UK Motorcycle Group Wants The Government To Prove That Self-Driving Cars Are Safe For Bikers

The Motorcycle Action Group (MAG) is demanding the UK government to show proof that self-driving cars is safe for motorcyclist in the country.

UK wants to fully allow self-driving vehicles on UK roads by 2025.
MAG demands a solid evidence that self-driving cars are safe for riders.

MAG believes that self-driving vehicles present a dangerous threat to riders if they are allowed on the road.

The UK government plans to fully allow self-driving vehicles to be on UK roads by 2025 as announced last week.

However, MAG is concerned that the safety of riders is not put into consideration during the decision making process.

“It is a source of great concern that – once again – the interests of motorcyclists are an afterthought.

“Years of development of these systems have not taken sufficient care of motorcyclists’ interests. Whilst the elimination of driver error may be a laudable goal, it is of no interest if that error is simply replaced by automatic incompetence.

“We will be holding the Government and authorities to account and demanding to see genuine evidence that these vehicles will not place riders at higher risk than human drivers do.

“Given that independent testing is yet to commence, I find it hard to understand how the [Transport Secretary, Grant Shapps] can be so confident that the roll-out is sensible at this time,” said MAG.

Based on a research conducted by the Netherlands Vehicle Authority (RDW) in 2016, self-driving cars struggled to adapt when there is a motorcycle riding close to the edge of their lane. The driver had to take control of the car to avoid contact.

(source: Visordown)

Nigeria To Impose Ban On The Use And Sale Of Motorcycles

Nigeria’s government is considering imposing a ban on the sale and use of motorcycles across the nation.

The ban is part of an effort to hamper terrorist group movement in the country.
Motorcycles is the primary mode of transportation for bandits in Nigeria.

In an unusual development, the government’s ban on motorcycles is an effort to stop terror attacks.

According to Nigeria’s Minister of Justice, Abubakar Malami, motorcycles is currently the primary mode of transportation used by the terrorist group in the country.

The banning would immediately hamper the group logistics.

“Placing a ban on the use of motorcycles and mining activities will cut the supply of logistics to the terrorists.

“This will be done in the national interest. We are Nigerians because Nigeria as a country exists and any issue that will translate into a threat to national security or the corporate existence of the country requires certain sacrifices,” he said.

According to reports, members of the terrorist group known as ‘bandits’ mainly use motorcycles to carry out their activities, including killings and kidnapping.

Just last week, Governor Bello Mattawale of Zamfara State announced a curfew for motorcycles in the town of Gusau.

He also directed his security personnel to shoot on sight anyone caught riding a motorcycle between 8 pm to 6 am.

While the nationwide ban is still under consideration, it would certainly have huge implications, especially for the majority of its population that depends on two-wheelers as a mode of transportation to go on their daily lives.

Nigeria is currently the world’s sixth most populated country, with an annual motorcycle sales figure of more than 500,000.

Triumph-Bajaj Partnership To Roll Out First Motorcycle In 2023

We’ve been hearing about Triumph-Bajaj collaboration for a while now and although we’ve seen the motorcycle they are working on, both parties have yet provided the exact launching date.

Triumph-Bajaj partnership to debut the new motorcycle in 2023.
Expected to feature between 200cc to 250cc engine capacity.
Bajaj to manufacture the motorcycle in a new manufacturing plant in Chakan, India.

However, according to recent speculations, the Triumph-Bajaj partnership will release their first motorcycle in 2023.

The motorcycle is expected to make a mark in the premium entry-level class that is now high demand especially in India, Asia and Europe.

Despite no words on the engine capacity, the collaboration is likely to have engine sizes ranging from 200cc to 250cc.

If the launch is due in 2023, the debut model could make a surprise appearance at the EICMA show in Milan, Italy later in the year.

While it may carry Triumph’s badge, the motorcycle will be manufacturer out of Bajaj new manufacturing plant in Chakan, India.

