Motorcycle throttle control safety system
The European Commission is almost ready to deploy its new force feedback throttle system, which is aimed at forcibly slowing riders down
As the level of passenger car safety systems continues to improve, the spotlight is increasingly beginning to shift over to Motorcycle safety, both in Australia and particularly in Europe with plans to introduce ABS as mandatory on all motorcycles by 2011.
The European Commission has been working on a new safety system designed to prevent the rider from dialling in more revs in a bid to slow riders down.
The 'force controlled throttle' system works by applying force on the twist grip or throttle cable (via an electric motor) to stop the rider from accelerating in certain situations.
These situations are determined by satellite navigation mapping systems and could include live traffic flow information as well, and are aimed at stopping riders from accelerating should they be speeding or approaching corners at high speeds.
The European Commission (EC) has been working on the 'force controlled throttle' system for around three years, which part of its Saferider project. The test bed is currently fitted to a motorcycle simulator but the EC expects to have it hooked up to a motorcycle this before year's end.
Recent results from the Saferider project describe the force feedback through the throttle as "non invasive" and capable of delivering "highly intuitive feedback".
The scheme is backed by Yamaha, the Federation of European Motorcyclists’ Associations and the Motor Industry Research Association. The new 'force controlled throttle' system is intended to improve motorcyclist safety and reduce traffic incidents by forcing the rider to slow down in situations it deems as unsafe.
What do you think about such systems?
Do you view a force feedback system that limits throttle input as a good way to reduce motorcycle casualties and change rider habits? Let us know your opinion in the comments section below.
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