PTWs in the safe system

The inclusion of motorcyclists into the Safe System yields two challenges. The first is the technical problem of providing protection from physical harm at the speeds at which collisions with other vehicles or fixed objects are likely. While this could be solved by ensuring travel speeds by, and in the vicinity of, motorcyclists are much lower, this then amplifies the second challenge. This is to ensure that any measures taken to improve motorcycle safety are supported both by the broader community and by motorcyclists in particular. 

This leads to consideration of whether the conventional Safe System approach should be modified by recognizing that, in the short to medium term, motorcycling will remain an inherently risky activity and that measures should be taken to reduce risk. This may result in, for example, strategies that focus more on avoiding crashes, rather than mitigating their effects. 

A toolbox of measures is required to improve the safety of PTW riders within the traffic system. These measures must take into accoimt the specific challenges of PTW traffic, and also consider the variety of PTW users, insofar as some segments may be addressed with particular measures. 

The Safe System approach assumes that road users will enter the system competent and will take measures to ensure that they remain compliant and alert. Licensing, training, education, enforcement and commimication campaigns are essential tools for improving riding safety. It is also important, in a complementarily way, to enhance the road environment and the vehicles toward this safety objective. 

Access to PTWs shoitld be gradital, with a licensing system aiming at managing novice rider risks while riders are gaining experience and maturity [REE 95]. 

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This research was carried out by a working group of the OECD International Transport Foram, composed of experts from several countries. The chapter starts by presenting the basic trends and figures of PTW mobility, use and safety. Then, a comprehensive review of PTW crash contributory factors is presented (user-, vehicle- or infiastracture-related). Subsequently, the integration of PTW in the Safe Systems approach is discussed, with particular focus on the challenges and particularities involved. Finally, the most promising individual measures for the improvement of PTW mobility and safety are outlined. 

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