BikeGuard, a continuous barrier attachment specifically designed to offer protection to motorcyclists, has recently been installed on one of the most hazardous stretches of road in England for motorcyclists. Highway Care have supplied and fitted the barrier attachment on A537 Cat & Fiddle road in the Peak District National Park . The Cat & Fiddle Bank was chosen by Cheshire County Council as a prime site needing this preventative measure against motorcyclists suffering high severity injuries from impacting the support posts on the existing safety barrier.
The A537 has amazing views of the surrounding countryside and is therefore used by many bikers. However, this road contains numerous sweeping bends, hills and dips which present a hazard to motorcyclists riding at higher speeds. With BikeGuard in place, a fallen biker will now be redirected along the smooth continuous surface of the barrier and no longer be highly vulnerable to severe injury or worse from contact with vertical barrier posts. This system is approved for use in the UK by its inclusion on the HA list of Approved Road Restraint Systems.
For more infomation visit: www.highwaycare.co.uk
I’m 17 riding with a provisional licence and a CBT and was wondering if it is legal to listen to music using earphones under the helmet whilst riding?
Constituent groups on the net are very useful–I’ll be a Vespa scooter once I get to Bedford in late September ‘07. What’re my first steps to transfer my current US driver’s license w/motorcycle addendum to the UK. Surely I’ll need to take the CBT practical and theory tests? Thanks again–glad to join your online group! Den Kerlee
RoSPA is encouraging employers to promote safer motorcycling through its new ‘Safer Motorcycling Through Work’ guide.
Kevin Clinton, RoSPA head of road safety, said: “With only limited protection offered by ‘secondary safety’ features such as helmets, gloves and riding gear, motorcyclists have to rely almost entirely on ‘primary safety’ – using their skills and experience to safeguard themselves.
“People are often extremely busy with commitments away from work, so we hope employers will enable staff to develop these skills via the workplace.
“Providing opportunities for staff who ride privately, as well as those who ride for work, can bring very real business benefits. The effects of an accident are costly – helping staff stay safe makes good business sense.”
Safer Motorcycling Through Work outlines the ethical, legal, business and practical reasons for employers to consider promoting safer motorcycling. It is particularly useful for employees who want to act as a ‘safer motorcycling champion’ within an organisation and includes advice on fully involving staff in the development of initiatives.
For a free copy contact David Penman on 0121 248 2037, or dpenman@rospa.com – or downloaded one at: www.rospa.com
RonnieCat has asked whether anybody knows where you can get hold of Think Bike stickers – the kind that you can stick in car rear windows. Apparently there are some cars driving around in our area sporting such stickers. Any ideas?
(Or maybe we should consider producing some of our own?)
St John Ambulance run courses specifically designed for bikers, teaching a range of techniques that could save a life in the event of an accident – from dealing with shock, controlling bleeding, safely removing a crash helmet and administering CPR.
The course last 4 and a half hours, and costs £45 + VAT.
For more information, follow the link to the St John Ambulance website.
