TWB

We've compiled details of interesting reports and articles relating to powered two wheelers. View and download them below. To download our initial framework studies click the link on the right-hand-side download panel.

reports & studies

Details of the Transport Research Laboratory’ study into riders’ attitudes on road safety - A survey of motorcyclists' attitudes to selected accident counter-measures (1990)

A survey was carried out amongst 600 motorcyclists by Sample Surveys Ltd between 9th and 14th October 1989. A number of questions were placed on the survey by the Transport and Road Research Laboratory covering training and safety issues. One hundred sampling points were selected, spread throughout the UK. At each point, 6 interviews were conducted using a structured questionnaire, a copy of which is included as an appendix. The sample was quota controlled by engine size of motorcycle, and information is given on the age, sex and riding experience of the motorcyclists. Results from the research include: (1) the majority of those surveyed believed that the current (October 1989) two part exam is a fair test of road riding skills, but 75% favored the recently introduced road test format involving the examiner accompanying the candidate on another machine; (2) 85% of motorcyclists felt all should undertake some training; (3) 79% of motorcyclists were not in favor of learner riders carrying passengers; (4) approximately a half of the sample would not use leg protectors; and (5) 36% of riders reported wearing reflective or fluorescent clothing, and 59% expressed the view that all riders should do so.

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The Transport Research Laboratory’s work into motorcycle crashes from the 1970s. - 1980

This survey looks at a sample of 450 injured motorcyclists involved in 425 accidents over a period of one year (1974). a comparison of several aspects of the accident situation between the sample and national accident data indicated that the detailed information gained from the survey is representative of motorcycle accidents reported nationally by the police. the study examines the accident situation, causes of injury to riders, crash helmet performance, and the motorcycles involved. some of the main findings are:- (i) the high incidence of accidents where other road users fail to see the motorcyclist whilst negotiating a junction. thus the motorcycle is usually traveling at between 20-30 mile/h just prior to the accident. (ii) other vehicles were the main cause of serious injuries to motorcyclists. riders' legs were particularly prone to severe injury. (iii) there was some evidence that helmets conforming to the higher british standards slightly reduced the likelihood of head injury below that for lower standard helmets. the use of full face helmets was shown to reduce the chance of facial injury.(a)

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The Transport Research Laboratory’s recent work on motorcycle crashes attempts to find out what caused them and how they could be avoided. - An analysis of police reports of fatal accidents involving motorcycles

Information from 717 police files of accidents involving motorcyclists in which there was a fatality have been examined to establish the main factors that caused them. A high proportion of the accidents where a motorcyclist was judged to be principally responsible involve loss of control, often linked with excessive speed, alcohol or careless behavior. Where other road users were judged principally responsible, the most common factors were 'failed to give way' and 'poor turn or manoeuvre', often linked with failure to observe satisfactorily or failure to judge the rider's path or speed. The mean speed of motorcyclists in accidents for which they were judged to be principally responsible was 57 mph compared with 43 mph when the other party was mainly responsible. A high proportion of the drivers failing to give way or making a poor turn or manoeuvre, in those accidents in which road users other than the motorcyclists were principally responsible, were aged between 30 and 60. For accidents of lesser severity, excessive speed by motorcyclists is less often recorded, and 'looked but did not see' is more often recorded where drivers of cars or larger vehicles are mainly responsible. (A)

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How do motorcycles share the road with cyclists? The Transport Research Laboratory has looked at how PTWs and cycles can interact in urban areas. - Bicycles and motorcycles. Urban road usage

A study was carried out by the Transport Research Group at Nottingham University, under contract to the Transport and Road Research Laboratory (TRRL) to : (1) identify the level of use of different road types by two wheeled vehicles; and (2) to establish the road position normally taken up by motorcyclists and cyclists whilst travelling along the carriageway. This information could be used to identify the optimum position and type of vehicle detector for two wheeled vehicles, which would provide information for traffic management measures. Twenty sites were identified in Nottingham of which nine were selected for this study. Four of these sites, representing different road types, were chosen to measure speed and position from the kerb of motor and pedal cycles. Lines were marked on the road and the sites were filmed for several hours by video equipment. Data analysis revealed that: (i) total flows of traffic are related to road type; (ii) there is no relationship between pedal cycle flows and total flow; (iii) motor cycle flow is positively correlated to the total flow of traffic; and (iv) despite these trends large variations in motor and pedal cycle flows occur. These were site specific and related to other factors including time of day, season, and weather.

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How at risk are riders? The Transport Research Laboratory has developed an outline study which aims to quantify the risks. - Motorcycle safety: A scoping study

Statistics show that motorcyclists are more at risk per mile ridden than any other type of road user. In addition, although the number of road accident fatalities in the UK has decreased in recent years, the number of motorcyclist fatalities has risen and the distribution of casualties has changed. Growing proportions of casualties are to older riders, and involve motorcycles over 500cc engine capacity. TRL Limited was commissioned by the then Department of the Environment, Transport and the Regions to undertake a scoping study of motorcycle safety. This included a review of literature and current research, with a view to identifying areas where further research was needed. Characteristics of motorcycle use leading to accidents include their high instability, rider vulnerability, lack of visibility to car drivers, sensation-seeking behaviour and use of powerful motorcycles. Better motorcyclist training, anti-lock braking systems, and high conspicuity clothing are among the suggestions to reduce accident rates. (A)

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In 2004, the Department for Transport completed a wide-ranging study on motorcycle use. It covers training, testing and wider initiatives.

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The Department for Transport and the Office for National Statistics regularly adds to their Compendium of Motorcycle Statistics. This link enables you to download a pdf of their report.

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A statistical overview of biking in Great Britain.

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