Overview
The Tri-SMV Road Design Guideline Project, generously funded by UKAID through High Volume Transport Applied Research project, and conducted by the Islamic University of Technology, aimed to address critical road safety and usability issues for three-wheeler slow-moving vehicles (Tri-SMVs) in Bangladesh.
In response, the project utilized a multidimensional research approach that integrated detailed opinion surveys of Tri-SMV operators and users with quantitative field measurements of road conditions, and a thorough analysis of road-user interactions. This robust methodology enabled the team to identify specific areas where current road design fails to meet the needs of Tri-SMV users.
It found, for instance, that conventional speed bumps often cause significant discomfort and potential injury to passengers due to the abrupt jolts they induce. Many Tri-SMVs lack sophisticated suspension systems that can mitigate these impacts. To address this, the guidelines proposed redesigning speed breakers with a smoother, double-curved parabolic shape, limiting their height to four inches to ensure a gentler impact on Tri-SMVs, thus enhancing passenger comfort and vehicle stability.
Another critical issue highlighted was the inadequate lane widths that do not cater to the unique dimensions and manoeuvring capabilities of Tri-SMVs. The project recommended adjusting lane widths to allow sufficient space for Tri-SMVs to navigate safely alongside other vehicles. This adaptation not only aims to reduce the frequency of collisions but also facilitates smoother traffic flow, decreasing the likelihood of traffic congestion and its associated environmental impacts.
Intersection design was another significant focus of the project. Many existing intersections pose challenges for Tri-SMVs, particularly those that are muscle-powered, due to steep approaches that require high effort and pose high risk during stops and starts. The guidelines suggest regarding these intersections to create more gradual approaches and incorporating longer acceleration lanes to help Tri-SMVs navigate more safely and efficiently.
The implementation of these guidelines is expected to significantly enhance the safety and efficiency of road travel for Tri-SMV operators and passengers. Additionally, these new standards are poised to serve as a model for inclusive road design that could be adapted and implemented in other countries with similar transportation landscapes.
