Strange Road Signs

[ClichéGuevara]

There’s a recently installed set of signs on the A82 just north of the King’s House, after the Glen Etive road which I couldn’t find in the Highway Code or the TSRGD.

It consists of an upright blue rectangle showing (from the bottom upwards) a white motorcycle, a white vertical arrow, two sets of white chevrons. Chevrons also appear on the road surface beyond the sign.

I have since discovered their purpose but can anyone hazard a guess without googling or reading the spoiler?

View attachment 593209

Spoiler

https://www.devittinsurance.com/guides/motorcycle-features/mystery-biker-road-signs/

It turns out that the features – on roadside poles and on the road surface – are part of a trailblazing new experiment into motorcycle casualty reduction, launched by Transport Scotland.​

​

The eye-catching new ‘user information’ – devised by a research team including road safety specialists at Open Road Simulation Limited (ORS) – uses ‘applied’ or ‘nudge’ psychology to influence bikers on their choice of speed, positioning and braking as they approach challenging bends.​

​

So far the signs and markings, dubbed PRIMEs, or ‘Perceptual Rider Information to Maximise Expertise/Enjoyment’, have appeared at four sites on three different roads frequently singled out by riders seeking a mix of challenging bends, fast straights – and stunning scenery.​

​

So what’s the big idea? Professor Alex Stedmon of ORS, says motorcyclists are often ‘difficult to reach and engage with’ on matters of road safety. In addition, they tend to adapt to conventional road safety messages so that their effect wears off over time. “We wanted to try something new and engaging,” says Prof Stedmon, (the world’s first Professor of Motorcycling).​

Intriguingly, the precise way in which these radical new PRIMEs influence riders can’t be revealed – in case it affects the scientific trials and research data. What scientists will reveal, however, is that the mystery PRIMEs consist of upright sign posts at the roadside, and markings painted directly on the road surface, on the approach to bends, to ‘prime’ riders’ behaviour.​

​

The blue roadside signs display an image of a motorcycle, above which is an arrow pointing in the direction of travel. Above that are short, slanting white lines. The white lines are repeated at set intervals on the approach to the bends on the actual road surface.​

​

​

Motorbikes in the middle of the road?

 

[glasgowcyclist]

Motorbikes in the middle of the road?

Close but it’s not right, as Roy Walker would say.

Remember, the nature of the sign is not a warning.

 

[neil_merseyside]

There’s a recently installed set of signs on the A82 just north of the King’s House, after the Glen Etive road which I couldn’t find in the Highway Code or the TSRGD.

It consists of an upright blue rectangle showing (from the bottom upwards) a white motorcycle, a white vertical arrow, two sets of white chevrons. Chevrons also appear on the road surface beyond the sign.

I have since discovered their purpose but can anyone hazard a guess without googling or reading the spoiler?

View attachment 593209

Spoiler

https://www.devittinsurance.com/guides/motorcycle-features/mystery-biker-road-signs/

It turns out that the features – on roadside poles and on the road surface – are part of a trailblazing new experiment into motorcycle casualty reduction, launched by Transport Scotland.​

​

The eye-catching new ‘user information’ – devised by a research team including road safety specialists at Open Road Simulation Limited (ORS) – uses ‘applied’ or ‘nudge’ psychology to influence bikers on their choice of speed, positioning and braking as they approach challenging bends.​

​

So far the signs and markings, dubbed PRIMEs, or ‘Perceptual Rider Information to Maximise Expertise/Enjoyment’, have appeared at four sites on three different roads frequently singled out by riders seeking a mix of challenging bends, fast straights – and stunning scenery.​

​

So what’s the big idea? Professor Alex Stedmon of ORS, says motorcyclists are often ‘difficult to reach and engage with’ on matters of road safety. In addition, they tend to adapt to conventional road safety messages so that their effect wears off over time. “We wanted to try something new and engaging,” says Prof Stedmon, (the world’s first Professor of Motorcycling).​

Intriguingly, the precise way in which these radical new PRIMEs influence riders can’t be revealed – in case it affects the scientific trials and research data. What scientists will reveal, however, is that the mystery PRIMEs consist of upright sign posts at the roadside, and markings painted directly on the road surface, on the approach to bends, to ‘prime’ riders’ behaviour.​

​

The blue roadside signs display an image of a motorcycle, above which is an arrow pointing in the direction of travel. Above that are short, slanting white lines. The white lines are repeated at set intervals on the approach to the bends on the actual road surface.​

​

​

Herringbone parking both sides obviously

 

[kayakerles]

... also driving out of Sherburn in Elmet the council have put a sign out with the message "Warning Potholes" well that'll help won't it, not.

Agreed. Why should the POTHOLES be warned... you would think WE should be the ones warned!

 

[kayakerles]

Herringbone parking both sides obviously

Close but it’s not right, as Roy Walker would say.

Remember, the nature of the sign is not a warning.

Motorbiker ran over, now on way to next life?

 

[Mike_P]

This combination foxed me on Saturday as I cycled pass

Main St - Google Maps
The 30 mph actually relates to the road going pass on a ninety degree bend.

 

[Legomutton]

Among my embarrassing moments is organising a cycle ride for a group, using what I had taken to be a designated cycle path (it looked like one) as indicated by what was actually a 'cycling prohibited' sign like the one in the Street View screenshot linked above. Ideal, I thought. I'd sent about 40 cyclists down it before an outraged local resident came out to complain.

 

[Dogtrousers]

View: https://twitter.com/Wombletom/status/1405111374666141699?s=19


Who cares if it's fake

 

[mjr]

Beware of the Rudolph!

 

[Dogtrousers]

There were three kinds of swan warning signs along this stretch of road (near Lingfield in Surrey), two home made types (one pictured) and a more boring official "wildlife crossing" sign.

 

[Bromptonaut]

There’s a recently installed set of signs on the A82 just north of the King’s House, after the Glen Etive road which I couldn’t find in the Highway Code or the TSRGD.

It consists of an upright blue rectangle showing (from the bottom upwards) a white motorcycle, a white vertical arrow, two sets of white chevrons. Chevrons also appear on the road surface beyond the sign.

I have since discovered their purpose but can anyone hazard a guess without googling or reading the spoiler?

View attachment 593209

​

I saw the same sign on sections of the A82 and/or A87. It may be a Scotland only thing which would explain why it's not in the English road sign bible.

It seems intended to get motorcycles to take primary and wide on bends.

 

[mjr]

The alien invasion is expected in Southampton:

 

[kayakerles]

In other words, “speed bumps.”

 

[PeteXXX]

 

[mjr]

Anyone know if those shoot-leaving doggers are more likely to be shamed into cleaning up by signs resorting to addressing their dogs?