Germany – For us at Motorcycle Minds one of the pieces or systems of road infrastructure that we have reported on and have been involved from a rider’s perspective are Vehicle Restraint Systems – Crash Barriers – in all their forms and in solutions to protect riders with the installation of Motorcycle Protection Systems (MPS) to original barrier systems. Over the years we have seen road infrastructure authorities struggle to accept the “danger” that road side and central reservation barriers present to riders including their placement and types of barrier systems. This … [Read more...]
Conference – Safer Crash Barriers
Italy - It has been some time since we have attended any motorcycle conference or been “out” in the world of motorcycle events about research and riders’ issues. It is a world that is populated by those through their specialised fields and riders’ representation that are steering the issues riders face as well as those along for the ride who fund and plan what issues are important to make for safer motorcycling. Elaine from Motorcycle Minds is currently very active, researching the Dynamics of Motorcycle Crashes as part of a team conducting a rider’s survey/study … [Read more...]
Crash Barriers Spain – Fitting Regulation
Spain - Ver la versión original en español: In 2005, in Spain a specific standard and a new Motorcyclist Protection System (SPM), was developed to improve the safety of motorcyclists in case of a fall and impact against a metallic crash barrier. It was after the protests of bikers in 2001 and 2002 when the Minister met representatives of riders and promised to work for a solution. This resulted in the UNE135900 standard and conforming to this standard the first SPM of Spain was developed by the Ministerio de Fomento (Ministry of Public Works). This was December, … [Read more...]
Barreras España – Reglamento de montaje
España - Ver la versión Inglés: En el año 2005, en España se había desarrollado una normativa específica y un nuevo elemento (SPM), que mejoraba la seguridad de los motociclistas en caso de caída e impacto contra una barrera metálica de seguridad. Fue tras las manifestaciones de los motoristas de 2001y 2002, cuando el Ministro de Fomento, se reunió con representantes de los motoristas y se comprometió a trabajar por una solución, que dio como resultado la norma UNE135900 y el primer SPM de España, desarrollado por el Ministerio de Fomento conforme a los estándares de la … [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...]
Wire Rope Barriers
Australia - Wire Rope Barrier (WRB) illustrates much of what is wrong with our roadsides. Roadside hazards are involved in ~40% of all accidents (with all vehicles). Up to 30% of all motorcycle, fatalities involve a post, pole or tree. Around 2.4-2.6% of Australian motorcycle, fatalities involve a barrier (up to 16% overseas). This figure increases further for casualties. In such accidents, the exposed posts constitute most of the hazard. Exposed posts concentrate impact forces and lead to increased soft tissue injuries, fractures, amputations and deaths. ALL … [Read more...]
