In 2022, Devon and Cornwall experienced a tragic spate of fatal collisions involving motorcyclists. 16 people were killed - the highest number in five years – with many of the collisions involving no other vehicles and with excess speed and rider error given as major contributory factors.

Motorcyclists are already one of Vision Zero South West’s most vulnerable road user groups. Locally and nationally, despite making up just 1% of total traffic, motorcyclists account for almost 20% of road deaths. The partnership formed a motorcycle task and finish group to attack this issue from several angles.

Working alongside the Department for Transport’s Project Apex and Devon & Cornwall Police, a bespoke hazard perception simulator programme was developed, in partnership with a Spanish company called Lander.

Using a real motorbike – a Honda CB500X – the simulator uses authentic controls including brakes, clutch, throttle and indicators to replicate real-life road conditions. The rider is surrounded by seamlessly integrated video screens to provide a truly immersive experience. All manner of road layouts, weather conditions and driving environments can be replicated in an instant – enhanced by realistic vibration, surround sound and working wing mirrors. The custom software is designed to improve riders’ hazard awareness skills and can recreate any number of scenarios. Real-time analysis is conducted by a team of expert operators – many of whom are police motorbike instructors – who provide detailed feedback and advice on how to improve your riding.

As part of the 12-month pilot, the simulator will be visiting a number of venues and events across Devon & Cornwall throughout 2024. The project, which will undergo thorough evaluation, will look at the effectiveness of simulated hazard awareness on road use by motorcyclists.

MPC Ian Harvey, Devon & Cornwall Police

MPC Ian Harvey has been a police officer with Devon & Cornwall Police for 27 years. He is the Force’s motorcycle instructor and has over 21 years of roads’ policing experience. 

His current role includes motorcycle casualty reduction for the two counties, with Ian overseeing several new and innovative schemes launched this year in a bid to drastically reduce the number of people killed and seriously injured in motorcycle collisions.