Motorbikes to get "Riding Aids"

According to the BBC, Mira have developed a riding aid designed to help out bikers in certain situations. The situations it seems to be looking out for you are in your blind spots (plus directly behind you) with radar. It also monitors where you are and, with the help of GPS and a map, will advise on the safest speed by which to take a corner.

I have to admit that I am not too sure about these, considering all the problems I have had on the road are from people not seeing me, not from me missing them.

Full report here: http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/technology-12266406

Mack's Pillow Soft Ear Plugs

Bikes produce noise.Something most (all?) bikers know about. When you are sitting at motorway speeds your ears can be receiving around 100dB of engine/wind noise. That is 5-10dB over the limit that can cause hearing loss (according to this chart). I protected my hearing with normal foam earplugs. However they have a few issues for me. Firstly they are often too long and get pulled out of my ears when I put my helmet on. Secondly, my ears don't seem to get a solid seal around them which will then allow some noise in. Thirdly, I find them uncomfortable if I have to wear them for more then an hour or so.

There are a couple of solutions. The expensive (initially anyway) way is to have some custom made plugs at around £40-50 per set. Expensive yes, however these should last much longer then most foam earplugs. Along the same lines, although cheaper and the route I have chosen, are silicon mouldable earplugs.Unlike foam earplugs, these are not inserted into the ear canal. They only cover the opening of the ear, moulding to the shape of your ear for grip. Having used them now, I can say that they fit very well and remove a large amount of noise. Possibly less then the foam plugs do, but certainly well below the safe noise levels. Extended use; they are very comfortable and I can see that my trip to Cornwall earlier in the year would have been very different for my ears!

They aren't perfect though. They have a limited life, supposedly 5 uses, although I plan to see how many you can get away with! While you put them into position they don't allow the air to escape from your ear, that can cause pressure on the drum which is uncomfortable. Lifting the plug out slightly allows the air to escape and then can be put back in.



Good

• 'Custom' fit to your ear,
• Really comfortable.

Bad

• Potentially short life, could be expensive in the longer run,
• Discomfort while putting in-place.

AA warns bikers of "Road-Rust"

The AA have put up information for riders about the dangers of many "fair weather" riders bringing their bikes out again. Here is the article:

25 March 2009

AA breakdown patrols use motorbikes in some major cities

As thousands of people dust off their motorcycles and take to the road for the first time in months, AA Motorcycle Insurance is advising bikers and other road users to beware of the dangers of 'road rust'.

Many bikers are 'rusty' having not ridden their bikes all winter as are many car drivers who have grown used to having fewer bikes around.
AA comment

Simon Douglas, Director of AA Motorcycle Insurance, says: "We have all heard of road rage, but at this time of year the big danger to bikers is 'road rust' among drivers who have lost the habit of looking out for bikes. The skills of many motorcyclists need polishing too after a long lay-up, so it's important for both to be aware of the risks as the results can be tragic.

"Bikes can be repaired or replaced, but bikers cannot."

Most of Britain's 1.6 million motorbikes will be back on the nation's roads over the next few weeks – a period that normally also sees a big upsurge in accidents. Claims involving motorbikes typically soar by up to 40 per cent in spring, according to analysis by AA Insurance in conjunction with BLD Ltd, the motorcycle accident management specialists.

Longer days and mild weather are set to lure thousands back onto their bikes, as will Easter holiday excursions. But especially hazardous in the lead-up to the holidays are busy rush hour traffic and the school run, which account for a disproportionately high number of accidents.

Mike McMillan of BLD explains: "Fewer than 20 per cent of all motorcycle accidents that involve another party are wholly, or partly, the motorcyclist's fault so it is vital that all road users take extra care – especially in heavy traffic."

Another particular hazard this spring is winter's legacy of damaged roads. The AA estimates that icy weather earlier this year caused a 40 per cent increase in road damage, pushing the UK's pothole count up to 1.5 million. Hitting a pothole at speed on a motorcycle can have devastating consequences.
Safety tips for bikers

Safety tips for bikers from the AA's own motorbike-based breakdown patrols and BLD include:

* Make yourself visible – riding with your lights on at all times increases your visibility to others on the roads
* Always wear protective clothing – even for short trips – including a helmet, protective jacket, trousers, boots and gloves
* Slow down as you approach bends – accelerate out, but make sure you keep to the speed limit. Accelerate and brake smoothly and take extra care in the wet
* Constantly monitor your riding and think about your speed, road position and distance from other traffic. Be aware of your environment and potential hazards such as cars pulling out and damaged road surfaces
* Seek feedback from skilled riders, try a BikeSafe assessment or Advanced Rider training course
* Keep your bike maintained – regularly check wheels and tyres, brakes, battery, lights, oil and chain or shaft
* The quality of fuel and oil can deteriorate over time if your bike is not used for lengthy periods – check and replace if necessary before returning to the road

http://www.theaa.com/motoring_advice/news/road-rust-warning-as-spring-heralds-return-of-the-nations-bikers.html