Engineering technology projects

In addition to the Motorcycle Blackspot Program which improves the road and road environment at specific locations identified as high risk for motorcycles, there are also research and trial projects to further improve road engineering for motorcyclists.

Barrier Protection Trial

Safety barriers perform a vital road safety function and save many lives. However, while safety barriers protect riders from hazards on the other side of the barrier, they are not as forgiving for riders as they are for car drivers in the event of a collision. It is recognised that the posts on various barrier systems may present an injury risk to motorcyclists. This is because the railing allows riders to slide along and come to a slow stop, but colliding with a post is likely to be more abrupt and forceful.

Several types of devices that make barriers more forgiving for motorcyclists have been identified through VicRoads funded research. The protective devices have been designed so that they do not adversely affect the normal operation of the barrier. Three different types of products have been identified for the trial. Other products will be considered in future if they demonstrate that they work effectively with the barrier system and have the potential to reduce injuries in motorcycle crashes.

Eight sites where barriers exist and motorcyclists have a history of injury crashes have been identified and protective attachments installed. The sites will be monitored to evaluate their practical effectiveness and injury reduction effects.

Independent review of road maintenance practices for motorcycle safety

VicRoads provides guidelines for regional engineers in relation to road maintenance. The road network is vast and there is always maintenance that is required. This project examines ways of making the safety of motorcyclists a priority consideration in road maintenance practices.

Development of a communications strategy for road designers, builders/maintainers to consider motorcycling needs

The aim of this project is to better communicate the needs of motorcyclists to those responsible for building, designing and maintaining roads.

Market research with motorcyclists has identified key messages of importance, the best ways to get the messages across and barriers to incorporating a more motorcycle friendly approach to road design and maintenance.

A series of seminars will be held around the state and resource material will be available to road designers, maintenance staff, utility workers and others working on the road.

Evaluation of prior blackspot programs for their effects on motorcyclists

This project analysed information on the previous blackspot programs conducted in Victoria. The aim was to determine overall benefits to motorcycle trauma from blackspot programs previously implemented and to assess the effectiveness of specific road treatments so the benefits from road improvement programs for motorcyclists can be improved.

Gross treatments such as ‘signal remodel’ and ‘roundabouts’ showed benefits for motorcyclists, however further investigation is required to determine which specific treatment types have the best effect for motorcyclists.

Evaluation of road engineering programs - behavioural and crash outcomes of the Motorcycle Blackspot Program

Substantial Motorcycle Safety Levy funding has been allocated to a range of road and roadside engineering activities designed to improve motorcycle safety. Now that a number of these projects have been completed, there is a need to assess the benefits of the program as well as the effectiveness of particular road treatments used in motorcycle blackspot locations. The evaluations will look for evidence of a change in crash frequency at treated locations. This evaluation will provide valuable information to maximise benefits from future road treatments for motorcyclists.

A preliminary investigation found an indicative 38% reduction in motorcycle casualty crashes at the first 51 locations treated under the program. A full evaluation will be undertaken when there is sufficient data to conduct a robust analysis. Work is underway to determine whether there is sufficient data as of early 2008.

Research into perceptual countermeasures for motorcyclists

Perceptual countermeasures are alterations to the road environment designed to change the way the road user will see the road ahead.

In the road environment, they are usually low cost treatments such as line markings that change the perception of how fast a driver/rider is travelling, for example, on approach to tight curves. It is thought that clear line markings may be more important in preventing motorcycle crashes than car crashes.

This project involves an on-road trial to assess the effects of particular perceptual countermeasures (which have been shown to have positive effects on car drivers) on riding behaviour.