Skip to main content

Swedish motorcycle test

In Sweden crash testing has been carried out using motorcycles for the first time. Four crash tests were carried out at the VTI crash laboratory in Linköping, Sweden, for the client, the insurance company Folksam. As a result, Swedish motorcyclists can expect safer barriers according to VTI, the Swedish National Road and Transport Research Insitute. The VTI have participated in two different projects with focus on better safety for motorcyclists. The first project was run in cooperation with the Swedish Mo
November 10, 2015 Read time: 2 mins
In Sweden crash testing has been carried out using motorcycles for the first time. Four crash tests were carried out at the 7264 VTI crash laboratory in Linköping, Sweden, for the client, the insurance company Folksam. As a result, Swedish motorcyclists can expect safer barriers according to VTI, the Swedish National Road and Transport Research Insitute.

The VTI have participated in two different projects with focus on better safety for motorcyclists. The first project was run in cooperation with the Swedish Motorcyclists Association (SMC) and the Swedish parapet and barrier association (SVBRF). This studied existing literature to describe state-of-the art in motorcycle to barrier crash interaction. In the second project, initiated by Folksam, four full-scale crash tests on barriers with different kinds of protection was executed.

The joint result from these two projects opened a possibility to run a final crash test with a simple prototype of a plastic cover to shield the sharp edge on the top of the barrier. According to VTI, this prototype will help reduce injuries to motorcyclists in the event of an impact. In the various tests, different kinds of motorcycle protection systems were installed on a traditional W-beam and sigma post barriers.

The cover will let the motorcyclist slide along the barrier instead of getting stuck, lowering the severity of injuries.

The positive outcome is all about covering sharp edges and protruding parts, including the posts of the barrier. The plastic tube is a cheap and simple way of demonstrating a principle but it is yet not a finished product according to VTI.
The VTI crash laboratory is an accredited test facility for the EN1317 European test procedure for barriers. Being part of the international work with the procedure research engineer at the VTI crash laboratory, Jan Wenäll, will bring this experience to the ongoing development of an additional procedure for motorcyclists addition to the same procedure.

For more information on companies in this article

Related Content

  • Controls rethinks compression machines
    August 12, 2019
    CONTROLS is aiming to stay one step ahead of its competitors with a new suite of fully automatic compression machines which also offer an extra dimension of connectivity, inside and outside the laboratory - Kristina Smith writes It is just over 50 years since CONTROLS started selling its first testing equipment, beginning with compression machines. Today, it is redeveloping all its compression machines, unveiling two out of a new range of four at this year’s bauma exhibition in March. “CONTROLS has comp
  • Eager for efficiency
    February 20, 2012
    Efforts to improve energy efficiency in any quarry will be furthered by a new EU-funded project now underway. Madrid-based consulting firm Solintel is leading a new €6.3million research and development project, which is part funded by the EU, to find new techniques for modelling and applying energy efficiency improvements for every aspect of quarrying.
  • Cat's challenge to operators
    July 31, 2012
    In November, for the 11th consecutive year, Caterpillar's Demonstration and Learning Centre in Malaga, Spain, will again become the stage for the Caterpillar Operator Challenge. "Throughout the years this competition has followed the same successful concept: the competitor skills will be tested and scored in different machines, ranging from large to mini size-class equipment and the one with the best total score is the winner. This year, we will have nine challenging tests carried out with the latest Caterp
  • Muscat Airport contract for Cooper
    February 9, 2012
    A huge project in Oman will see a proposed new terminal at Muscat International Airport, which has been budgeted at US$1.17 billion, completed by 2014. It will have the capacity to handle 12 million passengers annually, and further expansions planned by The Ministry of Transport and Communication in three subsequent phases will ultimately boost the airport’s capacity to 48 million passengers annually by 2050.