Assessing motorcyclists’ intention to use exclusive motorcycle lanes: a cross-regional structural model analysis in Thailand

Motorcycle-related crashes represent a major public health concern in Thailand, where motorcyclists account for approximately 74% of road traffic fatalities, highlighting their increased vulnerability due to interactions with larger vehicles. To address this issue, exclusive motorcycle lanes (EMLs) have been proposed as a potential solution. Therefore, this study aims to investigate the psychological factors influencing riders’ intentions to use EMLs. The study gathered data from 951 motorcycle riders across three main regions of Thailand. The Structural Equation Model results revealed a significant association between the Health Belief Model and riders’ intentions to utilize EMLs for reducing the risk of road crashes. The results indicate that perceived susceptibility is the most influential determinant across all regions, while perceived barriers exhibit context-dependent effects, particularly in industrial areas. Regional differences highlight the importance of tailoring infrastructure and policy strategies to local traffic environments and offer insights for relevant authorities for enhancing safety measures.