Motorbikes 'to get safe driving aids'

[MSTRS:Me]

I don't agree that people will stop using their brains! Any technology like this should be designed on the principle of enhancing our senses, not replacing them.

Imagine if the helmet could highlight debris on the road far in the distance, and even identify it (a tyre on the road, or a piece of metal)? Or if you could detect animals (deer/sheep) in the bush next to the road, which could be about to run on to the road. I think rejecting even the consideration of new safety technology for bikes is being a bit stubborn...

The idea of it is appealing. But I think the reality would be as I said...riders would stop thinking for themselves.

[bogan]

I don't agree that people will stop using their brains! Any technology like this should be designed on the principle of enhancing our senses, not replacing them.

Imagine if the helmet could highlight debris on the road far in the distance, and even identify it (a tyre on the road, or a piece of metal)? Or if you could detect animals (deer/sheep) in the bush next to the road, which could be about to run on to the road. I think rejecting even the consideration of new safety technology for bikes is being a bit stubborn...

and what happens when the system doesn't see the debri? will the rider look as hard for it as without the system, or will they assume there is none?

[shrub]

and what happens when the system doesn't see the debri? will the rider look as hard for it as without the system, or will they assume there is none?

That's something that worries me too.

[Grasshopperus]

So these guys want to give motorcyclists AIDS?

I think I'd prefer to just be friends.

[Spearfish]

That's something that worries me too.

The other side to that is when new riders have only known bikes with these safety aids and cant function very well without them.
Cars have been going down that path for years and look how remote to their task drivers have become.

[oneofsix]

The other side to that is when new riders have only known bikes with these safety aids and cant function very well without them.
Cars have been going down that path for years and look how remote to their task drivers have become.

Valid point. Can't find it at the moment but there is an argument that the biggest improvement to car crash stats would come by replacing the steering wheel airbag with a steel spike. It's to do with the perception of danger.
If the aids assist in perceiving the danger then ok but if it remotes the rider from the danger, and this is were cars tend to have gone, then not good.

[steve_t]

Oh I am all for manual/derestricted bikes. And I agree with continuing to use brains. That's essential.

But think about fighter jets - those guys have heads-up displays, radar, all kinds of sensors. They're not limiting the experience, they're enhancing it. I would love to have the choice: some days I could ride on an old bike with a normal helmet and enjoy the scenery. Then in some situations (for example, commuting) I could wear the hi-tech helmet and have a HUD which warns me of nearby hazards (maybe a special beep for RAV4s har har), superimposes the route to take to avoid traffic jams, or lets me know if the bike isn't running 100%...all that stuff. Or for racing, it could superimpose data (name of rider, whether last lap was faster or slower than yours) on top of bikes in front of you, or let you know lap times. The future could be fun.

HUD to my visor would be sweet

[st00ji]

But did it see the child running out from behind it? If the rider has become reliant on his EWS, he won't be considering that possibility...

thats easy, ban kids! legislation is all thats needed.

[shrub]

HUD to my visor would be sweet

Can't imagine anything worse. I don't want to be distracted from reading road surface, traffic, corners etc. Having my speed and RPM flashing in front of me would be a hazard - if I want to see them I look at them when it's safe to do so.

[The Stranger:Me]

Electronic aids FTW. Not.
http://www.streetfire.net/video/insa...il_2040734.htm

Classic - obviously missed the hot reporter distraction branch.

[awa355]

Christ! I'm glad I'll never be able to afford a new bike if this is what they are going to have built into them. For 44yrs, I 've gotten by using my gray matter. If I'm ever that incompetent that I need something artificial telling me what is in front, judgeing my speed for me, suggesting decisions then I have no place on the road.

I ride a bike because the pleasure of flowing through corners comes from my intake and assessment of my surroundings. Facing and beating the risks.

If I wanted to eliminate all risks of real riding, I would sell the bike and buy a simulator.

[Bliksem]

"One system tested works out if riders are travelling too fast to negotiate upcoming bends. Mira has developed software that acts as a "co-pilot" which, with the help of a digital map, knows what speed they should be travelling to make it round a bend. "

NZ is way ahead! They have a big yellow thingie at each bend with speed in big black letters. Some even have flashing lights that read "Slow Down"

[cheshirecat]

My personal preference is Honda's electronic abs system, which if the reports are anything to go by, mean one can emergency stop on loose sand if need be. And, and, and - something alerting to vehicles comming up behind very fast just outside mirror range - you know that part of a second you haven't glanced behind because of all the impending destruction up front and some plonker's parked their front wing just behind your leg.

Plus of course a smokey bear alert system.

[steve_t]

Can't imagine anything worse. I don't want to be distracted from reading road surface, traffic, corners etc. Having my speed and RPM flashing in front of me would be a hazard - if I want to see them I look at them when it's safe to do so.

Hmmm... you may have a point. I guess HUD on the windscreen of BMW's or fighter jets is a bit different to the visor which is only cm from your eyes. In saying this, the short distance may be helpful if they can make it so the HUD is almost invisible when you're focused a long way down the road. I guess having to change your focus to the inside of the visor could be almost as dangerous as looking down and thus there'd be no point. Hazard detection as in the Green Hornet movie would be interesting though

[simpy1]

I definitely was not thinking speed & rpm. I was thinking of hazard identification, 'augmented reality' style.

Like, that randy unchained goat on the roadside is highlighted in red. Or an outline flashes around the upcoming tar snake. Or it just creates the illusion of arrows/lines on the road that direct you to the nearest pie shop.

For the third time - this is not about ceasing to think! Plus it's years away anyway, so the purists have nothing to fear just yet.