Vulnerable road users: investigating the influence of new road markings on motorcycle rider behaviour

Motorcyclists represent a disproportionate number of road casualties, making them the most vulnerable road users for motorised vehicles. New road markings designed as Perceptual Rider Information for Maximising Expertise and Enjoyment (PRIMEs) were installed before left-hand bends at six trial sites and a comparison site to investigate rider behaviour. The road markings were presented as a series of ‘gateways’ to encourage safer riding. Video data were collected to measure motorcycle speed, lateral position, braking and use of the road markings, before and after the PRIMEs were installed. Across all the sites 8,730 motorcyclists were observed and naturalistic behavior of 2,898 lead riders was analysed. A statistically significant reduction in speed was observed at one trial site. Significant changes in lateral position were observed at the final PRIME gateway marking at four trial sites; and at the apex of the bend at three trial sites. Reduced braking was observed across four trial sites and there was a statistically significant increase in the use of PRIME road markings across all six trial sites. There were no statistically significant effects observed at the comparison site. These findings were sustained after the initial installation of PRIMEs and are positioned with reference to the Safe System approach for motorcycle casualty reduction.