Motorcyclists’ Stopping Position at 4-Legged Signalised Intersections

Abstract

Malaysia was ranked seventh in the world for having the highest percentage of motorcycle fatalities. The majority of motorcycle fatalities occurred at intersections as a result of other motor vehicles failing to notice them. However, little is known about the behaviour of motorcyclists when they come to a stop at an intersection. This study was designed to examine the position of motorcycles during the red phase at 4-legged signalised intersections. Data from 4,133 motorcycles were collected at four locations in peninsular Malaysia throughout peak and off-peak hours. Motorcycles stopped at signalised intersections by stopping behind the stop line, at/in front of the stop line, at the yellow box, at the pedestrian crossing and at the island marking were collected through video recording. Therefore, to facilitate the analysis, motorcycle positions were classified as either stopping behind the stop line or stopping forward. As per findings, more than 63 percent of motorcyclist’s queue in front of the stop line and move forward during peak and off-peak hours to gain a clear view, which increases the likelihood of a motorcycle departing within a very short time during the initial period of the green signal. To improve the performance of signalised intersections, some traffic engineering approaches can be used, such as the provision of a dedicated area, known as a motorcycle red box, which separates motorcycles from other types of vehicles at traffic lights. Positioning motorcycles ahead of other drivers reduces the risk of motorcycles appearing out of nowhere when traffic begins. This segregation is expected to improve motorcyclist visibility and safety, as well as provide a buffer for pedestrian crossings at signalised intersections, providing better protection for vulnerable road users.