The IAM is calling on the government to redesign crash barriers to make them more motorcycle-friendly, as new research from Sweden shows that modern crash barriers actually provide no safety benefits whatsoever to motorcyclists.  

Modern crash barriers are designed to save the lives of drivers, but amongst motorcyclists, hitting a crash barrier is a factor in eight to sixteen per cent of fatal accidents, according to an IAM-sponsored study. Riders are fifteen times more likely to die after hitting a barrier than car occupants.  

Britain’s current barriers protect car occupants by redirecting the car away from the barrier and slowing it down over a short distance. The car’s body, seat belts and air bags also help to minimise injury. For motorcyclists, there is no such protection, leaving the rider’s body to take the full impact, resulting in serious injury or death.   Two-thirds of all collisions between motorcyclists and crash barriers which result in death or serious injury include the rider either falling over or sliding under the crash barrier. Adding a shield to the barrier to prevent the rider from sliding underneath and colliding with support posts would reduce fatalities by up to a third. Crash barrier support posts can worsen the injuries of motorcyclists involved in an accident by five times.  

IAM director of policy and research Neil Greig said: “Our crash barriers are designed with cars in mind, but they can cause more harm than good for motorcyclists. Modifications are happening across Europe as governments recognise exactly how dangerous they are. Last year deaths and injuries of motorcyclists increased in the UK4, so we must do more to protect them.  Adding extra protection the barrier so that the posts aren’t exposed is a simple and cost-effective way to save lives.”

www.iam.org.uk

THE BIKER GUIDE are delighted that the 2nd edition of the booklet is now available!

We have worked on this publication for many months of 2012, to prepare and finalise the design and layout, include new sections, content and information.

It is to be distributed during the autumn, winter and early 2013 months at shows, events, biker friendly cafes and meeting places and via the website… In fact we have already had many enquiries from those who had the 1st edition of the booklet asking for the 2nd edition!

Our main aim is to produce a high quality printed publication, organised into an easy to use format, great to take and keep on a Motorcycle.

We have every faith that it will continue to be as popular as our website, as it has fast become a much wanted, used and kept item for any Biker, especially when out on the road.

THE BIKER GUIDE would like to take this opportunity to thank you all those who contributed to the 2nd edition.

Get it free now - just the p&p to pay for.

Into Africa  

This is the story of an enlightening, yet daunting (and sometimes downright harrowing) journey across fourteen African countries by motorcycle. Sam, a novice biker, decides to break free from the doldrums of everyday life in search of adventure. He finds it!

Into Africa is upfront with adventure, mishaps, dust, heat and the thrill of overlanding. The word-pictures that bring a good travel book to life are all here; Sam’s perceptions of people, places and predicaments have real depth and texture, their associated sights, smells and sounds are evoked with a natural ease.

Whether he’s being shot at, or knocked unconscious in the Namibian desert, this eye-opening tale catapults you into Africa. He lives in a remote village, escapes a bush fire and climbs a mountain. This is a captivating book.

description : Paperback, e-book, enhanced e-book, audio book

Adventure 

Voting for the Irish Motorcyclist of the Year is underway!  

Once again this prestigious award will be decided by bike fans who can choose their favourite rider of the season by voting online.  

The winner of the Enkalon award, in association with Adelaide, will be presented with the famous Joey Dunlop trophy at the Adelaide Motorcycle Awards in Belfast on January 18 next year.  

Previous winner, former British Champion Adrian Coates, is the chairman of the judging panel and assisting the event’s organisers oversee the public vote. He expects the result to be the closest call in many years. Adrian said: “Our riders have excelled on the World, British and Irish stages, both on the short circuits, the roads, and off road. That’s what makes this years vote such an intriguing one. I am encouraging everyone to get involved as we want the winner to be a true reflection of what our motorcycle fans think. They’re a knowledgeable bunch and really know their stuff.”   He continued, ”Every local rider wants to be crowned the best in the country, and to be handed the iconic Joey Dunlop trophy with the famous yellow helmet, on the biggest night for our sport is something very special”  

Last year bike fans logged on in their thousands to cast their vote, and can do so again by visiting the awards website: www.adelaidemotorcycleawards.com

Read the full article on Right To Ride

The Land Rover Defender 110 double cab pick-up, driven in the opening sequence of SKYFALL™ will be on display at the Heritage Motor Centre from the 17th December.

The left-hand drive, Belgium spec, 2.2-litre diesel, 4 wheel drive, 6 speed automatic is seen in the film driven by field agent Eve, played by Naomie Harris.  There were in fact 12 Land Rovers used in the film, all in various stages of damage, and the HMC is delighted to have one of them amongst its collection. The Defender has been on display at both the Paris Motorshow and at Harrods in London.

2012 marks the 50th anniversary of the James Bond film series. SKYFALL™ is the 23rd official Bond film and stars Daniel Craig as 007 for a third time. Jaguar Land Rover provided a staggering 77 vehicles for the film including Land Rover’s full product line-up of; Defender, Range Rover, Range Rover Sport, Range Rover Evoque, Discovery and Freelander, as well as Jaguar XJ for use both on-screen and as production support vehicles.

Stephen Laing, Curator for the Heritage Motor Centre stated “We are delighted to have the Land Rover Defender amongst our collection. We have been privileged to have displayed many iconic and famous film & TV vehicles over the years including Batman & Robins Batcycle, James Bond’s Aston Martin Vanquish from ‘Die Another Day’, Lara Croft’s Land Rover Defender from ‘Tomb Raider’, James Bond’s Aston Martin DBS from ‘Quantum of Solace’, and Dr Who's 'Bessie' a Siva Ford tourer built for the 3rd Doctor Who”.

www.heritage-motor-centre.co.uk