Evaluating a New Road Sign and Traffic Markings for Motorcycle Safety on Untreated Roads

ObjectiveThis research investigated effects for new traffic markings on the user behaviour of motorcycle riders.BackgroundAcross motorised vehicles, motorcycles represent the most vulnerable road users.MethodA road sign and traffic markings were installed at six trial sites. Data from video cameras at each site provided measures of rider behaviour in relation to speed, road position, brake use, and use of the traffic markings, before and after installations. Throughout this research 4652 motorcycle riders travelled through the sites. Of these 1542 riders were analysed in more detail to investigate the effects of the road safety intervention on rider behaviour.ResultsAt five sites speed was reduced by a significant margin. At four sites there were significant improvements in road position at the final traffic marking. At five of the trial sites on the apex of a bend, there were significant improvements in road position. Braking behaviour decreased at two of the trial sites. For use of the traffic markings a significant increase was observed across all the trial sites. Across the behaviour measures, the changes were still present 4 weeks later. At a comparison site no changes in behaviour were observed.ConclusionThe findings provide evidence of improved rider behaviour which are placed in reference to the Safe System principles for road safety and casualty reduction.ApplicationThis research has generated international interest for installing the road sign and traffic markings in other regions and contributes to the Scottish Government's Road Safety Framework to 2030 by reducing motorcycle casualties.