Tag Archives: road safety

News

Improve rider and bike visibility says Uni

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Visibility of riders and their motorcycles should be increased and high-speed limits in rural areas reduced, a new Monash University’s Accident Research Centre report suggests.

This is despite the report acknowledging that motorcycle crash rates have decreased as a proportion of the number of riders. (In NSW and Victoria alone, rider numbers have increased as much as 74% in a decade.)

Suggestion box

The uni report also suggests:

  • Licence refresher courses for older and returned riders;
  • Promote high-visibility motorcycle clothing and research into its effects;
  • Increase motorcycle visibility technology such as modulating headlights;
  • Support national standards for motorcycle protective clothing;
  • Reduced speed limits in high-speed zones, rural areas and intersection;MCCNSW Steve Pearce submission to Ombudsman over Oxley highway speed
  • Increase speed limit enforcement;
  • Increase rider licensing requirements;
  • Promote technologies to mitigate multi-vehicle crashes;
  • Improve the quality of rural roads;
  • Evaluate roads for their specific motorcycle safety; and
  • Reconsider the learner-approved motorcycle scheme (LAMS) to also consider bike type, not just power-to-weight ratio.

Visibility fearhi-vis vest visibility

While some of the recommendations have merit, there is a fear among riders that authorities will twist words such as “promote” and “support” into “mandatory”.

This could lead to mandatory high visibility clothing, mandatory protective clothing minimums and mandatory technology such as emergency braking, traction control and crash sensors.

The Monash Uni report is quaintly called “Current Trends in Motorcycle-Related Crash and Injury Risk in Australia by Motorcycle Type and Attributes”. It is sponsored by Australian state government bodies, state automobile clubs and the New Zealand Automobile Association.

It has been compiled using 2005-2014 data from police crash reports in several states, vehicle registrations in Victoria and NSW, and Redbook motorcycle specifications.

Click here to read how critics suggest police crash reports are flawed.

Findings

Honda Blackbird killer visibility
(Pic from need4speed)

The Monash Uni report reflects previous studies with findings such as older rider numbers and associated crashes are increasing.

However, it also found some new and interesting characteristics such as the fact that the number of riders choosing more powerful motorcycles has doubled.

It also claims to show that the crash and injury severity risks on high power-to-weight-ratio bikes are higher.

Here is a summary of the crash stat findings:

  • Fatal and serious injury motorcycle crashes increased 20%;
  • Rural areas are more dangerous for riders;
  • Most popular motorcycle types — sport, off-road and cruisers — also have the highest incidence of severe injury crashes;
  • Unlicensed and novice riders are more likely to crash older motorcycles;
  • Severe injury risk in motorcycle crashes is higher at intersections and in multi-vehicle collisions; and
  • Risk is lower in 50km/h zones.

What do you think of the Monash University report? Leave your comments below.

Source: MotorbikeWriter.com

News

Most Important Road Rules Every Motorcycle Rider Should Never Break

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Contributed post for our important American readers

Ah, America. The land of the free, the home of the brave. But to what extent are we allowed to exercise the freedom that was paid for in blood, sweat, and tears by our forebears? There are so many fun things to do in life and motorcycle riding is probably one of the most fun.

But what limits are set? What lines are drawn? When does enjoyment become harmful to an equally-entitled citizen? Well, as a general rule, you’re allowed to wave your fist around as long as it doesn’t hit you or anybody else.

But that’s a description that, while it encapsulates the core idea of rights, doesn’t really help much in terms of helping us regulate our behavior. Well, that’s what this article is intended to help with. While it’s true that there are so many rules to follow, these are the ones that you should never, ever break.

Always Wear a DOT-Approved Helmet

This is the most basic tenet of riding safety. You don’t need to finish a few units of Anatomy and Physiology to know that head injuries are extremely dangerous and that it’s so easy for them to become fatal. This is why the Department of Transportation puts heavy emphasis on wearing proper protective gear when riding your motorcycle. Here’s a quick guide on what exactly are the DoT’s standards when it comes to helmet types.DOT helmet stickers

Use Appropriate Lights and Light Signals

It may seem like a very basic rule but many motorists — not just motorcycle riders, but car drivers too — seem to forget it. You can’t expect your fellow motorists to be able to read your mind. Give them a heads up for them to be able to react to the next move you’re going to make. While it’s generally advisable to avoid riding your motorcycle at night (because motorcycles are easily overlooked), if you really must, then always, always keep your headlights on.

