THE SPEED, FLOW AND HEADWAY ANALYSES OF MOTORCYCLE TRAFFIC

Abstract

Although much knowledge about traffic characteristics was acknowledged, very little attention has been paid regarding motorcycle. The purpose of this study addresses a comprehensive analysis of motorcycle behavior and operation through videotaping of some roads that have significant motorcycle proportion. Four locations in Hanoi, Vietnam have been found to meet criteria for data collection, including exclusive motorcycle lanes, mixed traffic and undivided roadways. Speed—flow relationships were developed for all locations, in which the adjustment factor for the present of vehicles other than motorcycle was based on motorcycle equivalent unit. Statistical analyses of the empirical data were utilized to demonstrate the characteristics of motorcycle speed, time headway regarding to traffic flow. The present paper provides a basic understanding of characteristics of motorcycle traffic. The finding obtains from this research may be used to develop new procedures for Highway Capacity Manual (HCM), which adapt developing countries as well as provide the data needed to develop a motorcycle simulation model.