This would aid greatly in ensuring the price point of the motorcycle which could also lead to a higher sales volume.

Benelli Is The Best Selling Two-Wheel Brand In Italy For First Half Of 2022

Benelli is making great strides in 2022, with over 8,522 new motorcycles registered in Italy.

Benelli sold more than 8,000 units in the first six months of 2022.
The TRK 502 is the brand’s most famous motorcycle, with more than 4,000 units registered in Italy in 2022.

According to the company, the sales projection marks a six per cent increase compared to last year’s period.

For a company that Chinese-based QJ Motors own, the numbers certainly seem that Italian riders are satisfied with the brand.

Thanks to the trust, Benelli became the best-selling motorcycle brand in Italy for the first six months of 2022.

Moreover, for a brand that has to compete with big players like Ducati and Aprilia, becoming the best-selling motorcycle brand in Italy is a historical moment.

While some might question the authenticity of Benelli as an Italian brand, the reality is that plenty of companies are financed by other firms that is based elsewhere.

Considering Benelli is making great strides in terms of sales in Italy; clearly Italians are in love with the brand.

Interestingly, the TRK 502 has played a pivotal role in Benelli’s 2022 success so far. Out of the total, Benelli sold 4,436 units of the TRK 502 in the first six months of 2022.

“Today, we are facing a historic result. An extraordinary milestone, achieved thanks to the incredible commitment, passion and determination of all those who are part of this company,” said Benelli Italia sales manager Gianni Monini.

Hells Angels Motorcycle Club Leader, Sonny Barger Dies At 83

Ralph Hubert “Sonny” Barger, the leader and founder of the Oakland chapter Hells Angels has died at the age of 83.

Barger founded the Oakland chapter Hells Angels in 1957.
he announced his own death in a pre-written statement on Wednesday.

The confirmation news was announced by Barger’s former attorney Fritz Clapp and disclosed that he died at his home on Wednesday following a battle with liver cancer.

Barger also made a surprised announcement on his own death on Wednesday in a pre-written statement posted on his Facebook page.

“If you are reading this message, you’ll know that I’m gone. I’ve asked that this note be posted immediately after my passing.

“I’ve lived a long and good life filled with adventure. And I’ve had the privilege to be part of an amazing club. Although I’ve had a public persona for decades, I’ve mostly enjoyed special time with my club brothers, my family, and close friends.

“Keep your head up high, stay loyal, remain free, and always value honor.” He signed the note, “Sonny HAMCO,” a nod to the Hells Angels Motorcycle Club Oakland that he founded in 1957.

Hells Angels gained prominence in 1967 after the publication of Hunter S. Thompson’s, Hell’s Angels: The Strange and Terrible Saga of the Outlaw Motorcycle Gangs.

However, the cultural appeal was short-lived as the group were involved in a violent confrontation with concertgoers at the 1969 Rolling Stones’ Altamont Free Concert, which led to the stabbing and death of audience member Meredith Hunter by a member of the Hells Angels.

Four years later, Barger’s himself was convited on a narcotics charges, resulting in an almst five-year prison sentence.

Expert Suggest Motorcycle E-Hailing To Combat Traffic Congestion In Klang Valley

A local transport expert wants the Malaysian government to reconsider reallowing motorcycle e-hailing services to operate in the country to reduce traffic congestion.

Klang Valley recorded a spike in traffic congestion during the month of Hari Raya.
motorcycle e-hailing services is seemed as a way to help reduce traffic jams in major cities.

Due to the recent spike in traffic congestion in Klang Valley, a transport expert has suggested that the government should reconsider introducing motorcycle e-hailing services.

Transport expert Rosli Azad Khan said that neighboring countries like Indonesia and Thailand have successfully rolled out such services, yet Malaysia seemed hesitant to allow it.

“Motorcycle e-hailing services are not allowed here due to safety issues. They have been done safely in Indonesia and Thailand, but I don’t know why it’s not being introduced in Malaysia,” he said.

