Road Space Allocation
Separation is a fundamental safety principle for vulnerable road users (e.g. footpaths for pedestrians and bicycle lanes for cyclists). With regard to low speed vehicles that are part of the same road network higher speed vehicles this may also be important (Hunter-Zaworski et al., 2010). It has been suggested that regulatory authorities and planners must consider the connectivity of such road designs such that low speed roadways do not intersect with higher speed roadways. Hunter-Zaworski et al. (2010) suggests that this can "entail the identification and signage of existing roadways that provide complementary connections between residential neighborhoods and activity centers" (p.35).
In Malaysia, the first motorcycle lane was constructed along one of the busiest urban expressways in the early 1970s (Umar, Mackay & Hills, 1995). The lane was built as a separate track outside of the guardrail of the expressway. Umar et al. (1995) presented a preliminary analysis of the impact on motorcycle crashes of a 14km extension of this lane. The number of motorcycle crashes fell by approximately 25% immediately following the opening of the motorcycle lane, while the number in the control area remained steady.
While the crash reductions were impressive, the results may not generalise to the many contexts. Umar et al. (1995) note that most of the motorcycles had small engine capacities and were slower than other traffic. Thus many of the crashes that were prevented were likely those of cars running into the back of slow-moving motorcycles. In addition, motorcycles make up a large proportion of motorised traffic (and injuries and fatalities) in Malaysia and so the investment in separate facilities is likely to be much more cost-beneficial than it would be in Australia (where motorcycles comprise only about 1% of traffic). There have been calls to allow low-powered scooters to use on- and off-road bicycle lanes but no rigorous evaluations have occurred.
See also: Motorcycle lanes case study
Information sourced from A review of potential countermeasures for motorcycle and scooter safety across APEC (Full report and References [PDF, 304KB]). |
