Devon & Cornwall Police have launched their mobile motorcycle simulator, which will be used to engage with inexperienced riders to reduce the risk of motorcycle-related deaths and serious injuries on the roads.

At MVTech we are delighted to have been involved with this exciting project from the start in which we have worked closely with Devon and Cornwall Police and LANDER Simulation & Training Solutions, S.A., the company that supplied the simulator. Working alongside their experienced simulator personnel at our factory in Thurmaston has been an immense pleasure. However, we must admit that we were reliant on their mastery of the English language rather than our limited Spanish! International teamwork at its best.

Motorcyclists are so vulnerable.

The background to this life saving project being that motorcyclists are one of the most vulnerable road user groups. Despite making up just 1% of total traffic, motorcyclists in Devon and Cornwall account for almost 21% of road deaths.

Throughout 2023, the Road Casualty Reduction Team at Devon & Cornwall Police introduced Operation Cosset which used Police Drones to detect unsafe motorcycle riders and assisted officers to provide education surrounding reducing risk on the roads.

The team also worked with motorcycle dealerships to offer observed rides and additional training, installed initiative-taking signage on high harm routes, offered advice at public events, and worked with Devon & Somerset Fire and Rescue Service to deliver ‘Streetwise’ sessions to schools and colleges across the region. Thankfully 2023 saw a 56 per cent reduction in motorcycle-related deaths and serious injuries.

Motorcycle simulator.

Following months of planning and a successful funding bid to the Department for Transport and Vision Zero South West, Devon & Cornwall Police were able to commission the state-of-the-art mobile motorcycle road safety simulator. The simulator being part of national scheme ‘Project APEX’ which aims to reduce the number of motorcycle casualties and collisions across the country.

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

Using a real motorcycle – a Honda CB500X – the simulator is operated using custom software provided by Lander to evaluate rider’s hazard awareness skills with authentic controls including brakes, clutch, throttle, and indicators to replicate real-life road conditions. All of which helps convey 100% realistic sensations to the rider.

The sense of vehicle motion being an essential part of the sensations and decisions experienced whilst driving is the reason LANDER’s simulators incorporate a motion system capable of reproducing the effects of accelerating and braking, negotiating curves, potholes, and many other items in a highly realistic way.

Hence the simulator immerses the trainee in a real-world driving environment thanks to top-quality images and a field of vision which reproduces the view from a real bike replicating a range of road layouts, weather conditions, driving environments, and enhanced by the realistic vibration, surround sound and working wing mirrors.

Where to see the mobile motorcycle simulator

Over coming months, the team will be taking the simulator to colleges across Devon and Cornwall, where students will have the opportunity to speak to the team and evaluate their experience, providing vital feedback to the national project in terms of the suitability of using the motorcycle simulator as a potential training aid.

 The simulator will be attending 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.

Multi Vehicle Technology Ltd

Multi Vehicle Technology Ltd specializes in creating bespoke vehicles that are far from mass-produced or off-the-shelf. Instead, we combine traditional craftsmanship with modern technology to craft unique and individual vehicles for our clients.

Each vehicle is bespoke to meet the specific requirements of a client, reflecting our forward-thinking approach and meticulous attention to detail along with our commitment to innovation which ensures we have the wherewithal to install, where required, the latest and most advanced technology.

In addition to mobile simulators, we also specialize in constructing exhibition vehicles, security vehicles, cash-in-transit vans, mobile surveillance vehicles, incident response units, and incident command vehicles. Our expertise also extends to mobile libraries, outreach vehicles, gaming vans, and a variety of other specialist van conversions.

If you are interested in exploring how the unique skills of the team at Multi Vehicle Technology Ltd can enhance your purpose-built vehicle needs please contact us on 0116 326 0989 or email us at sales@multivehicletechnology.co.uk

We look forward to discussing how we can satisfy your requirements, however demanding they may be.