Following this rule will not only keep you from causing any accidents, it’ll also save you the trouble of having to pay for medical expenses and having to look for experienced motorcycle accident lawyers like the professionals at Farris, Riley & Pitt, LLP.

Don’t Swerve, Just Do a Slow Curve

Erratic driving and sudden turns will almost always result in accidents. Even when you make use of proper light signals, it’s still better to change direction gradually rather than abruptly. Motorcycles aren’t as stable as their 4-wheeled counterparts, and are therefore most prone to the loss of control.

This rule becomes even more important during less-than-ideal road conditions. Wet roads, and even worse, snow and ice-covered roads are to be avoided in general. Only ride when the weather’s ideal, unless you really need to.

Wear Proper Motorcycle Riding Attire

No, denim isn’t abrasion-resistant enough to pass for proper bike attire. All riders go down at some point in their bike-riding journey. You don’t want to be reminded of that time you lost control and ended up sliding (quite painfully too) across the rough concrete. Save yourself the pain and the scar and make sure to get armored protective gear.

Source: MotorbikeWriter.com

News

MotoCAP rates eight textile jackets

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The world’s first motorcycle clothing safety ratings program, MotoCAP, rates eight new textile jackets poorly for safety and comfort.

Unlike the 10 leather jackets MotoCAP rated when it launched in September, none of the textile jackets rates more than two stars for comfort or safety.

An official MotoCAP release says they expect better gear with higher ratings to become available as the industry responds to customer demand.

When it launched, only 10 pairs of protective jeans and 10 leather jackets were tested. No gloves have yet been tested.

MotoCAP has set a target of testing 10% of available jackets, pants and gloves in its first year of operation.

Textile rates worse than leather

The new textile jacket ratings are for the Merlin Everson, Ducati Giacca Tour V2, RJays Dune, Dainese D-Blizzard D -Dry, DriRider Air-Ride 4, BMW AirFlow, Alpinestar Chrome Sports Hoodie and Harley-Davidson Bentan.

All are men’s jackets. No women’s gear has yet been tested.

Prices for the eight jackets vary from the $200 DriRider to $659 for the BMW jacket. They both rated just one star for safety and two for comfort.

Click here to see the full ratings for the jackets.

By comparison, the 10 leather jackets rated from two to fives stars for safety and half to two stars for comfort.

Testing target

Motocap Motorcycle clothing rating system launched target
MotoCAP testing equipment

Last month a Transport for NSW spokesman told us that gloves have been tested and the results would be published “soon”.

Leather pants are also being tested.

The clothing is bought anonymously from stores and local online outlets.

Motocap Motorcycle clothing rating system launched testing

Invitation to industry

When MotoCAP was launched, the motorcycle clothing industry was not invited to pay for testing to guarantee independence.

However, MotoCAP has invited companies to submit products for ratings and pay a low fee to cover testing.

It is not known if these eight textile jackets were randomly selected or provided by distributors.

Companies can voluntarily advertise their rating using the MotoCAP logo.

MotoCAP is a not-for-profit organisation in partnership with the following: from NSW – Transport for NSW, SIRA and the NRMA; from Victoria – VicRoads, TAC and RACV; from South Australia – DPTI, MAC and RAA; from Queensland – TMR and RACQ; from Western Australia – the Western Australian Road Safety Commission; plus the Australian Motorcycle Council and the New Zealand Accident Compensation Corporation.

The Transport for NSW spokesperson says MotoCAP is designed to “reduce road trauma and injury severity for motorcyclists” by informing riders of their choices.

“It is hoped this will be achieved by raising consumer awareness of, and demand for, better protective clothing, and manufacturers and suppliers will respond to that demand,” he said.

“The MotoCAP rating system will be continually monitored and feedback will be considered to identify any improvements that can be made.”

Source: MotorbikeWriter.com

News

Five tips for riding old wooden bridges

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In the wake of a damning report that says one in five wooden bridges in Australia is in need of repair, we have compiled five tips on how riders should tackle these bridges safely.

