Northern Ireland – This article aims to clarify the situation regarding a proposed helmet law for trike riders in Northern Ireland, following a recent claim by the Motorcycle Action Group (MAG) that this proposal has been dropped thanks to their successful lobbying. In June 2015 the Road Safety and Vehicle Regulation Division of the then Department of the Environment (DOE) [1] issued a public consultation regarding a – “ Proposal for the Mandatory Wearing of Helmets on Motor Tricycles”, meaning that if the proposal came about the wearing of helmets for riders of and … [Read more...]
Gosh It’s Hot! – Hydrate For Safety!
Global - Although in our part of France it has rained for the first time in a couple of weeks with the heat ranging from dry and hot to - hot and humid, England – Scotland and Wales the past week saw the temperatures rising to hot and sweaty. With that heat comes the usual manifestation, as surely as rain and threats of flooding return, advice from various “safety” sources to ride wearing nothing less than the full “proper” protective clothing. Some advice considers that it is better to dress up for a crash and sweat in order to remain safe. There are those (including … [Read more...]
A Classic Case of Bike Crime
United Kingdom - The history of motorcycle (and other vehicle) crime. Crime has been with us forever. The motor vehicle however has only been with us in one form or another since the late 19th century. Like night follows day, vehicle crime followed up close behind & some offences are not quite as new as you might think! In 1891 for instance the police force, already 60 years in existence, were aware of the disquiet caused by these ‘new fangled’ horseless carriages, and over responding to local pressures from a frightened public (not to mention the horses), they … [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...]
CE Markings aka Caveat Emptor – Let the Buyer Beware
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...]