Last November, Deputy transport minister Henry Sum Agong confirmed that the government has no plans to introduce motorcycle e-hailing services due to the high road accidents involving motorcyclists.

However, Rosli suggests that proper screening could be done before hiring riders, and such services should also provide insurance cover for passengers.

He said that GPS tracking should also be applied to keep tabs on the riders. – FMT

Swedish Company Developing Airbag Parachute System For Riders

Airbag Inside is working on an all-new parachute system for motorcycle riders that will deploy upon impact.

the parachute will help riders from crashing onto the guardrail or wall on the racetrack.
the system is not similar to conventional canopy chute and instead will rely on two small chute position above the head.

There are many types of airbag-clothing system already available in the market, mainly by placing the airbags inside the jacket or vest.

The same mechanism is also applied to high-end racing suits currently used by MotoGP and WorldSBK riders.

However, a Swedish company, Airbag Inside is stepping up the game with a more ambitious idea for the future of rider safety.

The company’s latest patents revealed that they are currently working on an airbag-equipped boot and a parachute system.

One might think the parachute system is a bit over the top for a rider on the road but the system has been used for decades to slow dragsters and military aircraft, especially at places that offer limited space to bring vehicles to a stop quickly.

The idea of a parachute is to stop riders – particularly on the racetracks – from reaching the wall or guardrail after a crash. Currently, riders rely mainly on the friction between the racing suits and the gravel/asphalt to stop them.

However, the parachute system is not similar to the conventional nylon-canopy parachute that relies on cords and passing overflow to deploy the main chute.

Any rider could easily get tangled with the drogue or the main chute during the deployment.

Airbag Inside plans to use two small canopies that could expand to full shape immediately without the need of passing airflow to full deploy like a conventional chute.

The main cords are positioned above the rider’s head to keep them away from the rider’s neck hence reducing the chance of tangling.

The parachute system also ensures the rider slides feet first once inflated, pulling them away from the bikes or any hazardous obstacles on the track,

According to reports, Airbag Inside wants the technology to be applied for racetrack use considering the trajectory of a bike crash is more predictable than on public roads.

Spa-Francorchamps Finally Getting The Renovation It Deserves

The legendary Spa-Francorchamps racing circuit in Belgium is finally getting a much-needed renovation ahead of the planned return of two-wheel racing in 2022.

Crews already began the extensive work of the circuit at the end of last year as preparation for the 2022 Fédération Internationale de Motocyclisme Endurance World Championship (or FIM EWC) scheduled to take place on June 2, 2022.

Spa CEO Natalie Maillet oversaw an intention to renovate the track back in 2019, but her tragic death at the hands of her husband jeopardized the plan.

However, Maillet’s dream to modernize Spa-Francorchamps is now back on track (no pun intended) which will cost around EUR25 million (RM115mil).

The main criteria of the renovations are to upgrade the condition of the facilities and increase the safety aspect of the surrounding area.

Careful analysis of how and why racers have crashed, including meeting the circuit certification requirements from FIM and FIA, is extensively considered during the renovations.

The upgrades also include a state-of-the-art medical facility.

The plan is to prepare the track for the FIM and FIA inspections in April 2022.

Motorcycle Death In London Down By 60% And Nobody Knows Why

It has been a remarkable year for the city of London, as motorcycle death drops by 60 per cent in provisional figures as announced during the Transport for London motorcycle and road safety meeting.

While the meeting was attended by a number of prominent motorcycle organisations including BMF (British Motorcyclists Federation), MAG (Motorcycle Action Group), Keith Prince (GLA, MAG member & Assembly Member), Dave Bottomley (MET Sergeant & BikeSafe) and TfL officials, but as it turns out, nobody is sure what is the primary factor behind the significant drop in accidents.

“I’m impressed with the dramatic fall in motorcycle deaths in London last year.