Dangers for riders consist of rotting planks, exposed nails and spikes, and longitudinal planks that can knock a bike off course.

The poor condition of our bridges and the backlog of repairs is highlighted in the 2018 National State of the Assets: Roads and Community Infrastructure Report.

You might find that our tips about riding these bridges are similar to our tips for riding through roadworks and gravel.

Five Tips for riding wooden bridges

Grafton Five tips for riding wooden bridges
Longitudinal planks can be a danger to all two-wheelers
  1. Slow down and approach all wooden bridges with caution. Don’t hit them at top speed as wiping off speed on a wooden bridge can be another issue as wood is not as grippy as asphalt.
  2. If it’s in a remote area and looks very old, you might even consider hopping off the bike and walking the bridge first to see if there are any missing, loose or rotten planks. It’s a bit like how you might walk a creek crossing first before venturing across.
  3. When you start riding the bridge, keep your eyes up like on a gravel road, looking ahead for any hazards. This will also help with your balance if you have to ride between or on a longitudinal plank. Never look down or that’s where you will end up!
  4. If you’re riding in a group, tackle the bridge one at a time. Watch where the other riders in front go and follow their line. If they made it across safely, then so should you.
  5. Ride the bridge in a low gear at a constant throttle so you can quickly either stop or increase speed as needed.

Source: MotorbikeWriter.com

News

20% of timber bridges need fixing

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Timber bridges add authenticity to a rural ride, but they can be a particular danger to riders with longitudinal planks, rotting wood and exposed spikes.

The Australian Local Government Association (ALGA) says one in five of these local timber bridges are in poor condition and there is an extensive backlog of bridges that need fixing.

They have called for permanency of the Federal Bridges Renewal Program to help fix or replace local timber bridges.

The findings come from the 2018 National State of the Assets: Roads and Community Infrastructure Report, launched today (November 20, 2018) at the National Local Roads and Transport Congress in Alice Springs.

Bridge repair backlogBridget and Alan Throw Your Leg Over authors motorcycle travel book timber

ALGA President Mayor David O’Loughlin says that despite increased investment to renew bridges and the continued effort of councils to extend the life of their ageing assets, the backlog of bridges in poor condition remain largely unchanged.

“Councils are doing their best to bring these bridges up to a reasonable condition but this report shows that the scale of the problem is beyond the current resources and revenue streams available to councils,” David says.

“The Bridges Renewal Program has proved to be a very successful and important partnership between the Commonwealth and councils to improve road safety and freight productivity; more than 205 local bridges have been fixed using around $120 million of Commonwealth funding.

“Councils are keen to continue this partnership to deliver this important work and are calling for the program to be made permanent.”

Timber bridges replaced

Earlier this year the famed Lions Rd crossing the NSW-Queensland border was reopened after 18 months of bridgework that required replacing timber bridges with concrete constructions.

Kyogle Council received $2 million through the Australian Government’s Bridge Renewal program to replace the timber bridges, five of which have load limits between 2 and 25 tonnes imposed on them. 

However, the ALGA is calling fr an end to the uncertainty of the Bridges Renewal Program.

They say further budgetary pressure has been placed on them with Commonwealth Financial Assistance Grants (FAGs) declining steadily over the past 20 years.

It has fallen from 1% of Commonwealth Taxation Revenue in 1996 to just 0.55% today.

The result is the poor state of our rural roads and was the focus of the Bad Roads Rally at the weekend ahead of this weekend’s Victorian election.

Bad Roads Rally roadworks potholes Victoria
Crumbling Victorian roads

David says the short fall in FAGs funding has been “swept under the rug for too long and the impact has been most acutely felt in regional and remote councils throughout Australia”.

“The Bridges Renewal program helps tackle the backlog in fixing bridges, but a fairer share of Commonwealth taxes is vital to restoring sustainable levels of funding in the longer term, particularly for our regional and remote communities,” he says.

“That is why we are also calling for a restoration of the FAGs funding levels back to at least 1% of CTR to ensure our councils are adequately resourced to provide, maintain and renew the infrastructure and services our communities deserve.”

More than 400 councils across Australia provided data for the 2018 State of the Assets report.

