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THE
ROYAL SOCIETY FOR THE PREVENTION OF ACCIDENTS
MOTORCYCLING SAFETY POLICY PAPER
JUNE 2006
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THE
ENVIRONMENT
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Road
Design is of particular importance to motorcycle riders since
bad design features can increase risks to them. Features that
are unnoticed by a car driver can be dangerous for a motorcycle
rider. For example, features such as steel manhole covers
positioned on the line round a bend, white paint on the road
where a rider needs to change direction and loose grit gathering
on the road surface can all prove dangerous if not lethal
to motorcycle riders.
Therefore, it is important for engineers to consult with motorcycle
riders at the design, implementation and safety audit stages
to ensure that roads are easy for motorcyclists to read and
have no sudden surprises
The publication by the Institute of Highway Incorporated Engineers
(IHIE) of Guidelines for Motorcycling74 in 2005 was a significant
and welcome development in ensuring that the needs of motorcyclists
are considered when designing, constructing, changing and
maintaining the road environment. It should help to educate
engineers on the specific engineering needs of riders.
Road Surface
A good road surface with a high co-efficient of friction
is of particular importance to a motorcycle rider, particularly
when braking or cornering. A motorcycle also has different
handling qualities because it has 2 wheels instead of 4. Engineers
must take these differences into account when designing new
roads, re-designing existing ones and doing safety audits.
Being two wheelers, motorcyclists are more susceptible to
difficulties and hazards created by the design, construction,
maintenance and surface condition of roads. They are particularly
vulnerable to
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- changes in the level of friction of road surfaces
- pot holes
- uneven surfaces
- poor repairs to the surface
- spillages
- drain covers
- debris
- road markings.
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Other
road surface hazards include leaves which can appear dry but
may be soggy underneath, tram tracks, gravel, melted tar in
hot weather which may reduce tyre grip or roads that become
greasy and slippery in summer during rainstorms.
Skidding
Skidding occurs in about 30% of the personal injury accidents
in the wet for motorcycles12, and as discussed in section
3.18, the accident risk for larger motorcyclists is greater
on dry, rural roads.
Road Markings
Raised road markings can cause problems for motorcyclists,
either by affecting their stability or by retaining water
on the surface, resulting in a loss of adhesion between the
tyres and the road. The use of bitumen for repairs can lead
to difficulties, especially when the road surface is wet,
as it leads to reduced friction and skid resistance. A better
repair substance is needed to replace bitumen.
Maintenance
Maintenance is a particular safety issue for motorcyclists
because of their need for a good road surface with a high
co-efficient of friction. It is good practice for Authorities
to set up and run a system where road users can report problems
such as potholes. To maintain credibility the system must
have good response times and reinstatement work must be done
to a high quality.
Traffic Calming
Traffic calming is a proven, effective highway engineering
measure to reduce speed-related accidents. It benefits all
road users. Traffic calming features need to be effective
in reducing motorcyclists’ speed while at the same time not
inadvertently causing additional hazards to two wheelers.
For example, traffic calming measures should be sited far
enough away from junctions and bends so that they can be approached
with the motorcycle vertical. It is essential that traffic
calming design guides provide suitable advice and options
for achieving this balance. They also need to be well maintained
and visible under all lighting and weather conditions.
Street Furniture
Street furniture may hinder visibility and cause serious injury
to motorcyclists who collide with objects while sliding along
the road after an accident. Street furniture should be as
far back from the road as possible, and where necessary, protected
by appropriate fencing, that does not itself cause an injury
hazard to motorcyclists.
Crash Barriers
Crash barriers are a concern for motorcyclists. They tend
to be tested using four wheel vehicles, and present certain
hazards to motorcyclists. Exposed parts of support posts concentrate
impact forces on the motorcyclist’s body, and the edges of
horizontal beams or wire rope may cause laceration injuries.
The European Experimental Vehicle Committee reported75 that
one study of motorcycle accidents involving crash barriers
found that 15% of motorcyclist fatalities were caused by a
direct impact of the rider against the barrier. A study in
France76 found that collisions with crash barriers accounted
for 8% of motorcyclist fatalities, and 13% of fatalities on
rural roads. It also found that collisions with crash barriers
were more likely to result in the motorcyclist being killed
than other types of accidents.
The British Motorcyclist Federation77 believes that smooth,
featureless barriers, such as concrete or water-filled ones
cause the least problems for motorcyclists. Barriers with
energy absorbing protectors are also being developed which
could lessen injuries suffered by motorcyclists colliding
with them. Barriers should be tested with both two and four
wheel vehicles. Highways Authorities are now installing motorcycle-friendly
barriers at key sites.
Bus Lanes
The government’s advice on bus lanes78 recommends against
allowing motorcycles to use bus lanes, although Local Authorities
can permit them if they choose. For several years now, motorcycle
groups have called for motorcyclists to be allowed to use
bus lanes, along with pedal cyclists and taxis, and several
Local Authorities have allowed them to do so. The results
of these trials have not yet been published, but interim data
has not identified any safety problems created by motorcyclists
being allowed to use bus lanes.79 The Department for Transport
is currently considering its position regarding the use of
bus lanes by motorcyclists. Pedal cycle organisations are
opposed to motorcyclists being allowed into the bus lanes.
RoSPA has not supported the use of bus lanes by motorcyclists.
However, this policy will be reviewed once the results of
the various trials have been published.
Advanced Stop Lines
Advanced Stop Lines for pedal cyclists are now commonly
provided at junctions. They are designed to allow the cyclist
to stop in a position where he or she can be clearly seen
by drivers. As with bus lanes, motorcycle groups are now seeking
to be allowed to use the Advanced Stop Lines as well. Not
surprisingly, pedal cyclist groups strongly oppose this.
A number of trials are underway which Transport for London
is monitoring, although the results to date have been inconclusive.
Bends and Night-time Crashes
Accidents on bends on non-built-up roads, and night time
accidents are a particular problem for motorcyclists. Design
solutions to reduce these risks should be considered, especially
at sites, routes and areas where accident data indicates that
there is a motorcycle accident problem.
The Environment - Conclusion
Although not a major cause of motorcycle accidents, motorcyclists
are particularly vulnerable to road surface hazards and it
is essential that the needs and particular vulnerability of
two-wheelers are considered carefully by highway designers,
engineers and that high standards of road maintenance are
provided
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