British move to cap bike speeds
March 30, 2007
By Peter Griffiths
London, England - Powerful motorcycles could have their top speeds capped to try to cut the death rate among bikers in Britain.
An influential group of MPs wants electronic speed limiters, already fitted to some scooters and high-performance bikes, required by law if the government adopts its idea.
The House of Commons' transport committee said in a report: "Motorcycle accident rates are far too high; they have been for 10 years.
"It is time to consider radical action to tackle this problem."
Many "superbikes" with large engines have devices that restrict top speeds to 300km/h
'Motorcycle accident rates are far too high; they have been for 10 years' - committee
. The committee did not suggest a top speed limit.
A total of 569 motorcyclists were killed and nearly 6000 seriously injured in accidents on Britain's roads in 2005, according to department of transport figures.
The Royal Society for the Prevention of Accidents said in its evidence to the committee it saw no need for motorcycles that could comfortably run at double the National speed limit.
It suggested engine size be limited to 125cc.
The committee said: "A case was made to the committee for limiting the speed of the more powerful motorcycles, though some technical issues still need to be resolved."
It suggested the government should commission research on speed limiters to "stimulate a sensible debate" on the issue.
The committee said it appeared to be government policy to encourage greater use of motorcycles, despite concerns over safety and the environmental damage
'It is time to consider radical action to tackle this problem'
.
"This may be another argument in favour of reducing the maximum power and speed that is available on these vehicles," it reported.
However, the Motor Cycle Industry Association said road safety can be improved by better training, changing attitudes and improving roads rather than just focusing on speed.
Technology that interferes with a rider's control could be dangerous, it said. - Reutershttps://www.motoring.co.za/index.php?fArticleId=3757826&fSectionId=759&fSetId=381
March 30, 2007
By Peter Griffiths
London, England - Powerful motorcycles could have their top speeds capped to try to cut the death rate among bikers in Britain.
An influential group of MPs wants electronic speed limiters, already fitted to some scooters and high-performance bikes, required by law if the government adopts its idea.
The House of Commons' transport committee said in a report: "Motorcycle accident rates are far too high; they have been for 10 years.
"It is time to consider radical action to tackle this problem."
Many "superbikes" with large engines have devices that restrict top speeds to 300km/h
'Motorcycle accident rates are far too high; they have been for 10 years' - committee
. The committee did not suggest a top speed limit.
A total of 569 motorcyclists were killed and nearly 6000 seriously injured in accidents on Britain's roads in 2005, according to department of transport figures.
The Royal Society for the Prevention of Accidents said in its evidence to the committee it saw no need for motorcycles that could comfortably run at double the National speed limit.
It suggested engine size be limited to 125cc.
The committee said: "A case was made to the committee for limiting the speed of the more powerful motorcycles, though some technical issues still need to be resolved."
It suggested the government should commission research on speed limiters to "stimulate a sensible debate" on the issue.
The committee said it appeared to be government policy to encourage greater use of motorcycles, despite concerns over safety and the environmental damage
'It is time to consider radical action to tackle this problem'
.
"This may be another argument in favour of reducing the maximum power and speed that is available on these vehicles," it reported.
However, the Motor Cycle Industry Association said road safety can be improved by better training, changing attitudes and improving roads rather than just focusing on speed.
Technology that interferes with a rider's control could be dangerous, it said. - Reutershttps://www.motoring.co.za/index.php?fArticleId=3757826&fSectionId=759&fSetId=381
