In January this year the Minister of the Environment Alex Atwood replied to a question in the Northern Ireland Assembly from Mr Phil Flanagan Sinn Féin, whether his Department has considered requiring drivers to drive with dipped headlights on, at all times between October and March.
 
In his reply the Minister set out the requirements for drivers use of dipped headlights in addition to their use at night, “Drivers are required, under the Road Vehicles Lighting Regulations (NI) 2000, to use dipped headlights (in addition to their use at night) during daytime when visibility is seriously reduced, for example in adverse weather conditions or in dull daytime weather.”
 
As motorcyclists reading this, you may begin to wonder where this is heading as motorcycles already come fitted from the major motorcycle manufacturers with headlights hard wired (AHO – Automatic Headlights On).
 
However as the title of this article suggests we appear to have an “enlightened” minister.
 
In his response Mr Attwood said “In addition, the cycle and motorcycle lobbies are likely be concerned at the relative lack of conspicuity that would be imposed on them were such a requirement to be imposed and the possible increase in accidents as a consequence. Pedal cycles do not have dipped headlights and motorcycles currently rely on being brighter than other vehicles to improve their conspicuity.”
 
We couldn’t have given a more appropriate answer if the minister had asked us himself!
 
Northern Ireland Motorcycle Fatality Report 2012
 
In the recently published, Northern Ireland Motorcycle Fatality Report 2012, 79.5% (n.31) of the collisions occurred during daylight hours.
 
Out of the 39 cases, there were seventeen (43.6%) in which another vehicle was considered the primary cause of the collision, in thirteen of these cases the motorcycles all had their lights on.
 
In nine cases the other vehicle driver pulled out in front of the motorcycles and in four cases, performed a U turn across the path of the motorcycle.
 
The evidence highlighted that the other vehicle driver was in a position to see them.
 
However, there appears to be a problem of looking but not seeing which may be due to the size of the motorcycle or simply because the car/van driver is expecting to see another car or van and has difficulty coping with the unexpected.
 
Further investigation into the perception of lights on motorcycles by OV (Other Vehicle) drivers would be warranted.
 
Bright Idea?
 
In February 2010 we replied to a consultation on Daytime Running Lights (DRL) from Ireland’s Road Safety Authority (RSA). Although the consultation was mainly about DRLs the consultation contained a position that, “The Bright Way To Save Lives” – “It’s not just at night that you need to turn on your lights” – “Dipped headlights are an effective way to reduce the number of collisions on our road”.
 
To add to Mr Attwood’s answer, we replied then that, “The concern is that when all vehicles have their dipped beam lights on, motorcycles will lose any advantage in terms of conspicuity that there may have been. As mentioned above in relation to glare and for example intersections, there is considerable documented evidence of the inability of car drivers to “see” approaching motorcycles – in spite of the fact that these motorcycles have dipped headlights on. On the subject of headlight use, some motorcyclists will ride with their main beam on. This seems to be indicative of the opinion that “bright is always right” for all conditions in the belief that having brighter lights on will identify motorcycles from the rest of the traffic.”
 
In the words of rider organisations such as the Motorcycle Action Group (MAG UK), riders would be, “Lost In A Sea Of Lights” and “Bright Isn’t Always Right” as regards to all vehicles running with dipped beam on during daylight hours.
 
For the Ministers full answer and Links and Information at Right To Ride
 
Don’t Forget Right To Ride on Facebook

Ducati UK in association with Focused Events, will be organising the ultimate track day for Ducatisti at the World famous Donington Park Circuit.

The Leicestershire Circuit, scene of Ducati’s first ever World Superbike win, will play host to the thunderous sound of Ducati’s in their natural playground. The track day will take place on Tuesday 31 July and will be on the full Donington GP Circuit.

Ducati owners can book through their nearest dealer  or book online  

The cost of the track day is £169 which includes breakfast and the chance to share the track with star riders such as Neil Hodgson, Niall Mackenzie and Steve Plater who will also be available for coaching. The track day is a Ducati only event and will be attended by Ducati UK staff and dealers who will be on hand to deal with any enquiries.

For further information regarding Ducati products and events visit www.ducatiuk.com

Notes:

The decibel limit on the day is 105db.

Coaching is free of charge.

This a Ducati only event.

Starting on the 16th June 2012, Richard and Gary are riding the coast of Great Britain in aid of the Leah Wilby Foundation.

The Leah Wilby Foundation ( reg charity No 1146160 ) was set up in Leah's memory. Leah lost her seven year fight with Neuroblastoma on the 13th of June, 2011 at 8.25pm, just 4 weeks before her 16th Birthday.

The objectives and purposes of the charity is to provide holiday accommodation to families supporting young people in the UK suffering from childhood cancer. They have named the caravan Leah's Lounge.

Leah's dad Richard and family friend Gary are starting the 14 day, 4,000 mile ride from the Haven Seashore park where Leah's lounge is situated. Heading North they will be riding as close to the coast as is possible, with no support. Just 2 men, 2 bikes, and a couple of tents. 4,000 miles, 14 days and 2 men with no sense of direction... what could possibly go wrong?

