This report provides results of a literature search into the perception of the presence of motorcycles. The literature concerns accidents, field test and laboratory tests. This information provides sufficient indications to show that perceiving motorcycles is more difficult than perceiving cars. The impression also exists that the failure to perceive motorcycles is partially due to the fact that motorists attach little importance to the (possible) presence of motorcycles. The daytime visibility of motorcycles can be improved by the use of lighting, but there is still a small group of motorcycles who are not yet doing this. Other possibilities for making motorcycles more conspicuous are limited. Recognising a motorcycle as being a motorcycle from a short distance away is no problem during the daytime. Recognising them at night can be improved, if the motorcycle is equipped with retroflecting material that emphasises the contour of the motorcycle. The possibility for using yellow light for better recognition of the motorcycle during the day and at night should be taken into account, when developing plans for providing motorcyclists and motorists with information (on how to improve the perception of motorcycles). (A)
Abstract