ALGA’s election document outlines its federal election policy initiatives and is available at www.allpoliticsislocal.com.au

Source: MotorbikeWriter.com

News

Rider’s widow urges vote for roads

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The widow of a rider killed when he hit wire rope barriers has urged riders to vote in this weekend’s Victorian election for the party that pledges to improve the state’s roads.

Jan White was speaking at the Bad Roads Rally in Bendigo at the weekend.

Her husband, Phil, died a year ago when his Harley hit a kangaroo on the Calder Highway and was thrown from his bike, hitting the WRBs.

Widow calls for halt on wire rope barrier ads
Phil and Jan White

Jan says the most important issue to her is halting the rollout of wire rope barriers while a “proper safety review” is undertaken in consultation with motorcycle groups.

“This would have to include a review of our accident reporting systems in my strong view,” she says.

“I want to see the promise of action to make all roads safe for all vehicles on our roads, no matter if four wheels or two.”

Rally organiser Damien Codogntto of the Motorcycle Riders Association of Victoria (formerly the Independent Riders Group) claimed the event attracted about 100 people, including five candidates in Saturday’s Victorian election and members of the media. 

Widow at Bad Roads Rally rally
Damien at the rally (Image: Full Throttle Ministries)

Earlier this month the Liberal Nationals promised to halt the rollout of wire rope barriers but did not advocate against their use.

MP Peter Walsh told the rally that if they attained government they would also restart the Victorian Parliamentary Inquiry into VIicRoads management of country roads.

On the same day as the rally, Victorian Police called for doctors to dob in old drivers and riders that they deemed unfit, lower speed limits and deploy more speed cameras.

Here is the full text of Jan’s speech:

Widow at Bad Roads Rally rally
Jan speaks at the rally

I speak today in memory of my husband Phil White and on behalf of our children, Madison, Molly, Raechel, Shane, Danielle and Chris, our family and friends. The pain of knowing how Phil died is indescribable.

On 5th November last year Phil was thrown from his motorbike and into the wire rope barriers where he died.

Make no mistake, he did not die from his bike hitting a dead kangaroo on the road. He died upon impacting the wire rope barriers.

He had no chance at all of surviving that day.  The wire rope barriers hemmed him in and were directly in his path. It could have, and should have, been different. He should have come home to us that day.

None of us will ever be the same.  I have read each and every witness statement of the events of that morning and there should be no confusion, there is no confusion of what took Phils life.  And yet, there is no mention officially implicating the wire rope barriers in my husbands death. 

Phil’s cause of death is officially listed as ” a result of multiple injuries caused from a mototcycle incident.”

We ask, where is the justice in this?  Systems need to be changed.

How many other deaths have there been to the wire rope barriers where the true cause of death is lost or filtered amidst the trail of forms, reports and people? 

There can no truth in the statistics we are fed. There is no truth in them.

Wire rope barriers promise widow vote
Wire rope barriers

In our view — Phil White’s grieving family — the road authorities have much to answer for. 

They created the only roadside hazard in that area; already known by Vic Roads to be potentially lethal to a motorcyclist. Yet there it was, the hazard that brutally stole the next 20  – 30 years of  life from Phil and from us all. The years that he was looking forward to. Gone in an instant.

And so, we stand united today, in memory of the unjust death of our husband and father and on behalf of all road users , demanding a change to the wrongs of our governing road authorities and government.

We demand the respect and consideration that we deserve as voting road users

We demand the duty of care that is our right as voting road users

We demand the right to be safe when we travel our roads as voting road users

Not just for some, but for all.

We say to you: We will not forgive, we will not forget and we will not give up.

For our husband, father and friend,  Phil White, and for all others already tragically lost to our bad roads.

Source: MotorbikeWriter.com

News

Police seek riders in lane filtering incidents

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ACT police have asked for help to identify two riders who were videoed in separate incidents where a car swerved toward them while they were legally lane-filtering.

The incidents occurred on Majura Parkway on Tuesday, October 30. One incident is shown in this video which we published on November 2.

Police were made aware of this video a day later and began investigating.

Two incidents

It now appears there were two incidents involving the same driver.

This surely demonstrates that the first incident was not accidental. Instead, the driver seems intent on causing alarm and/or injury.

ACT Police have now released the images on this page (at top and below) of both incidents.

