Is exclusive motorcycle lane an effective strategy to enhance the operational and safety performance of rural highways?

Abstract

Previous research has highlighted that segregating motorcyclists from the main traffic stream by providing dedicated lanes reduces the likelihood of crashes. The study evaluates the operational and safety performance of an exclusive motorcycle lane (EMCL) using link performance functions and traffic conflict techniques. However, EMCLs are not currently operational in India; thus, temporary implementations of EMCLs were conducted on rural highways to collect field data. A simulation model was developed, calibrated, and validated for EMCLs, mixed vehicle lanes, and scenarios without EMCLs to augment the data. Link performance functions were developed and optimised to determine the optimum volume-capacity (V-C) ratio. From the study, lower optimum V-C ratios were observed on roads with EMCLs (0.588 and 0.598) compared to those without EMCLs (0.852 and 0.698), indicating an increase in the level of service. Additionally, a safety analysis of EMCLs was carried out to assess conflict severity using surrogate safety measures (SSMs). The interactions between different vehicles were investigated and categorised into critical, mild, and safe based on SSM. The results indicate that implementing EMCLs improves the safety of motorcyclists and other road users by reducing critical interactions by 42%. Overall, the research showed that the motorcycle segregation strategy enhances rural highways’ operational and safety performance. The key findings of this study will provide valuable insights for transport planners, researchers, policymakers, and government agencies.