A European Commission funded motorcycle project 2BeSafe www.2besafe.eu , initiated over two years ago which focuses on “Two Wheeler Behaviour and Safety”, has broken the surface with the launch of a survey.

As reported by the Federation of European Motorcyclists' Associations (FEMA) the survey is designed “to better understand the needs of riders in terms of safety”.

The 2BeSafe survey asks motorcyclists about their personal details, family, riding experience, accidents, strategies, motivation and habits, as well as perception of assistance technology systems, including advanced braking systems, navigation units, air bags and other riding equipment.

The control of the motorcycle other than by the rider has crept into the 2BeSafe survey with Adaptive Cruise Control (ACC) and Intelligent Speed Adaptation (ISA). According to the description in the survey “These systems adapt the distance to the vehicle ahead automatically either by slowing the motorcycle if following too closely, or accelerating the motorcycle to maintain a preset following distance when traffic allows”.

The questions on technology seem to intertwine with the previous SAFERIDER project survey carried out in 2008. However the objectives of the 2BeSafe project do not mention the development of the SAFERIDER IT systems, so there is no clear reason why the survey should ask these questions, because this is not the remit of the project.

Is the 2BeSafe project really just SAFERIDER2 in another guise?

Attitude

The last part of the survey prompts riders to reply not just about their attitude to riding but their attitude to breaking the law.

Even sex is in the survey!  They want to know if riders, “Ride fast because the opposite sex enjoys it” but unfortunately they forgot to consider that there are motorcyclists who may want to attract the same sex!

Right To Ride Opinion - Comments

Right To Ride comments, “This is yet another EU survey wanting to know if you like speeding; If you take risks; if you break the law - and - if you want technology such as Intelligent Speed Adaptations (ISA) on your motorcycle. It is in our view, another attempt to identify motorcyclists as “bad boys” and to foist technology on motorcyclists as the solution to reduce motorcycle casualties.

The FP7 EU funded project 2BeSafe has gathered researchers from 10 European countries, Australia and Israel. The researchers who put the survey together claim to aim to improve the general knowledge of rider behaviour, but instead demonstrate a lack of understanding of what is after all, a form of transport, not belonging to any one group of society.

We believe that the survey is flawed.

If, as FEMA suggests, the results of the survey are designed to help with the identification of positive measures for motorcyclist safety in the form of recommendations for traffic authorities, trainers, manufacturers, and infrastructure operators, then we are in big trouble.

We at Right To Ride also believe that the outcome of the survey is already a foregone conclusion. We base this opinion on comments made in the first document published by the consortium Rider / Driver behaviours and road safety for PTW in which they state

“Risk taking, as well as sensation seeking is a typical behaviour of PTWs (motorcyclists). This behaviour is usually reflected in activities such as disobeying traffic signal, give way or stop sign, non compliance to double white lines or pedestrian crossing, making illegal turns or speeding, maintaining low gaps with the following vehicles and so on. (…) because motorcycle riding is well known to be a dangerous activity, it ‘may tend to attract risk-seeking individuals, in all age and socio-economic categories’, which would have a corresponding effect on the total motorcycle accident figures )”.

For the full article – link to survey – links – information or to leave a comment:

Visit the Right To Ride EU website.

The British Motorcyclists Federation is warning of the possibility of countrywide parking charges being introduced for motorcycles following the failure in the Court of Appeal to overturn a High Court decision that backed the parking charges traffic order implemented by Westminster City Council in January 2010.

The ‘No To Bike Parking Tax’ campaign (NTBPT), a campaign group supported by the 80,000 strong BMF, had brought the appeal but three senior judges today ruled there was "nothing in the grounds of appeal" and dismissed their case.

Warren Djanogly, who led the NTBPT campaign, said: "We are hugely disappointed, but it is not over yet. We are now thinking of taking our case to the European courts where we expect to get a fairer hearing."

The BMF, whose members helped in raising the money required for the bringing of the appeal, say that cash-strapped Local Authorities across the country have been watching the situation closely and with the loss of the appeal, motorcyclists could now be faced with the threat of a nationwide rollout of parking charges.

A strong supporter of the ‘No To Bike Parking Tax’ (NTBPT) campaign from its inception in August 2008 the BMF say while the campaign gained massive rider support in London, many councils across the UK, possibly starting with Birmingham and Manchester, were also considering bringing in similar Pay by Phone charges for motorcycles and it was only the Westminster legal case that was preventing them doing so.

If parking charges were to be introduced, the Tax Payers Alliance have calculated that annually, it would cost the UK’s motorcycling community a staggering £93,000,000 in parking charges.

BMF Chairman, Anna Zee, who has taken part in most of the big anti-tax demonstrations together with a number of other BMF members, said she was deeply disappointed at the verdict. “The use of motorcycles and scooters in urban environments can contribute greatly to easing congestion and anything which discourages such use is to be deplored.”

Commenting on the ruling, the BMF’s Government Relations Executive Chris Hodder, said: “This is disappointing and is a blow to everyone involved in the campaign, but more than that, the ruling that Westminster’s parking charges for motorcycles are legal could well signal the end of free parking for motorcyclists across the UK.”

