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Enhancing Road Safety by Addressing the Risky Behaviour of Commercial Riders of Powered Two-Wheelers in Developing Countries

This PhD research project investigates the need for behavioural change and intervention design to enhance powered two-wheeler (PTW) safety, primarily in Low- and Middle-Income Countries where more than 90% of global road fatalities occur. The project addresses the growing road safety concerns associated with the gig economy and the urban delivery business, examining risky behaviours of commercial PTW riders including helmet use, mobile phone usage, red light running, and speeding. The research aims to compare delivery and private PTW riders and investigate work pressures associated with delivery riding that encourage risky behaviours on the road. Study variables include electric bikes versus pedal bikes, gender differences, trip purpose, age, socioeconomic status, infrastructure, location, education level, and presence of law enforcement. Findings will be used for devising policies to reduce crashes of motorcycle taxis and couriers, complementing safety measures for other road users. Results will inform targeted interventions as online delivery services have become increasingly popular in recent years. Stakeholders include governments, transport authorities, delivery companies, and infrastructure designers who can apply findings to develop appropriate countermeasures in legislation, rider training, employment obligations, and road space design. The project is supervised by Professor Oliver Carsten and Dr Yue Huang at the Institute for Transport Studies, University of Leeds, with a project start date of October 1, 2026.

JJ/WBGSP Scholarship

The Joint Japan/World Bank Graduate Scholarship Program (JJ/WBGSP) scholarship is available for students who receive an unconditional offer on the Sustainable Cities MSc or Sustainable Food Systems and Food Security MSc programs at the University of Leeds. The scholarship is designed to support professionals from developing countries pursuing graduate education in development-related fields. The program provides comprehensive funding including economy class air travel between the recipient's home country and the host university, full tuition coverage for the graduate program, basic medical insurance through the university, and a monthly subsistence allowance to cover all living expenses while on campus during the scholarship period. Eligible candidates must be employed in development-related work and have at least three years of professional experience since earning their bachelor's degree. The scholarship is specifically targeted at nationals of eligible developing countries who do not hold dual citizenship of a developed country.

Undergraduate Health Impact scholarship

The Undergraduate Health Impact scholarship celebrates international undergraduate students at the Global Business School for Health at UCL. This scholarship is designed to support students from developing countries who demonstrate strong academic merit and have a desire to pursue a career in healthcare. The scholarship provides significant financial support for students applying to the Business and Health BSc or Business and Health MSci programmes. Applicants must be nationals of countries that receive official development assistance from the Development Assistance Committee (DAC) of the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD). The scholarship is awarded based on academic merit and a 500-word essay outlining the candidate's desire to pursue a career in healthcare. The scholarship value is £10,000 per year of study, providing substantial financial support throughout the duration of the undergraduate programme. Recipients are expected to participate in promotional activities for the Global Business School for Health, including providing testimonials, participating in recruitment events, and sharing their student experience. The scholarship cannot be deferred to future intakes and is awarded for the specified intake year only. If a student withdraws from the programme before completion, they may be required to repay the scholarship amount received, except in cases of extenuating circumstances.