Cops get motorbike simulator to help reduce risk

It's touring this summer

Devon & Cornwall Police have announced the arrival of a motorcycle simulator, which will be used to engage with inexperienced riders.

The cops want to reduce the risk of motorcycle-related deaths and serious injuries.

Bikers are one of the most vulnerable road user groups. Despite making up just one per cent of traffic, they account for almost 21 per cent of road deaths in Devon and Cornwall.

In 2022, 16 motorcyclists were killed on Devon and Cornwall’s roads and a further 187 were left seriously injured, prompting the creation of a dedicated task force, supported by the Vision Zero South West road safety partnership, to help drive these numbers down.

Last year, the Road Casualty Reduction Team at Devon & Cornwall Police introduced Operation Cosset which utilised Police Drones to detect unsafe motorcycle riders and helped officers provide education around reducing risk.

The simulator is the first of its kind in the UK and will be used to pilot a national initiative, testing the effectiveness of simulated hazard awareness training and its impact on the reduction of serious and fatal collisions.

Using a real motorbike – a Honda CB500X – the simulator is operated using custom software to test rider’s hazard awareness skills with authentic controls including brakes, clutch, throttle, and indicators to replicate real-life road conditions.

Riders aged 16 and up will be surrounded by integrated video screens to provide a truly immersive experience; replicating a huge range of road layouts, weather conditions and driving environments, and enhanced by realistic vibration, surround sound and working wing mirrors.

Natalie Warr, partnership manager of Vision Zero South West, said: “We know additional training is an effective way of improving road user skills and awareness, which is why the partnership was so keen to back this exciting project.

“As a partnership, we have supported Devon & Cornwall Police with a number of pioneering motorcycle safety projects - including Op Cosset and a targeted behaviour change campaign led by biker legend Henry Cole. The results so far have been really encouraging so we look forward to seeing the full impact of this work in the future.”

The simulator will also be at local large-scale public events throughout the summer, such as Bideford Motorcycle Show, The Mega Ride Festival, Devon County Show, Royal Cornwall Show, Torbay Air Show and Plymouth Armed Forces Day as well as national events including Formula 1 and Motor GP and British Superbikes.