Crash barriers

[Stu]

Press Release
02 December 2008

Motorcyclists dying needlessly, says IAM report

One in six motorcyclist deaths could result from hitting a crash barrier, and in such collisions a rider is 15 times more likely to be killed than a car occupant, according to new research released today by the IAM (Institute of Advanced Motorists).

‘Barriers to change: designing safe roads for motorcyclists’ examines why crash barriers are life savers for car drivers but can kill vulnerable motorcyclists. Its findings are particularly critical of crash barrier support posts that can cause injuries five times more severe than in an average motorcycle crash.

IAM Director for research and policy, Neil Greig, said: “Although riders should take responsibility for their own safety, our road authorities must now ‘Think Bike’ and design crash barriers that give riders protection against the aggressive features that cause devastating injuries.

“France has retro-fitted lower rails to prevent riders hitting support posts at the most vulnerable sites on its road network, leading to rates of return of around 400 per cent. If it can be done in France it must now be done in the UK.”

The research panel which produced the report in conjunction with the IAM and the European Road Assessment Programme (EuroRAP) is calling for new guidance on the design and use of ‘motorcycle friendly’ barriers.

EuroRAP’s European Programme Director, Dr Joanne Hill says: “It wouldn’t be possible to install ‘motorcycle friendly barriers’ across a nation’s roads overnight. However the new report shows how some countries are already assessing roads by systematic action to ensure that barriers are made safe for motorcyclists in areas of highest risk. The commitment by governments across Europe is needed to fund these high return safety programmes.”

ENDS

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Was there a similar campaign for street light posts too? I'm sure I saw one somewhere. Truth is, we're the minority, I very doubt the government will change these barriers just to save a few riders lives, as much as it sadens me to say it. I guess we should focus on riding safer and not hitting the barrier in the first place. Not always up to us though is it.

[G]

I would LOVE for this to happen alas I fear it would probably cost to much for them to really care.

One of my biggest fears is hitting the post of an armco barrier and my girlfriend not being able to see me in one piece again before I'm cremated.

The cat and fiddle has a lower barrier on all dodgy corners now, they were fitted at the end of summer.

[Bluepete]

Get that welsh bloke from The Fun Police on it. He'd have it sorted in a jiffy.........................by closing all roads!

I think that any changes would more likely be in the shape of compulsory safety clothing rather than changes to road infrastructure. Much cheaper for the government.

[G]

Originally Posted by madness

I think that any changes would more likely be in the shape of compulsory safety clothing rather than changes to road infrastructure. Much cheaper for the government.

Compulsory could potentially mean VAT free aswell.....cheaper clothing.

Would not make a blind bit of difference when you hit an armco upright at 50mph.......best way to stop that is to stop you being able to hit the uprights in the first place.

[Luckypants]

In fairness, the lower barriers are being fitted on corners where there is a proven risk. No comfort to the family of the poor biker who proves the risk though! We have them in places in North Wales.

Originally Posted by Luckypants

In fairness, the lower barriers are being fitted on corners where there is a proven risk. No comfort to the family of the poor biker who proves the risk though! We have them in places in North Wales.

+1. Padog is just one place that springs to mind as being notorious for biker's coming off to varying degrees. The road has been re-engineered (to make the bends less severe - also less fun but you can't have everything!) and lower barriers have been put in place for exactly the reason in the OP.

It does, and has been happening for a while in the UK, just not as often as I think it should.

[Stu]

Originally Posted by DanAbnormal

Was there a similar campaign for street light posts too? I'm sure I saw one somewhere. Truth is, we're the minority, I very doubt the government will change these barriers just to save a few riders lives, as much as it sadens me to say it. I guess we should focus on riding safer and not hitting the barrier in the first place. Not always up to us though is it.

that was my view too until I read that they are doing it in France

Originally Posted by Luckypants

In fairness, the lower barriers are being fitted on corners where there is a proven risk. No comfort to the family of the poor biker who proves the risk though! We have them in places in North Wales.

Originally Posted by Baph

+1. Padog is just one place that springs to mind as being notorious for biker's coming off to varying degrees. The road has been re-engineered (to make the bends less severe - also less fun but you can't have everything!) and lower barriers have been put in place for exactly the reason in the OP.

It does, and has been happening for a while in the UK, just not as often as I think it should.

That's good to hear, Cat & Fiddle too.

[Luckypants]

Originally Posted by Baph

The road has been re-engineered (to make the bends less severe - also less fun but you can't have everything!) and lower barriers have been put in place for exactly the reason in the OP.

Yeah but the bend that has folks that don't know the road off is hardly changed. It is a tightening left hander with an intimidating wall for those taking a 'racing line' (aka stupid), many folks run wide by hitting the brakes or not having control / bottle to lean it some more. This bend still has the nasty tightening kink, just a bit more 'wriggle room' from the lane being widened. End of the day, up to the rider to ride to the road he can see and you cannot see a lot heading into that one.

The lower barriers are a good move to stop anyone getting stuck under them, because more weekend warriors will come off there, despite the improvements.

What I'm saying is that no matter how a roads safety is improved, drivers need to not crash