DeviceGuru

French researchers are investigating ways in which motorcycles and mopeds might benefit from Intelligent Transport Systems (ITS) technologies and applications. Prospective applications reportedly include vehicle-to-roadside communications, improved safety, and human/machine interfaces that reduce stress.

At the Human Centered Design for Intelligent Transport Systems recently in Berlin, presenters from France’s National Research Institute on Transport and Safety discussed the potential benefits of ITS technologies to motorcycle safety, reports Terry Costlow in an article published by the SAE’s Automotive Engineering magazine.

Two-wheeled powered vehicles (motorcycles and mopeds) are said to account for a high percentage of road accidents, many of which are fatal. In fact, “motorcycle and moped fatalities accounted for 19 percent of all highway fatalities in EU-19 member countries in 2006,” Costlow writes. Accordingly, “French researchers are setting the parameters of a study that will determine whether ITS applications can significantly improve road safety for powered two wheelers.”

“One aspect of this research will be to avoid negative consequences,” continues Costlow. “That is especially important with motorcycles because riding is a sensitive perceptual and motor task. The European SAFERIDER project is beginning with tests that measure the potential of advanced rider assistance systems and on-bike information systems integration on motorcycles.”

Although not discussed in Costlow’s article, BMW recently showcased a number of next-generation ITS technologies that can benefit motorcycle drivers. BMW’s research, conducted over the past several years as part of Germany’s AKTIV research project, reportedly includes potential improvements to vehicle safety, traffic flow, and “vehicle-2-x” communications.

Read the complete Automotive Engineering article here.

[Motorcycle photo source: BMW]