BMW and the social motorcycling app REALRIDER have announced a deal through which all new BMW motorcycle owners will be offered a complimentary 12-month subscription to the premium REALsafe service.
While the free REALRIDER app offers a passive safety element, BMW customers will be upgraded to the REALsafe premium service, which allows the app to sense when an accident may have occurred.
If an incident is detected, the app seeks a response from the rider with a series of alerts on their phone. If no response is received, the app then relays the user’s name, medical information and GPS location to the emergency services. If they get no response, an ambulance is dispatched to find and assist the user.
Ian Furse, national sales manager for BMW Motorrad UK, said: “We are always seeking new ways to improve the rider experience which is why we are pleased to announce our partnership with REALRIDER.
“We are giving new BMW motorcycle owners a complimentary subscription to a new social and route-planning app, which also has the potential to improve safety. The innovative ability to automatically call for assistance if the rider is unable to respond comes as a welcome safety net for any motorcyclist.”
Andrew Richardson, REALsafe technologies director, said: “The partnership with BMW gives us an opportunity to protect a large number of their customers.
“Not only will it increase the safety of BMW riders, it will give them access to a range of other benefits designed to help them get the most out of their new bike.”
Don’t get me wrong, I think its a good innovative idea but its not a safety device and will not in itself increase the safety of riders. That is up to the rider and other circumstances.
It will go no way to reducing incidents or collisions but it will at least inform emergency services in the circumstances described and that will help. If no other form of communication is available it will get help to a casualty as early as possible. That is a good thing.
Bob craven lancs…Space is Safe Campaigner
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Well done to Andrew. He has worked really hard to develop this app and it is an excellent product.
Iain Temperton
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