The BMF will now be asking members of its regional network to carefully monitor Local Authorities for any signs of plans to implement motorcycle parking charges.

www.bmf.co.uk.

Maria Costello MBE, one of the most recognisable faces in British Motorcyling, will ride in this week’s first round of the Rapid Solicitors Ducati 848 Challenge at Brands Hatch.

Maria has never before raced a Ducati during her career but now the 848 Challenge has presented her with an opportunity to realise an ambition of racing a Ducati Superbike. She will be the first female to compete in the 848 Challenge when she rides the Ducati UK VIP bike over two races during the Easter weekend.

Maria commented on her Ducati debut, "I am so excited about this opportunity, I have always loved Ducati’s and I have ridden many of the Superbikes on track days, but never before in a race. I tested the 848 at Brands last week and it is fantastic bike and I am really looking forward to racing it in front of a big crowd."

The first round of the 848 Challenge will take place over the Easter Weekend, 22 to 24 April, and is an official support race for the MCE Insurance British Superbike Championship.

Maria will also be supporting the breast cancer charity CoppaFeel this season. For further information about Maria Costello visit www.costelloracing.com

The Heritage Motor Centre is to host the popular annual Heritage Land Rover Show on Sunday 1 May.

Thousands of enthusiasts and club members are expected to converge at the show to enjoy a great family day out. Featuring many different models on display, visitors can also enjoy a number of rides on the new improved Land Rover Experience off-road course including passenger experiences, test tracks and heritage rides. There will also be a special appearance from Shaun the Sheep’s Land Rover, plus Ian Cook, the radical artist, will be painting the new Range Rover Evoque. Ian uses a unique style of painting using remote control cars on canvas. Attending the show is the perfect opportunity to see how his creations are produced and to create your very own masterpiece!

Another fantastic exhibition to be showcased during the show is the Land Rover Legacy Travelling Exhibition. The exhibition tells the story of the Lode Lane factory, its people and products, from 1940 to the present day and features photographs from the Archives of the British Motor Industry Heritage Trust.

To celebrate Land Rover’s 63rd Birthday, the annual Heritage Run from Lode Lane in Solihull to the HMC will take place. Starting from the home of the legend at the Land Rover factory in Solihull at 10:00am, the procession is due to arrive at the HMC at 11:00am. Featuring around 150 cars, the Heritage Run is an amazing spectacle to see.

Emma Rawlinson, Events Executive at the Heritage Motor Centre stated “We’re delighted to be hosting this special event which is an absolute must for Land Rover and Range Rover enthusiasts. For many the show is the highlight on the events calendar and a definite date in the diary for anyone who loves these famous iconic models”.

The show will be open from 10am – 5pm. General admission prices are £11 in advance or £14 on the day for adults, £9 in advance or £12 on the day for concessions, £5 in advance or £8 on the day for children aged 5 – 16. Under 5’s are admitted free of charge. An advance family ticket costs £30 in advance or £40 on the day and admits 2 adults and 3 children. This year visitors can camp for 3 nights on the Friday, Saturday and Sunday for just £30 in advance and take advantage of a special Museum and Show entrance offer of just £18 for all three days. Advance tickets and camping can be purchased by phoning the ticket hotline on 01926 645029 Monday – Friday from 9:30am – 5pm. Alternatively, tickets can be purchased on-line at www.hlrw.co.uk

The HMC is also having a large screen brought in so visitors can watch the Royal Wedding on the Friday. The Centre provides the perfect place to spend the entire Bank Holiday Weekend plus visitors can take advantage of the special Royal Wedding ticket. As well as watching the wedding, visitors can gain access to the museum all weekend, see the new ‘Sci-Fi at the Movies’ exhibition, and attend the Heritage Land Rover show on the Sunday! To find out more information please visit the website at www.heritage-motor-centre.co.uk

Ducati Days, The Art of Corse on 21/22 May

Ducati UK recently announced a spectacular two day event to be held at Silverstone Circuit during the weekend of the 21/22 May and now is to bring even more activities, attractions and value to this ultimate Ducati event.

This unique event will host a wide range of activities on and off track at this premier World Championship Circuit. Ducati Days has been designed to be more than just a track day. It is an interactive weekend that encompasses the best elements of Ducati and motorcycling.

Event partners, Silverstone Circuit, has announced a fantastic offer for all participants purchasing a full Rider Ticket. Full ticket holders will now be eligible for two free Silverstone BSB tickets and a 20% discount on up to four MotoGP Ducati Grandstand tickets – a total value £188. This is the chance to see some great racing on a circuit that ‘Ducati days’ riders will have experienced for real!

Although the main focus of the weekend for many will be enjoying the three different track configurations that are on offer, others will be seeking out the many activities taking place in the paddock. For some it may be having their suspension fettled by the suspension gurus from Ducati Coventry or for others it will be listening to seminars from industry experts enlightening them on the intricacies of motorcycle technology, the stresses of running a race team or how to become a modern day athlete to compete at the highest level of racing.

