Lane-splitting behavior of motorcycle taxi riders : evidence from a naturalistic riding study | |
| Author | Parintron Promjad |
| Call Number | AIT Thesis no.TE-26-02 |
| Subject(s) | Motorcycles--Safety measures--Thailand Motorcycle taxi drivers--Thailand |
| Note | A thesis submitted in partial fulfillment of the requirements for the degree of Master of Engineering in Transportation Engineering |
| Publisher | Asian Institute of Technology |
| Abstract | Motorcycle safety remains a critical global challenge, with riders accounting for 30% of road traffic fatalities worldwide. This study aims to investigate the factors influencing various motorcycle maneuvers specifically lane-splitting and in-lane riding among professional motorcycle taxi riders using a Naturalistic Riding Study (NRS) approach. Data were collected via helmet-mounted cameras on Pradit Manutham Road, Bangkok, and processed using computer vision techniques and Multiple Linear Regression models.The findings categorized behaviors into five maneuvers: 2-side lane-splitting, incomplete lane-splitting, 1-side lane-splitting, lane-filtering, and in-lane riding. Statistical analysis revealed that age and professional experience are strong predictors of safety-oriented decisions. Younger riders demonstrated a higher tendency for risky splitting behaviors, while older and professional license holders significantly prioritized in-lane riding. Average riding speed also played a crucial role; as speeds increased, riders preferred in lane stability over narrow maneuvers. Notably, lane-filtering occurred with extremely low frequency due to the relatively low traffic density and high operational speeds on the study route, leading to its exclusion from the regression model. Furthermore, temporal pressures, particularly during the morning period before 11:00 AM and during extended work shifts, were found to decrease the likelihood of remaining in-lane, prompting more frequent splitting maneuvers. Based on these results, this study recommends targeted safety education for younger riders to improve hazard perception, the implementation of professional mentorship programs utilizing experienced riders, and infrastructure improvements such as standardized lane widths to minimize risky "incomplete" maneuvers. These interventions are essential for enhancing road safety and developing robust transportation policies in Thailand. |
| Year | 2026 |
| Type | Thesis |
| School | Faculty of Civil and Environmental Engineering (2026) |
| Department | Other Field of Studies (No Department) |
| Academic Program/FoS | Transportation Engineering (TRE) |
| Chairperson(s) | Kunnawee Kanitpong |
| Examination Committee(s) | Bhatt, Ayushman;Ampol Karoonsoontawong |
| Scholarship Donor(s) | Royal Thai Government Fellowship |
| Degree | Thesis (M.Eng.) - Asian Institute of Technology, 2026 |