6.2.1 Many of the problems faced by road users have root causes that can be traced back to decisions made at an early stage in the process of infrastructure provision. Basic policy decisions can have a powerful influence on the kind of road environment people have to deal with. At a more obvious level, design-stage decisions can have immediate impact on the road environment and lead to road infrastructure that causes difficulties for some road users. Solutions lie in expanding the knowledge base so policy makers and designers are better informed to make better decisions in the future. Much of this document focuses on providing policy makers and designers with better information on the needs and vulnerabilities of motorcyclists, but motorcycling is arguably more vulnerable than most to the possible shortcomings of another element of infrastructure provision: road maintenance.