ABSTRACT
The Problem of PTWs in the Traffic System
Powered two-wheelers (PTWs) are one group of road users who are particularly vulnerable to road accidents. In 2009 motorbikes accounted for 1.2 per cent of all motor vehicle traffic in France, while they accounted for 14 per cent of the vehicles involved in injury accidents and 23.5 per cent of motor vehicle fatalities (ONISR, 2009). In part, these figures result from the high level of PTWs 'fragility' due to the absence of protection provided by the vehicle body, as the slightest collision exposes the user to injury. However, these increased rates are also due to the greater involvement of PTWs in certain types of accidents. These two characteristics are testimony to the problem of the mismatch between PTWs and the traffic system. PTWs stand out in traffic because of their specific behaviours (for example, position on the carriageway, levels of acceleration, types of overtaking), particular dimensions, low representation in traffic, and a wide range of uses, in other words the practices and behaviours that depend on the type of PTW (for example, 50 cc, 125 cc or high-powered motorcycles). A better understanding of these problems requires an in-depth analysis of the difficulties met by PTW riders when interacting with the other roads users, notably on the basis of data collected on accident production mechanisms. This approach will also enable a better understanding of the difficulties that other road users encounter when meeting PTWs.
