Devon & Cornwall Police have unveiled a new state-of-the-art motorcycle simulator, which will be used to engage with inexperienced riders.
Funded by the DfT and Vision Zero South West, the simulator is described as the first of its kind in the UK.
Using a real motorbike – a Honda CB500X – the simulator is operated using custom software to test rider’s hazard awareness skills with authentic controls including brakes, clutch, throttle, and indicators to replicate real-life road conditions.
Riders aged 16 years and over will be surrounded by integrated video screens to provide a truly immersive experience; replicating a huge range of road layouts, weather conditions and driving environments, and enhanced by realistic vibration, surround sound and working wing mirrors.
The simulator is part of the national scheme, ‘Project APEX’, which aims to reduce the number of motorcycle casualties and collisions across the country.
It is being piloted to the effectiveness of simulated hazard awareness training and its impact on the reduction of serious and fatal collisions.
Ian Harvey, motorcycle casualty reduction officer, said: “Motorcyclists are one of the highest risk road users in Devon and Cornwall and across the UK, and we’re hoping the simulator will help us to provide vital skills to inexperienced riders in a safe environment.
“Every death and serious injury on our roads has a devastating impact. We’ll be using the simulator at every available opportunity to engage with riders about how they can hone their skills and help us to reduce the number of deaths or serious injuries on UK roads.”
Over coming months, the simulator will be taken to colleges across Devon and Cornwall, where students will have the opportunity to speak to the team and evaluate their experience, providing vital feedback to the national project in terms of the suitability of using the simulator as a potential training aid.
The simulator will also be at local large-scale public events throughout the summer, such as Bideford Motorcycle Show, The Mega Ride Festival, Devon County Show, Royal Cornwall Show, Torbay Air Show and Plymouth Armed Forces Day as well as national events including Formula 1 and British Superbikes.
Natalie Warr, partnership manager of Vision Zero South West, said: “Our collective aim is to reduce the number of people killed and seriously injured on Devon and Cornwall’s roads – and we are committed to supporting innovative and creative projects such as this.
“We know additional training is an effective way of improving road user skills and awareness, which is why the partnership was so keen to back this exciting project.”
Comment on this story