“The officers committed to working with the London riding community to further understand the reasons for this welcome improvement, plus engaging with the delivery rider sector on safety issues, and treating all two-wheeler users fairly and without discrimination.

“Overall, this meeting was results-orientated in a very tangible way,” said Keith Prince, Deputy Chair of the GLA Transport Committee.

While the primary factor behind the low numbers is still widely discussed, perhaps among other reasons is the 30km/h speed limit in the city centre that helps lower motorcycle fatalities.

The second possibilities are the lower traffic counts in the past two years as more Londoners have been working from home due to the ongoing pandemic.

Meanwhile, the number of motorcycle fatalities is expected to decrease in 2022 as a new speed limit of 15mph (25km/h) is implemented across London, as announced last year.

(Source: VisorDown)

Malaysia May Surpass Thailand As The World’s Worst Motorcycle Deaths

Malaysia may overtake Thailand as the world’s worst death rate for motorcyclists, as reported by FMT.

According to Bukit Aman’s traffic department reports, motorcyclists accounted for more than 70.2 per cent of nationwide death of 2,954 from January to August. That is seven out of 10 deaths just this year.

Muhammad Marizwan Abdul Manan, Malaysian Institute of Road Safety Research (Miros) Road Safety Engineering and Environment Research Centre Director, concluded that Malaysia could reach a staggering fatality rate in a few years.

“The latest data by police is staggering since we projected that Malaysia could only reach the fatal crash rate of 70% by 2025 (for motorcycles) if we compare with other road users,” he said.

So far, Thailand is ranked as the worst motorcycle death rate globally since 2015, with over 74 per cent of overall 22,491 road casualties.

Meanwhile, since 2015 Malaysia’s motorcyclist death rate currently ranging from 62.7 to 67.3 per cent, with a total of 26,316 death.

According to Marizwan, the rate will continue upward as traffic volume is expected to increase exponentially once inter-state travel is allowed.

“Since last year, road traffic in Malaysia, in general, was not heavy because of various travelling restrictions due to the pandemic but looking at the current situation, this is possible by 2025 if we do nothing now,” he added.

(Source: FMT)

Check out this homemade methane powered motorcycle

Dutch engineer builds methane powered motorcycle in bid for sustainable motoring.

(more…)

Paris To Restrict Speed To Just 30km/h, Motorcycles Have To Pay For Parking

Mayor of Paris, Anne Hidalgo, has announced a 30km/h speed limit in the French capital with motorcycles and scooters have to pay for parking starting next year.

The speed limit will take place on all of Paris city streets by August this year; however, the ring road will maintain its 50km/h rule.

According to Hidalgo, the new rule is part of the city initiative to transform Paris into an environmentally friendly city and turning it into a pedestrian haven.

Furthermore, the city will start charging parking fees for every motorcycle and scooter and cut the current 140,000 street parking to just 60,000 to make more space for pedestrians.

Based on reports, Paris wants its people to use bicycles or public transport including walking to get around the city centre.

(Source: Bangkok Post)

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motorcycle

The Motorcycle Action Group (MAG) is demanding the UK government to show proof that self-driving cars is safe for motorcyclist in the country.

Nigeria’s government is considering imposing a ban on the sale and use of motorcycles across the nation.

We’ve been hearing about Triumph-Bajaj collaboration for a while now and although we’ve seen the motorcycle they are working on, both parties have yet provided the exact launching date.

Benelli is making great strides in 2022, with over 8,522 new motorcycles registered in Italy.

Ralph Hubert “Sonny” Barger, the leader and founder of the Oakland chapter Hells Angels has died at the age of 83.

A local transport expert wants the Malaysian government to reconsider reallowing motorcycle e-hailing services to operate in the country to reduce traffic congestion.

Airbag Inside is working on an all-new parachute system for motorcycle riders that will deploy upon impact.

Dutch engineer builds methane powered motorcycle in bid for sustainable motoring.

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