Motorcycling intervention produces ‘astounding’ results
New road markings trialled across the west of Scotland have improved the riding behaviour of motorcyclists taking left hand bends, according to Transport Scotland.
The markings, Perceptual Rider Information for Maximising Expertise and Enjoyment (PRIMEs), are designed to help riders make better decisions when approaching bends. Grounded in the latest academic theory on human factors and applied psychology, PRIMEs comprise new and innovative ‘gateway’ road markings and signage.
They are intended to provide a tool for motorcyclists, ‘priming’ them to adapt their riding as they approach a bend.
Fiona Hyslop MSP, Scotland’s minister for transport, described the results as ‘astounding’ and ‘a real triumph for road safety’.
Twenty-two trial sites were created on roads covering 750 square miles across the West of Scotland. Research was undertaken over three years in what is believed to be the most in-depth investigation of motorcycle rider behaviour anywhere in the world.
Video footage of more than 32,000 motorcycles using the markings was manually assessed. After PRIME road markings were installed, there was a significant reduction in speed and significant improvement in road position and braking behaviour.
Additionally, since the start of the trials there have been no motorcycle injury collisions at any of the previously identified accident cluster sites where PRIME markings have been deployed.
This ‘transformative approach’ was enabled by the Road Safety Trust, who provided research funding of more than £215,000 for Transport Scotland to test the approach.
