A new survey has revealed something many riders have been saying for years – road markings across parts of the UK are becoming so poor that people are actively avoiding certain roads at night.
And before anyone assumes this is mainly older motorists struggling with visibility, it isn’t.
Research by the Road Safety Markings Association (RSMA) found that while 23% of motorists avoid some roads at night because markings are inadequate, that figure rises sharply to 41% among 18–24-year-olds – and that includes motorcyclists.
For us riders, this matters.
Road markings are far more than paint on tarmac. In poor light, rain, fog or unfamiliar rural routes, edge lines help define the road, improve positioning, and provide crucial visual guidance through bends and corners. They also help riders avoid loose gravel, broken edges and unsafe road shoulders.
Many bikers naturally avoid the centre of a lane because of oil, debris and surface contamination. Clear edge markings help us choose a cleaner, safer riding line – particularly on rural roads where visibility can disappear in seconds.
The RSMA research also found:
• 45% of motorists have avoided rural roads in the past six months because of visibility concerns
• 36% avoided visiting rural destinations due to poor road markings
• 73% said they feel safer where edge lines are present
• 67% would be more willing to travel rural roads at night if markings were improved
Importantly, motorists rated edge lines as having a greater positive impact than measures such as speed humps or lower speed limits.
Rob Shearing, CEO of RSMA, summed it up perfectly:
“Edge lines can no longer be overlooked.”
He’s right.
Good road markings are not cosmetic. They are a low-cost but critical part of a Safe System approach – helping riders and drivers read the road ahead, particularly when conditions are poor.
One important reminder though for fellow bikers: painted lines themselves can become extremely slippery in wet conditions, so avoid riding directly on them where possible.
Sometimes the smallest things on our roads make the biggest difference.