200 likes | 440 Views
National Road Safety Forum Safe Vehicles: Safer Motorcycles FCAI View. Rhys Griffiths FCAI 30 July 2013. A global industry Motorcycles are not cars Safety / Technology in motorcycles Challenges. Introduction. A Global Industry.
E N D
National Road Safety ForumSafe Vehicles: Safer MotorcyclesFCAI View Rhys Griffiths FCAI 30 July 2013
A global industry Motorcycles are not cars Safety / Technology in motorcycles Challenges Introduction
A Global Industry • In 2008 there was an estimated 301 million PTWs in regular use around the world • This represents a near doubling of the figure from 2000 • 90% of these PTWs are found in Asia • 38 million new PTWs sold in 2008 • 85% of all new PTWs sold in Asia • Estimated 3.5 – 4 million people employed worldwide in industry, directly & indirectly
A Global Industry, Australia • Australian PTW estimated park in 2012 is 709,000 • This represents 4.25% of all registered vehicles in Australia • Globally the Australian market represents only 0.25% of total sales • 92,000 PTWs sold in Australia in 2012 • Motorcycle and related industries in Australia employ approximately 5,500 people • Estimated contribution of $3.6 billion to Australian economy
A Global Industry; Australia • Australian market is unique in Asia Pacific • Australian market is more closely aligned with USA and Europe • Market is broadly divided into three PTW segments, Off-Road (41%), Road (47%) and Scooter (12%) • However within Off-road and Road segments there are several sub-categories, further dividing the market • Significant percentage of Off-road product is not or non registrable USA
Motorcycles are not Cars • Motorcycles are, in a vast majority of cases, a non-essential (discretionary) purchase • Motorcycles are, in a vast majority of instances, used for recreation, even on public roads • The usage of motorcycles, and type of motorcycles spans all types imaginable • The demographic of motorcycle riders is as broad as society itself
Motorcycles are not Cars • Motorcycles are a single track vehicle • Technology that is applicable to motorvehicles may not be applicable to motorcycles • Skills required to control a motorcycle are unique
Safety / Technology in Motorcycles • Design • Chassis • Powertrain • Engine configuration; drive mechanism • Ergonomics • Wind / weather protection; comfort; control • Suspension • Suitable for different terrain; adjustable • Tyres • Suitable for terrain; grip; wear; punctures
Safety / Technology in Motorcycles • Motorcycle Brake Systems • Motorcycle Brakes are usually separated into front and rear with independent actuation • Requires skill and practice to achieve optimum performance • If over applied cause wheel lockup and loss of stability
Safety / Technology in Motorcycles • Antilock Braking Systems • Now small, lightweight and unobtrusive • High powered processing units • Specifically adapted to motorcycle needs • Will be mandatory fitment for motorcycles above 125cc from 2016 (for new type approvals) and for all new vehicles from 2017 (Europe) • Enduro and Trials motorcycles are exempted
Safety / Technology in Motorcycles • USA appears to have little appetite to strongly pursue mandating ABS • Approximately 80% of motorcycles on sale in Australia (FCAI members) have ABS either as standard fitment or as an option* • ABS not appropriate for all riding conditions. Off-road trail / enduro / motocross etc. style motorcycles not suited to ABS
Safety / Technology in Motorcycles • ABS is one technical aid that can, if used appropriately, help in some potential accident situations • Research has shown that a relatively small proportion of accidents result from over application of brakes resulting on a motorcycle “overturn” (about 1% front wheel, and 8% rear wheel) (MAIDS, 2004 and Hurt et al, 1981) • Some academic ABS research, using extrapolated and comparative data draws unrealistic conclusions about the potential benefits of ABS
Safety / Technology in Motorcycles • Intelligent Transport Systems • Manufacturers are aware of the potential societal benefits of ITS (vehicles, infrastructure and traffic systems) • Vehicle usage, aspects such as size, usage and exposure to environment and vehicle dynamics vary considerably, as well as from vehicle to vehicle • Deployment will depend on rider acceptance • Individual manufacturers working on ITS and solutions. Challenge will be harmonisation and agreement on what technology to pursue
Safety / Technology in Motorcycles • Traction Control Systems • Already in use in conjunction with ABS systems • Multi adjustable to suit riding conditions • Not suitable for all road conditions or riding types • Needs to be able to be deactivated on motorcycles with off-road capability
Safety / Technology in Motorcycles • Motorcycle Rider Protection • Personal Protective Gear • New materials and impact absorbent protection • Lightweight helmets • Kevlar / Carbon fibre clothing • Heated clothing • Hi Visibility Clothing
Challenges for Brands • Create and deliver value; • Integrating technology at an affordable price • Factors to be considered; • Worldwide markets • Urban transport vs. recreation • Design and development cycle
Challenges for Government • Understanding the issue • Accident Data collection • Licencing (dual challenges) • Transport Policy • Congestion • Road Safety • Protective Clothing • Road Surface • Training • Appropriate and affordable training
Challenges for Riders • Choosing the correct motorcycle • Licence and usage • Understanding the risk • Protective Clothing • Application of knowledge • Initial Training, and refresher training • Minimising the risk • Understanding limitations • Both Motorcycle and rider
Summary • Motorcycle industry is a global industry; • Australia accounts for only 0.25% of Global Motorcycle sales • Australia cannot drive Global market requirements • Industry continues to innovate; • Manufacturers continue to seek competitive advantage through application of technology • Driven by competition • Challenges; • Rider safety; Customer mindset, understanding riders motivation to be safe
Summary • You cannot engineer a solution to a behavioural problem