Bahrain faces motorcycle safety crisis

Motorcycle safety expert calls for better road design, inclusion in mobility plans

In the aftermath of a fatal motorcycle crash in Bahrain caused by leaked oil on the road, Dr. Hilda María Gómez, a Colombian expert in urban planning and mobility, emphasized the need for updated road design and maintenance standards that prioritize motorcyclist safety.

The crash, which occurred when a rider lost control due to a slippery road surface, highlights broader issues faced by motorcyclists worldwide.

Dr. Gómez noted that while there are no specific international standards for dealing with oil spills on roads, the importance of clean, well-maintained road surfaces for motorcycle safety is well-established.

“Motorcycles require different safety considerations than four-wheel vehicles,” she explained.

“Issues like slippery road markings, uneven surfaces, and debris all pose significant risks to motorcyclists.”

How to Prevent Accidents To prevent similar accidents in the future, Dr. Gómez stressed that road design, construction, and maintenance practices must take motorcyclist needs into account.

“In Bahrain and many other countries, engineers need to be trained to understand the unique risks faced by motorcycle riders.

Road infrastructure is often designed with only cars in mind, leaving motorcyclists more vulnerable.”

Dr. Gómez also called for greater inclusion of motorcyclists in the planning of road safety initiatives.

“Motorcyclists often suffer from poorly designed roads and features like metallic panels that can be hazardous,” she said. “Involving riders in the decision-making process is crucial to addressing these issues.

They need to be recognized as a key mode of transport and included in all mobility plans.”

Need Regulation

She further highlighted the importance of regulating and enforcing standards for motorcycles used in public transport and goods delivery services.

“The rise of motorcycles for deliveries and passenger transport requires strong regulations, proper training, and licensing procedures to ensure safety,” Dr. Gómez added.

Her recommendations reflect a growing awareness that motorcyclist safety must be a priority in urban planning, especially as motorcycles play an increasingly prominent role in transport systems around the world.

Dr. Hilda María Gómez is a road safety consultant based in Bogota, D.C. in Columbia. With extensive experience in developing and deploying transport and road safety strategies, her road safety initiatives have won international recognition. She is a member of the world's first global technical advisory group on motorcycle safety convened by the World Health Organization (WHO).

International Models of Regulation

"International bodies like iRAP have developed essential guidelines that can be applied anywhere in the world to enhance motorcycle safety," says Delhaye.

"These tools cover various aspects, including policy development, road design, and maintenance, which are critical in preventing accidents."

She also highlights national efforts, such as the UK's IEHE guidelines, which focus on vital areas like road safety audits, traffic calming measures, and motorcycle parking provisions.

Delhaye stresses the importance of these guidelines for creating safer environments for riders, particularly in regions like Bahrain, where oil spillage on roads can lead to dangerous situations.

How to Avoid Oil-spill Tragedies

In response to the recent oil-related accident in Bahrain, Delhaye offers a clear set of recommendations. "Since oil spillage was the sole factor in this incident, it's essential to address vehicle regulations, especially ensuring that fuel tank caps are securely fixed to prevent leaks.

Additionally, road infrastructure must be designed and maintained to manage friction effectively, and emergency response protocols for oil spills should be in place," she advises.

Raising awareness among heavy vehicle drivers about the risks of oil spills is another crucial step she emphasizes.

Delhaye notes that similar accidents have occurred globally, with European countries addressing these issues through safety campaigns, improved vehicle standards, and enhanced road maintenance practices.

While these efforts have helped mitigate the risks, Delhaye warns that oil spills remain a significant hazard for motorcyclists, requiring continuous attention from road authorities worldwide.

"Riders are still at risk, and it’s crucial that authorities prioritize maintenance and awareness to prevent such accidents from recurring," she concluded.

 Aline Gning-Delhaye is a motorcycling expert based in Genappe, Belgium. Being a rider herself, she had served as the Secretary General of Federation of European Motorcyclists Associations (FEMA) and was part of several major European legislations on transport systems. Active in the motorcycle sector at the European level since 2001, she was one of the authors of the RIDERSCAN project on motorcycle safety in Europe. Aline is a member of the world’s first global technical advisory group on motorcycle safety convened by WHO.

Need motorcycle-specific safety measures, says expert

In response to the tragic death of a motorcycle rider in Bahrain due to a fuel spill, Mohd Khairul Alhapiz bin Ibrahim, a senior researcher at the Malaysian Institute of Road Safety Research (MIROS), highlighted the importance of infrastructure improvements and policy changes to prevent similar incidents.

The crash, involving 24 vehicles on a multi-lane highway, occurred when the rider lost control after slipping on leaked diesel fuel, leading to a fatal rear-end collision.

Alhapiz, an expert in motorcycling safety, stressed that while there are global efforts to improve motorcycle safety, much more needs to be done.

“Motorcycle crashes, particularly involving high-performance bikes like the one in Bahrain, are influenced by a combination of factors, including vehicle roadworthiness and rider vulnerability,” he explained.

Inconsistent Regulations

Globally, countries adopt various safety measures, such as safer road designs, dedicated motorcycle lanes, and strict licensing programs, but Alhapiz noted that inconsistent regulations and enforcement leave motorcyclists at risk.

He pointed out that while quick oil spill clean-ups and improved emergency response systems exist in some regions, the short window of time to prevent an accident after a spill makes such measures less effective.

“To truly reduce the risk, complete segregation of motorcycles from other traffic, like the exclusive motorcycle lanes in Malaysia, is the best solution,” he said while speaking to The Daily Tribune in his personal capacity.

However, Alhapiz acknowledged that building dedicated lanes is costly and not always feasible. As an alternative, he urged governments to focus on vehicle maintenance regulations, particularly for commercial trucks, to prevent leaks from occurring in the first place.

“Countries like Japan, which have mandatory vehicle inspections every two years, offer a model for preventing mechanical failures that could lead to oil spills,” he added.

Multifaceted Approach Needed

Addressing the issue of preventing future incidents like the one in Bahrain, Alhapiz emphasized a multifaceted approach. While completely eliminating oil spills is unlikely, he suggested a combination of policy interventions, road surface improvements, and better technology.

High-friction road surfaces, faster hazard detection systems, and stricter speed regulation for high-performance motorcycles in urban areas could all help reduce accident severity.

Adoption of Safety Tech

Alhapiz also called for greater adoption of advanced safety technologies like anti-lock braking systems (ABS), airbags for motorcycles, and pre-collision alert systems.

“These technologies must become mandatory for motorcycles to provide longterm solutions,” he said. Though oil spill-related motorcycle crashes are rare, Alhapiz noted that they do occur in other parts of the world, particularly in Southeast Asia.

Social media platforms, especially within rider communities, often highlight high-risk areas, warning others to stay alert.

“Riders, particularly those who travel in groups, tend to have a better understanding of the risks on certain routes and share these insights to promote safer riding,” he said.

As motorcycling accidents continue to be a public health issue worldwide, Alhapiz's recommendations for infrastructure improvements, policy changes, and better technology offer a clear path forward for reducing the risks faced by motorcyclists.

 Mohd Khairul Alhapiz bin Ibrahim is a senior researcher at the Malaysian Institute of Road Safety Research (MIROS). His research is focused on naturalistic riding and driving analytics, hazard perception and response, driving simulation, motorcycle safety, and road safety training. He is a member of the world’s first global technical advisory group on motorcycle safety convened by WHO.