Police seek riders in lane filtering incidents
The rider in the second incident

They are seeking the identity of the two motorbike riders involved and have released this statement:

About 4:30pm, the riders were separately travelling northbound on Majura Parkway, Majura, when a green Ford Falcon swerved, almost colliding with the riders. At the time, the riders were lawfully lane filtering.

If you are one of the motorbike riders affected please contact ACT Policing on 131444. Please quote reference 6327970.

Police are also urging anyone who knows the motorbike riders or who witnessed or has dash-cam footage of this incident to contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000, or via the Crime Stoppers ACT website.

Please quote reference 6327970. Information can be provided anonymously.

ACT Police have confirmed they will alert us on the outcome of their investigation into these incidents.

Legal filtering

Interestingly, these incidents occurred only a few weeks after the ACT made lane filtering legal.

Lane filtering is now legal in all states and territories (except NT and WA which is expected to follow shortly) and has been legal in NSW more than four years.

So there is no excuse for this driver’s behaviour in the ACT which is inside the state of NSW.

Not only is lane filtering legal but it also benefits all motorists as it helps move heavy traffic more quickly.

What does it take for drivers to understand this?

You can do your bit to educate drivers by sharing this article you are reading now as well as this “Open letter to drivers“.

Perth incident

Meanwhile, in another road rage incident in Perth on Sunday, October 28, a driver swerved at a rider twice.

We posted YouTube video of the incidents, but it has since been removed.

However, it showed the driver trying to hit the rider at traffic lights, then a second time further down the road.

At the end of the video the driver gets out at traffic lights to have a go at the rider, but forgets to engage his handbrake! His car almost rolls into the car in front.

We contacted WA Police to make them aware of the video.

They said they would investigate and when we followed up yesterday they said they were still investigating.

Filtering rage

Drivers trying to obstruct riders has been happening ever since lane filtering was introduced.

Check out this video from last year sent to us by Newcastle rider Harry Criticos.

[embedded content]

“I was filtering legally when a driver stuck his whole body out in an attempt to block me,” the 2016 Triple Black R 1200 GS rider told us.

“I did not stop and he did make contact with the bike. I hope it hurt.”

It might be worth telling your driver mates that this particular motorist not only got hit, but also copped a $325 fine and three demerit points.

Lane filtering is legal 

Surely it is time for some major advertising campaigns in each state to advise motorists that riders are allowed to filter and what benefits there are for ALL motorists.

That was the major finding of an online poll we conducted in 2016, yet there are still no major ad campaigns.

So far, lane filtering education campaigns have been minimal and mainly aimed at riders, not the general motoring public.

We not only need major ad campaigns, but also roadside signage such as this photoshopped sign.

lane filtering signs consensus duty defend filter
Here’s a sign we’d like to see!

We are not aware of any polls about lane filtering in Australia.

However, in California where lane splitting (filtering at higher speeds than 30km/h) is legal, polls have found it is vastly unpopular among other road users. The main objection is that it’s unfair!

That breeds hostility which results in stupid behaviour such as in the above video.

Lane filtering lane splitting America danger bosch filter
Lane splitting is unpopular in the USA

So long as lane filtering remains unpopular and/or erroneously believed to be illegal, motorists will do stupid and dangerous things to stop riders filtering.

Police ‘not interested’

Not only are authorities not interested in educating the motoring public about lane filtering, but police don’t seem to help, either.

Harry says police were initially not interested in following up on his complaint about this driver.Lane filter Incident

After we published the video, Harry went back to the police to find out why they did not charge this driver.

Eventually the driver was charged.

Source: MotorbikeWriter.com

News

Speedo Minder app might save your licence

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Unlike many speed-alert apps and GPS devices, the new Australian Speedo Minder Pro app alerts riders when they are over the posted speed limit and until they slow down.

It also has a lot more adjustment to suit your needs.

App developer Steve Grealy, 60, of Adelaide says it took “nearly four years, quite a few thousands of dollars and even more thousands of hours work” to create Speedo Minder Pro.

It is now available on the Apple App Store and we have been trialling it with success for several weeks.

