a motor vehicle and are therefore at greater risk of harm in the event of a collision.

The term has generally fallen out of favour, however - non-motorised user (NMU) is more commonly used for pedestrians, cyclists and horse riders. 'Vulnerable Road User' also obscures the fact that the vulnerability of these road users is not innate, but comes from the danger posed by motor traffic.