Richard and Gary are looking for a company who would be willing to help with the fuel cost. Any company who can help would have their name or logo printed on the jackets and thanked on all press releases.

They are also looking for normal sponsorship.

If you would like to help please contact the Leah Wilby Foundation, [email protected]

For more information on CoastaLeah and to Follow the ride with daily updates on facebook.

For more information and details of how to donate to the Leah Wilby Foundation, www.theleahwilbyfoundation.co.uk
 
We look forward to hearing from you.

Richard and Gary 

Road safety charity the IAM is offering motorists advice on driving in heavy rain, following Met Office warnings of torrential rain over the coming days.  

IAM chief examiner Peter Rodger  said: "A suddenly very wet road surface increases the chances of slipping when braking or steering, which is a problem not just for motorists, but cyclists and motorcyclists too.  

“When driving in wet conditions remember that stopping distances will increase, and visibility will be reduced. Drop your speed and give yourself more time to slow down.”

In cases of severe flooding, you should reconsider making the journey at all. If it is unavoidable, and you have to drive through deep water, the IAM recommends drivers take the following precautions:

• Drive on the highest section of the road and don't set off if a vehicle is approaching you
• Leave time and space to avoid swamping other cars and pedestrians
• Drive slowly and keep going once you have started – make sure you have a clear run. In a manual car, keep the revs high by "slipping the clutch" (which means the clutch is not fully engaged) all the time you are in the water
• If you can’t see where you are going to come out of the water, such as when approaching flooding on a bend, think twice about starting to drive into it
• In deep water never take your foot off the accelerator, as this could allow water to travel up the exhaust pipe
• Once you're out of the water, dry the brakes before you need them. The best way is to lightly apply the brake as you drive along for a few seconds, after checking nothing is following you too closely.  

The IAM has launched a new website, for biking advice and tips, www.bikingadvice.org.uk with traffic updates, touring advice by country and all you need to know about events and local groups.

Tips cover riding with pillions, in groups and night riding. There’s also a videos page and you can upload your touring photos and stories - get involved at www.betterbiking.org.uk

You are packed and ready to go on your motorcycling holiday abroad. Maps, Sat Nav, credit card, and toothpaste. Just the mosquito spray and clean underpants to get. Your bike is brimmed with petrol and ready to board the ferry for France or Spain. Your Passport is up to date and all the arrangements for contact numbers with friends and relatives have been made; but what about motorcycle repatriation insurance?

You are fit and healthy and your motorcycle is in good condition and only has nine thousand miles on the clock which brings it well within the guarantee period.  

Your aged parents need travel insurance, so why should you? If need be, you’ll push your motorcycle back to the Ferry in the event of a breakdown, or if you have to, in the event of a motorcycle accident you can leave it at the roadside and get the nearest plane back.  

But what if you are so seriously injured that you have to be flown back to the UK by air ambulance (repatriated)? What if you contract a disease that renders you unconscious? What if you injure other people and you are at fault? The ‘what ifs’ are endless and so are the bills that will follow you around if you aren’t insured, this is when you think “I should have taken the motorcycle repatriation insurance option on my bike policy”. Cases have been known to attract bills that can amount to hundreds of thousands and sometime millions of pounds.  

These aren’t the kind of cases that you can go to the County Court with and offer to pay at £5 per week. Medical Insurance companies don’t mess around for their money and usually bankrupt you and take your home and possessions from you. And all because you decided that you didn’t need motorcycle repatriation insurance.  

Repatriation for injured motorcyclists is a costly procedure. Imagine the hospital bills and travelling bills that have to take into account the recovery of your machine. So, what sort of Insurance will you need? How much will you need to be covered for? To be on the safe side, two million pounds worth of cover should be adequate to take care of your needs. You must also make sure that your motorcycle insurance policy covers you for motorcycle repatriation. Another essential is the need for 24 hour coverage. Accidents and illness don’t take heed of what time of day or night it is; but motorcycle insurers and the emergency services do. You must read the small print and understand what you are and are not covered for BEFORE YOU GO.  

‘Support’ insurance will offer you exactly what it says on the document. It will offer you accident assistance and medical treatments. It will also offer you motorcycle legal assistance when you need it most. In some countries, once you are involved in an accident, the matter involves the Police that will usually want to arrest you and incarcerate you in a cell from the moment you are well enough to be imprisoned; guilty or not!   Also check with you bank or any personal insurance you may have. Check with your credit card company to see if they offer you insurance that includes motorcycle repatriation.  

Members of the European Union can obtain basic motorbike insurance cover for medical emergencies and treatment through the EHIC scheme. It is worth looking at the terms and conditions that it offers. Remember, it is only basic insurance and will not cover emergency motorcycle repatriation.   Always take copy documentation with you and leave copies with people who are the first point of contact. Always leave contact details about your person in case you are rendered unconscious and details of your identity are needed as a matter of urgency by the emergency services.