Cross sections can have signs, lighting columns and other road furniture within them, which if poorly located, can result in injuries if struck by a motorcyclist. Introducing these structures with breakaway supports can provide an important tool in reducing the severity of vehicle related collisions, however the standard for testing the safety of features does not take into account motorcycles or motorcyclists.

As a result, designers need to consider that breakaway supports may not perform in the same manner when hit by a motorcycle or motorcyclist. These supports may not shear or deflect as intended, potentially resulting in higher severity injuries for this group of road users. The use or need for this infrastructure should be carefully considered.

Treatment

: When developing highway schemes that incorporate roadside furniture the positioning of these features needs to be carefully considered.

Designers need to understand and apply good road safety practice to manage roadside risks for all road users.

The principle of remove, relocate, reduce, and protect the roadside feature ensures that the concerns of motorcyclists are included when introducing road equipment support structures into a design.