“The app integrates HERE.com mapping information for speed limits in 89 countries, plus more than 172,000 speed camera locations around the world,” says the firefighter and veteran rider.Speedo Minder Pro app by Steve Grealy

“Speedo Minder Pro will be the best copilot a driver or rider could ever need or want to stay under the radar and avoid costly speeding fines.”

How Speedo Minder works

The app provides visual and audible alerts through your bluetooth intercom when you go over the speed limit.

There are similar alerts on many satnavs, but this app continues to alert you until you slow down and allows a lot more adjustment.

For example, you can select at what speed over the limit the alert activates and how frequently it beeps until you return within your set limit.

In fact, you can set a low-level warning for 0-5km/h (or mph) over and a high-level warning for 5-10km/h over.Speedo Minder Pro app by Steve Grealy

If the beeps become annoying such as in a shopping centre carpark where the limit is 10km/h, you can mute the app for 30 seconds by tapping the Speed Limit circle or simply tapping the screen twice.

When your ride is finished, the app will automatically shut down after five minutes of being motionless or if you manually turn off the app or simply hit the phone’s lock button. This will also turn off the Location Services for the app.

Steve is also working on an Android version and one for the Apple watch which will deliver “Haptic” alerts or vibrations.

Free trial

Speedo Minder Pro app by Steve Grealy
Free trial

You can try the app for free for seven days after which you have two options:

  • Fully featured one-year licence with no advertisement for just $US4.99 (about $A6.85); or
  • Fully featured one-year license with ads for $US2.49 (about $A3.40).

If you choose the cheaper option and find the ads annoying, you can upgrade to no ads for an extra $US2.49.

Developing the app

Speedo Minder Pro app by Steve Grealy
Steve with his Triumph Speedmaster

Speed cameras and governments’ addiction to speed fine revenue have turned us into a nation of speedo gazers which dangerously takes our attention off the road.

Steve says he developed the app because of the possibility of accidentally speeding and being caught.

“Driving a 22 tonne Fire Appliance under lights and sirens is even more exciting than riding a bike through the hills,” he says.

Steve points out that South Australia has the highest speeding fines in the country, and in recent years stopped signposting speed cameras, increased the number of fixed cameras and reduced over-speed tolerances. 

In 2016-17, the state raised $144m in traffic infringements.

“Officially I adhere to the road safety line rather than the speed camera bashing, revenue raising whinging. However, with road use habits formed of bike riding and fire truck driving, I’d usually find myself driving towards the top end of the speed limits.

“About five years ago I got myself a GPS speedometer app and realised I was creeping over the limit all the time.

“The combination of all of the above resulted in me wanting to develop a driver’s co-pilot app that not only warned me when I was over the limit but one that would repeat that warning until I slowed down, which was something no GPS unit nor driver’s app provided.”

Source: MotorbikeWriter.com

News

’Tis the season for resurfacing roadworks

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Riders should be aware that spring and summer is the season for resurfacing roadworks in most southern areas because the warmer weather makes asphalt more stable and easier to compact.

NSW alone has more than 175km of road resurfacing scheduled over the next few months.

Roads and Maritime Service Regional Maintenance Director John Dinan says asphalting work starting this month includes the Ballina Bypass (Pacific Highway), the Bruxner Highway near Alstonville, Pacific Highway where to intersects with the Oxley Highway, and at Coffs Harbour.

“The warmer weather allows the asphalt to remain stable and easy to compact before it cools,” he says.

However, asphalt resurfacing occurs all year round in Queensland, north NSW and northern parts of South Australia and Western Australia.

Dangers for ridersRoadworks etiquette Resurfacing Roadworks

Poor roads, inferior roadworks and incomplete cleanup after roadworks are particularly dangerous to motorcyclists, causing crashes and even fatalities.

We have reported on many of these incidents and there are many Facebook sites designed to alert riders of road conditions.

There is even a Bad Roads Rally planned for Victoria before the state election.

Riders should also check relevant websites provided by road authorities and automobile clubs that list roadworks.

You can also use some of these sites to report dangerous road conditions.

Resurfacing statsRoadworks speed limit - potholes Halloween Rider successfully sues over roadworks crash Resurfacing Roadworks

John says there is about 2.5 tonnes of asphalt per cubic metre of road and they can lay up to 2000 tonnes of asphalt per day. They target resurfacing 2.3% of all tarmac roads a year.

