Understanding Young Rider's Behaviour through In-Depth Interviews

Young riders of light motorcycles (A1) face a substantially elevated crash risk, with rates of serious injury and fatality reported to be more than fifty times higher than those of car drivers. Limited riding experience, inappropriate speed adaptation, and insufficient hazard anticipation are consistently identified as central characteristics in severe motorcycle crashes involving young riders. Despite comprehensive formal training, this group remains markedly overrepresented in loss-of-control and interaction-related crashes. The present article forms part of a broader research project examining the behaviour of young A1 riders through a combination of empirical methods, including mobile eye-tracking during real-world riding, retrospective video-assisted interviews, and in-depth interviews focusing on riders' own reflections on their behaviour in traffic. While the larger study explores several aspects of novice riders' behaviour, the current article specifically examines the riders' articulated plans, strategies, and interpretations of their own riding behaviour based on the in-depth interview material. Eighteen novice riders aged 16-18 participated in the study. Through semi-structured in-depth interviews, participants were invited to reflect on their riding experience and to describe the considerations, strategies, and decision-making processes that guide their behaviour in traffic situations. By focusing on how riders themselves describe and rationalize their behaviour, the analysis provides insight into the cognitive and interpretative frameworks that shape their tactical choices in traffic. Particular attention is directed towards how young riders conceptualize safety margins, anticipate potential hazards, and understand their own role in interaction with other road users. Based on this, the research question was formulated as follows: What plans and strategies do young A1 motorcycle riders employ when navigating intersections and curves?

Keywords: A1, Light Motorcycle, Young Riders, In-Depth Interviews, Traffic Safety.