The motorcycle industry could be doing more to help improve the braking skills of riders, as part of efforts to lower casualty figures.
That’s according to a new campaign by the British Superbike School, which says braking a motorcycle from high speed in the shortest distance requires skill, training and practice.
The ‘Brake for your Life’ campaign notes that ‘injuries are in general proportional to the impact speed’ – and that avoiding or lowering the speed of impact would result in less chance of fatalities or serious life-changing injuries occurring.
Yet, high speed braking is not covered in licence tests.
The campaign calls on all motorcycle trainers, whether learner, post-test or advanced to consider including braking from higher speeds, to try ensure as many riders as possible can stop effectively from at least 60mph.
Mike Abbott, British Superbike School, said: “Motorcycle injury stats have plateaued over the last five years, and with no obvious new safety initiatives in the wings, this would seem an ideal opportunity for a change of emphasis. As riders and a training industry we can help ourselves.
“All motorcycle trainers, whether learner, post-test or advanced, are asked to consider including braking from higher speeds, to try ensure as many riders as possible can stop effectively from at least 60mph.
“Injuries are in general proportional to the impact speed. Clearly in avoiding or lowering the speed of impact, there is less chance of fatalities or serious life-changing injuries. This also depends on hazard perception – which has been part of the licence test for many years – and reaction time.
“It is therefore also suggested that riders consider riding at all times, or when approaching a hazard, with their index and middle fingers on the front brake lever.”
Training schools are using modern bikes with antilock braking systems. No skill is needed. Apply brakes as hard as you can and the bike stops. It stops very quickly and safely. There is no real world gain to adding the proposed changes to the testing regime.
Richard, West Yorkshire
--7
Stopping from speed is a great skill to possess if one rides motorcycles, but if riders are more confident of their ability to stop from speed might they go faster? My amateur knowledge of psychology leads me to think that this might be the case. Would it be preferable if the riders had better hazard assessment skills that resulted in their being slower in the first place?
David Daw, Bury St Edmunds
+9
Makes sense – still hear of CBTs where riders are told to leave the front brake alone.
Ben Graham, Reading
0