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. |
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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
- changes in the
level of friction of road surfaces
- pot holes
- uneven surfaces
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- 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.
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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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