Global – Riders recognise that personal protective equipment may help to reduce injuries and death. However, there is some confusion with regards to the standards for protective clothing. The European Standards for protective clothing set minimum levels for various characteristics that should ensure that all clothing which claims to conform to the standards will provide a reasonable level of protection. Clothing, gloves and boots which are subjected to testing and carry an independent and recognisable mark of reliability are a less “risky” purchase than unmarked … [Read more...]
The Secret Green Alternative
Australia - What’s the most fuel efficient mode of personal powered transport? Which mode pollutes the least? Which mode is not on the Commonwealth government’s Green Vehicle Guide web site? Which mode would solve many of Melbourne’s congestion problems? If you guessed motorcycle/scooter, you’d be right. Motorcycle/Scooter fuel efficiency 50cc 4 stroke Honda Scoopy can get up to 75 km/L. 50cc 2-stroke scooters get 50Km/L. 110cc 2-stroke Bolwell (a larger scooter) can get 35 km/L. 250cc motorcycles and scooters get 25-35 km/L. 600 - … [Read more...]
Motorcycling – Vietnam
Vietnam - I step out of bed, stumbled over my riding jacket and a stack of dongs as I made my way in a stupor towards the dim lights of the bathroom. I was awakened not by the alarm of my mobile but by horns. Ho Chi Minh City is filled with noisy little motorcycles and everyone hits the horn in compromising situations, as well as all other situations just for good measure. At 6 am, you’ll hear the first ones go off. Good morning Vietnam! Motorcycling in Vietnam is what taking the bus or MRT (Mass Rapid Transit - rapid transit system that forms the backbone of the railway … [Read more...]
Crash Barriers in Spain
Spain - Ver la versión original en español - From the beginning of time, barriers to prevent a potential source of danger have been the survival strategy for animals and humans. Some animals still continue using techniques to improve their camouflage and to protect themselves from predators. As control over the environment improved, humans abandoned the strategies of animals to avoid specific hazards. Fences, shields, armour and fortress walls are examples of the methods that men adopted for certain risks. The fundamental goal is to provide an obstacle to a … [Read more...]
Crossing the Centerline – Or Not
USA - Today, the numbers have changed, at least in the western states. Now, the majority of crashes are out in the country, and motorcyclists are more often at fault. Typically, a motorcyclist either does something dumb, or can’t control the motorcycle, and crashes into something. One scary scenario is with the motorcyclist going wide in a right-hand curve and colliding with an oncoming vehicle. An example of this occurred on the Olym pic Peninsula northwest of Seattle, where a novice rider was out with some friends on a group ride. According to newspaper reports, “…the … [Read more...]
Helmets & Hearing Loss in Motorcyclists
Australia - An alarming number of long term motorcyclists suffer from hearing loss. If you know any motorcyclist who has been riding more than 20 years the chances are they don’t hear as well as they ought to. The culprit is the helmet. Helmets average around 93.5dB(A) at 100Km/hr. As speeds rise helmet noise can increase to 115dB or more. That’s like standing next to a Jumbo Jet engine! Cars interiors aren’t noisy so why are helmets? The average car interior is 85dB(A) at 100Km/hr and many cars would be less than this! Many experts agree that prolonged exposure to … [Read more...]
Shake Rattle And Roll
UK - Warning Systems For Motorcycles In that brief moment of panic before a crash, Oh Shit! is the cry of many a rider and it refers to those 2 seconds before a crash. This is the point in time where even the most experienced rider freezes – because they have never been confronted with that situation before. One of the solutions on the table to reduce crashes is speed warning systems for motorcycles [i]. But the most important element about warning systems is the time factor. Findings from the Hurt report (1981) [ii] tell us that the typical motorcycle accident … [Read more...]
