Motorcycle positioning in queues at signalized intersections in city of Klang Valley

Abstract

For the past years, motorcycle fatalities have risen in Klang Valley with the overall constitution had passed 60% of total road traffic accident (RTA). Many motorcycle fatalities occurred within intersections after a driver failed to see a motorcyclist. However, little is known about the behavior of motorcyclists when they negotiate an intersection. This study was undertaken to analyze the behavior of motorcyclist in queues at signalized 3-leg and 4-leg intersections along state road of Klang Valley. An observational data was gathered based on microscopic data collected from video images that were taken from a research vehicle instrumented with on-board video camera. The research vehicle made routine trip through out Klang Valley for 10 weeks during peak and off-peak hour period. Twenty-seven (27) intersections with traffic light captured by the research vehicle were selected and observed. The preliminary findings shown three-ways of motorcycle approached the signalized intersection (SI), i.e. (1) approaching the SI with Weaving/Lane Splitting, (2) approaching the SI from center of the lane, and (3) approaching the SI from the left side/the shoulder. 87% of the motorcycle tend to maneuver in a queue during a red-light period, to avoid obstruction and tend to move forward for a wide and clear field of vision closest to the stop line. It is recommended that an exclusive motorcycle stopping space is provided for motorcyclist to enhance motorcycling safety and road safety in the country.