The kinematic features of motorcycles in congested urban networks

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Title: The kinematic features of motorcycles in congested urban networks
Author(s): Lee, Tzu-Chang; Polak, John W.; Bell, Michael G. H.; Wigan, Marcus R.
Abstract: The aim of this paper is to compare the kinematic features of motorcycles with those of passenger cars in urban traffic. The hypothesis that motorcycles' capability to swerve in urban traffic contributes to their seemingly assertive behaviour is examined. Data for this study were collected in afternoon peak hours at Central London using video recorders. Detailed information on the trajectories of 2109 vehicles (including 477 motorcycles and 1293 passenger cars) was extracted from the video images and the observable kinematic features were analysed. In addition, a model describing the longitudinal following behaviour of motorcycles was employed to analyse the impacts of motorcycles' swerving behaviour. The model was calibrated using Markov Chain Monte Carlo (MCMC) numerical methods. The observable kinematic features show that in comparison to passenger cars, motorcycles have shorter safety gaps, higher speeds and severer acceleration and deceleration rates reflecting their generally much higher power to weight ratios and usage of available braking power. However, the data also support the hypothesis that motorcyclists maintain a considerable safety margin as they have the ability to avoid a collision by swerving away.
Publication type: Journal article
Source: Accident Analysis and Prevention, Vol. 49 (Nov 2012), pp. 203-211
Publication year: 2012
FOR Code(s): 1117 Public Health and Health Services; 1507 Transportation and Freight Services; 1701 Psychology
Keyword(s): Acceleration; Automobiles; Bayesian analysis; Bicycles; Deceleration; Kinematics; MCMC; Motorcycle safety; Motorcycles; Motorcyclist behaviour; Markov chain Monte Carlo; Power-to-weight ratios; Safety margin; Urban networks; Urban traffic; Video image; Video recorders; Video recording
Publisher: Elsevier
ISSN: 0001-4575
Publisher URL: http://dx.doi.org/10.1016/j.aap.2011.04.002
Peer reviewed