The design of most highways overlooks safety for motorcyclists, with many solid objects such as lamp posts, road signs and traffic signals able to cause serious injuries and fatalities.
However the proven Biker Mate system from Signpost Solutions is already in use in the UK and other countries and offers a safe alternative choice. Developed in association with energy absorbent structures experts Euro Road Safety, Biker Mate consists of plastic modules designed to absorb energy and divert force. The module
An engineering team in the Netherlands has developed a novel lightweight electric motorcycle that is said to combine low running costs with good performance. Called the Orphiro, this motorcycle features a 72V lithium-ion battery pack that allows distances of up to 96km to be travelled on a single charge. The top speed of the motorcycle is 120km/h, allowing it to attain the maximum speed limit of most European nations, although it will be particularly suitable for short distance commuting. The range of the m
The latest official data shows a continuing improvement in road safety statistics in both France and the UK. However the data also reveals worrying trends in accidents concerning vulnerable road users.
Department for Transport figures for 2010 have revealed a 17% drop in road fatalities to 1,850. But 111 pedal cyclists died in 2010, compared with 104 in 2009, with cyclist fatalities in capital London of particular concern. The DfT believes that the severe winter weather, lower traffic in general due to th
The European Road Federation (ERF) has voiced its concern that roadside barriers in Europe may have to be upgraded. Meanwhile the UK’s Institute of Advanced Motorists (IAM) has called for roadside barriers to feature post protection so as to reduce the risk of injuries to motorcyclists. According to the ERF, the recent decision of the European Commission to allow cross-border movement of longer and heavier trucks, it is keen to raise awareness of the important implications such a move may have for road barr
