here is one for you all to think about. this was pointed out to me in the motorcycle news.
MOTORCYCLES will get new onboard warning systems to tell the rider when he is going too fast under proposals
announced in brussels last week.
Riders will be warned when they are going too fast into a bend or exceeding the speed limit. A `frontal collision
warning` system will detect when the bike is too close to an obstacle.
The safety systems will rely on technology similar to that used by sat nav and on vehicle to vehicle communication
developed for cars.
"Heads-up displays" inside crash helmets, "in helmet speakers" seats and handlebars that vibrate to warn riders are
also being considered.
On-road trials will begin by 2010 under the ECs plans, which are backed by the federation of European Motorcycle
Associations (FEMA).
Honda motorcycles will have one or more systems as standard equipment by 2015, according to spokesman Michael Thierm.
The news came as government figures showed motorcycle deaths had fallen.
THe project, called saferider, was unveiled at a motorcyle safety conferance marking FEMA`s 20th birthday
in brussels last week, it`s aim is to design and develope "advanced driver assistance
systems and in vehicle information for motorcycles.
An EC rep said technology would be introdused through new legislation unless bike makers adopted it voluntarily.
Fabrizio Minarini, the ECs head of inteligent car systems for transport, said: We want to help the market create the
conditions for this system to be adopted, Legislation is the last resort.
He said a "europe-wide" system needed to be developed that worked across borders.
"If you have a system that is communicating from bike to bike to infrastructure,if you cross the border into germany,
the system has to work" he said.
Minarini said technology would also automatically phone emergency services when an accident happens.
Thiem, spokesman for honda R&D europe, said the firm was already working on the technology and that track
demonstrations would take place in germany later this year.
He said "we are working on vehicle to vehicle communication". "i can imagine our bikes having it from 2015".
Thiem was at the conference promoting a honda bike simulater which recreates hazards such as cars pulling out of
side roads.
FEMA president hans peter strifeldt said: By actively participating in projects such as saferider, we, the
representatives of european motorcyclists, are ensuring that our wants and needs are taken into account and
tomorrows transport policies will respect the identity of motorcycling
The plans were blasted by hollands motorcycle action group. The groups Nico Perk told EC reps; "in the presentation
i heard it said that you don`t want to legislate but if we don`t like it you`ll push it through.What does that mean?
That we have to have it?"
ian (teg)
