Abstract and highlights

Abstract

In this phase of the research, innovative road markings for motorcyclists, designed as Perceptual Rider Information for Maximising Expertise and Enjoyment (PRIMEs) were installed on the approach to demanding bends at a total of 18 trial sites (13 new trial sites plus 5 sites used in previous years’ research) and two comparison sites across the West Highlands of Scotland. These novel PRIME road markings were presented as a series of ‘gateways’ to promote safer riding by encouraging riders to go ‘through the gap’. All sites were of similar (untreated) standards in relation to road surface and environment. Video data were collected to measure motorcycle speed, lateral position, braking and use of the road markings, before and after the PRIME road markings were installed.

A total of 15,557 motorcyclists were observed and from these 5,680 lead motorcycles were analysed in more detail. Across the trial sites, statistically significant reductions in speed were observed at 13 of the 18 trial sites. Significant changes in lateral position were observed at the final PRIME gateway marking at 14 trial sites with motorcyclists riding in better positions on approach to the bend. Statistically significant changes in lateral position at the apex of the bend were observed at 14 trial sites. Statistically significant reductions in braking were observed at 4 trial sites with an increase at one site. There were statistically significant increases in the use of PRIME road markings across 17 of the 18 trial sites.

No statistically significant effects were observed at the comparison sites. These findings are discussed in relation to sustained effects, carry over effects, alternative PRIME designs, the ‘Road Safety Framework to 2030’ and the ‘Safe System’ approach to reducing motorcycle casualties.

Highlights

This research is a world-first and the largest road trial investigation of PRIME road markings involving a further 15,557 motorcyclists, a total of 47,770 when combined with the 32,213 analysed in Phase 1 of the PRIME trials (2020 – 2022).

Data analysis suggests long term sustained behaviour change following the installation of PRIME road markings.

This in-depth study identifies important behavioural factors that support Transport Scotland’s ‘Road Safety Framework to 2030’ and the ‘Safe System’ approach to motorcycle casualty reduction.