7.2 Context

The root causes of many problems faced by road users can be traced back to decisions made at an early stage in the process of infrastructure provision. Basic policy decisions can powerfully influence road infrastructure and the design stage decisions directly impact on the road environment.  Expanding the knowledge base of policy makers and designers presents clear benefits in the long-term.

It is important to understand that motorcyclists are, arguably, more vulnerable than others to the effects of shortcomings of one particular element of infrastructure provision: road maintenance.