Ducati UK has also tried to make the weekend as accessible as possible for non-riders who wish to attend the Ducati Days. Children under 16 can come and enjoy the day free of charge along with Children’s entertainment. Day visitor tickets are now available at £15 for adults (this does not include food). Guest tickets for the weekend including food and refreshments are priced at £50 or without food at £25.

In the paddock there will be a number of Ducati partners with trade stands. These will include Moto Icons (Apparel), Bike Trac, R&G, Kiddi Motos and many others. For kids there will be a Children’s Entertainment area which will include a bouncy castle and more to be announced.

However, for those that have left the partners and kids behind to focus on a weekend of pure track action there will be plenty on offer. A unique opportunity beckons you to ride the full Silverstone MotoGP Circuit on a weekend with optional training from one the World’s best training schools – Californian Superbike School. Riders will also have the chance to ride two other circuit configurations which are the national and international circuit and be the very first to ride out of the new ’wing’ pits.

For some a full weekend on track may be too daunting, so Ducati UK has organized, at the suggestion of the Ducati clubs, marshalled parade laps to at least get a taste of the MotoGP circuit that our heroes Valentino Rossi and Nicky Hayden will ride later in the year.

A full list of activities includes:

•    Training from Californian Superbike School (CSS)
-  on track training
-  classroom sessions
•    A full days track time on the MotoGP circuit
•    Three track configurations (National, International and MotoGP) over two days at one of the World’s premier circuits.
•    Parade Laps
•    Suspension set up by Ducati Coventry
•    Attendance of Scott Smart and the Moto Rapido race team
•    Breakfast and lunch both days including refreshments
•    Garage Use
•    Trade Stands – including Moto Icons (Ducati Apparel), Ducati Art, Bike Trac, Kiddi Moto, R&G, Dealer stands and many more
•    Guest speakers
•    Ducati Model Range Display and event truck
•    Helicopter rides (additional cost)
•    Riders For Health Ducati Auction
•    Ducati UK Museum featuring a collection of iconic Ducati bikes through the ages
•    Ducati gift for track and parade lap riders
•    2  x free tickets to Silverstone BSB round and 20% of Ducati Grandstand tickets for those purchasing ‘rider tickets’
•    Free entry for Children under 16 and Children’s activities
•    Track side photography

Prices for the weekend (inclusive of VAT) will be:

•    Day entry ticket (Does not include food and refreshments)                    £15
•    Weekend Entry ticket only (Does not include food or refreshments)        £25
•    Guest ticket (Breakfast and Lunch included for both days)                     £50
•    Parade Lap ticket (inc entry and food, parade laps are at a controlled speed and with safety cars)                                                                                           £100
•    Rider ticket (inc entry and food plus 2 days on track - choose between Track or Training on Saturday, full Moto GP track for all riders on Sunday)                                £495

Tickets for the event can be purchased through any Ducati dealer and to find your nearest dealer visit:  www.ducatiuk.com/find_dealers/index.do.

For further information on this event call Ducati UK on 08456 718500 or email [email protected]

Notes:

All tickets give entry to the paddock, all talks, autograph sessions etc and access to all viewing areas.  In addition, Rider, Guest and Parade lap tickets entitle the participant to breakfast and lunch each day in the Paddock Diner. Security will not allow anyone on site without a relevant ticket.

A limited number of Guest Tickets will be available to purchase on the day at the main security gate.
All Riders wanting to take part in either

The Weekend schedule will be:

Day 1 – Saturday 21 May

This day has been split into 2 styles your customer can choose either:

TRAINING or TRACK DAY

TRAINING:
This will be offered under the tutelage of The California Superbike School. The day will begin on the National circuit and will then switch to the new International circuit after lunch to continue.
The Training day consists of 3 classroom sessions and 5 track sessions assisted on track by CSS Coaches.

The training will cover:
1. Turn Entry speed. What are the errors? Too fast in? Too slow in? How do we get it just right?
2. Throttle Control. That twist grip in your right hand as a huge affect on the suspension, the grip, the line, the lean angle and of course... your speed.
3. Adding lean and throttle (as a negative). Getting the timing of the throttle just right of one of the best skills a rider can have. Get the timing wrong however and you could end up in the gravel. CSS will take a look at the exact timing you need to get this crucial skill right.
There will be six CSS coaches on track to give direction where needed and to police the sessions to make sure riders are working on the drills. The coaches will use hand signals to give guidance on track although we will not be assigning coaches to specific riders.

Limited to 90 spaces (3 groups of 30)

TRACKDAY:
This will begin on the ‘International’ circuit running out of the all new Silverstone ‘Wing’ pits. Riders will be split into three groups dependent on ability and preference at time of booking: Novice, Intermediate and Expert (subject to availability)
The day will be limited to 150 riders, (3 groups of 50) during which two tracks will be running, the National and the new International track.

Day 2 – Sunday 22 May

All 240 riders (3 groups of 80) will ride on the full Moto GP circuit again split into 3 groups: Novice, Intermediate and Expert (subject to availability) with on-track instructors available from California Superbike School
Parade Laps 1-2pm (time subject to change) laps of full circuit with controlled speed and safety cars. 

Noise limit for both days is 105dba.

www.ducatiuk.com