System to help bikers in corners expands to Wales
A system of road markings that effectively tricks bikers into riding better is being implemented in parts of Wales.
An initiative aimed at tricking riders into making better decisions is set to expand to certain parts of Wales.
Already in effect in Scotland, the PRIME (Perceptual Rider Information for Maximising Expertise and Enjoyment) system of road markings and signage relies on riders’ natural aversion to painted bits of tarmac to encourage them to place themselves in a safer part of the road when entering curves.
The system has been in place in Scotland since 2021, where researchers have seen a significant reduction in speed, better road position both on the approach and apex of the bend, and an improvement in riders’ braking behaviour.
The system is not unlike the ‘string of pearls’ markings seen in Austria.
In both cases, additional road markings provide a visual reference of where a motorcyclist should be as they move through a corner, while also managing to promote adherence by the simple fact that they are, you know, road markings.
“Motorcyclists generally avoid riding on road markings, even if they are sufficiently grippy and non-slip,” observes a report on the Austrian system by the Federation of European Motorcyclists’ Associations.
Whereas the Austrian system puts circular road markings in the corner, the Scottish and now Welsh system largely places lines before the corner. These help to ‘filter’ the rider toward the centre of their lane. Doing this slows the rider down and gives him or her a better chance of not kissing the lorry that might be in the oncoming lane.
Is it necessarily the cornering technique you’d use on a track? Maybe not. But you’re not on a track.
“Evidence shows that motorcyclists are amongst the most vulnerable road users, especially on roads with sharp bends,” says Cabinet Secretary for Transport and North Wales, Ken Skates. “PRIME is an effective way to help reduce risks and support riders to make safer choices on the road, so it was the right thing to do.”
North Wales Police and Dyfed Powys Police have implemented PRIME markings at four spots in North and Mid Wales:
- A5 Coed Bwlch, Rhysgog, Llangollen
- A487 Pantperthog, Gwynedd
- A483 North of Llanbadarn Fynydd
- A483 Glascoed Hall, South of Newtown
“North Wales Police is proud to be one of the first forces in Wales to be part of this potentially life-saving project which has already been trialled successfully in Scotland,” said Superintendent Simon Barrasford. “We very much hope that the PRIME markings will have a significant positive effect on rider behaviour.”
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Chris Cope is a fourth-generation journalist, originally from Texas. He has lived in the UK for roughly two decades and has been writing about motorcycles for most of that time. He has written for dozens of publications and websites in the UK, US, Canada, and Australia.