“Asphalt is safe, smooth and durable and is up to 100% reusable,” he says.

“It’s also flexible and new technologies used is making asphalt a more sustainable choice for road surfaces.”

Australian Asphalt Pavement Association NSW Executive Director Dougall Broadfoot says motorists are not allowed to ride on newly laid asphalt until it has cooled to below 60C.

“If the new asphalt surface is not allowed to cool down sufficiently, passing vehicles may affect the smoothness of the surface before it sets,” he says.

“By driving over soft asphalt it may create bumps and grooves on the surface, which would be a less smooth journey for motorists. An uneven surface also causes water to pool in the grooves.

“So please be patient when near worksites, for the safety of yourself and workers. Follow the instruction of traffic controllers and the reduced speed limit of 40km/h when work is carried out.”

Source: MotorbikeWriter.com
https://motorbikewriter.com/season-resurfacing-roadworks/

News

Move to emergency motorcycle brake assist

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German automotive technology company Continental AG plans to be the first with a motorcycle emergency brake-assist system that applies extra brake pressure when it senses a crash.

Their system would not be automatic like in some cars that take over braking duties from the driver.

Continental recognises that motorcycles are different to cars and say their system would only assist the rider.

It works by using accurate fifth-generation radar sensors to detect imminent crash dangers.

However, the system would have to be different to cars as motorcycles lane filter close to vehicles which could easily activate emergency braking systems and send riders tumbling into traffic.

When will drivers learn lane filtering is legal? assist
Click here to watch this driver try to hit this legally filtering rider!

Continental motorcycle spokesman Christian Pfeiffer says their system would first alert the rider via “haptic” vibrations in the handlebars.

“Low initial braking pressure then helps the rider with the active braking operation,” he says.

“If the rider does not react to the warning, emergency brake assist automatically builds up braking force if the rider has both hands on the handlebars. The deceleration is much less pronounced than in a passenger car emergency braking system.”

However, Continental may be beaten to the punch by Honda which has filed patents for an emergency braking that automatically stops a motorcycle if it detects an imminent crash.

Mandatory emergency brake assist?

A few years ago ABS was an optional safety system for those who wanted it. From the end of next year it will be mandatory in Australia. (See details at the end of this article)

How long before emergency brake assist also becomes mandatory on motorcycles?

The United Nations #STOPTHECRASH campaign has called for mandatory autonomous emergency braking that activates at slow speeds if an obstacle is sensed in front of the bike.

Of course, the makers of many of these electronic safety devices, Continental, Bosch and Denso, are supporters of the UN program.

A Melbourne university doctor has also called for bikes to be fitted with automatic emergency braking technology.

Continental safety

Emergency brake assist is not the only electronic safety technology Continental is developing.

They are also working on sensors that detect roadside speed signs and display them to the rider, adaptive cruise control, blind spot detection and automatic switching to high beam.

All these systems are based on Continental’s fifth-generation radar that go into production in 2019.

They use improved object detection algorithms that detect even smaller objects such as an exhaust that has fallen off a car.

The heights of objects can also be calculated by an elevation measurement device that detects the tail of a traffic jam under a bridge or road boundaries such as kerbs.

Continental claims their tech is now smaller and lighter.

It consists of a sensor cluster that measures acceleration and yaw rate, a radar system that analyses this data, plus brake and engine control units that activate on demand.

Continental say these can be fitted to motorcycles of all sizes from a single source, including the instrument cluster, that warns the rider of an imminent collision.

Mandatory ABSabs mandatory combined braking assist

From November 2019, all new motorcycle models sold in Australia will either have anti-lock braking systems (ABS) or combined braking systems (CBS).

ABS will be mandatory on motorcycles, trikes and scooters over 125cc, while either ABS or CBS will be mandatory on those under 125cc.  Trail bikes under 250cc and all enduro and trials bikes are exempt.

If the bike has switchable ABS, the default setting when the bike is turned off and turned back on again will be for ABS to be active.

Countries with mandatory ABS on designated motorcycles in all European nations, Japan, India, Brazil and Taiwan.

Even the USA – the land of freedom of choice – is now considering making ABS mandatory.

Source: MotorbikeWriter.com
https://motorbikewriter.com/emergency-motorcycle-brake-assist/