Analysing Motorcyclist Behaviour on Roadway Dominated by MTWs: Insights from Real Trajectory Data

India’s increasing road accident statistics highlight the significant exposure faced by motorized two-wheelers (MTWs), which constitute most urban automotive traffic. This study examines MTW micro level behaviour like lateral placement, following behaviour velocity and accelerations variations, on a roadway in Surat, where MTWs make up over 88% of the traffic, effectively creating a naturally segregated lane for these vehicles. Data was collected for morning peak hour using a UAV along a 110-m access-controlled stretch. The MTW specific trajectory data was extracted and smoothened to remove anomalies from the dataset. Key micro-level parameters, such as lateral placement and following behaviour, were analysed across midblock, merging, and intersection sections for MTW category. Additionally, motion kinematics was explored across sections. The results indicated that MTWs predominantly occupied the middle portion of the road, regardless of section type. The mean speed was highest at midblock (130%), followed by merging sections (120%), compared to the mean speed at intersections. Due to complex weaving patterns, longitudinal and lateral accelerations varied significantly at the merging and intersection sections. Leader-follower interactions were analysed using hysteresis plots, and parameters related to the following behaviour were estimated based on Wiedemann 74 conditions. Further analysis revealed that the following time decreased from the midblock (5.97 s) to intersections (1.69 s), indicating denser interactions in complex areas. The Time to Collision (TTC) analysis showed relatively higher safety at midblock (mean TTC 2.64 s) and slightly elevated collision risks at intersections (mean TTC 2.80 s). The results obtained from this study can be useful for calibrating simulation models and testing policies related to exclusive MTW lanes.