Deakin has received more than $550,000 in funding to deliver three projects as part of the Victorian Department of Transport and Planning’s Safer Motorcycling Grants Program.
The grant program supports projects that will help improve the safety of motorcyclists on our roads.
Recipients of the grants program will deliver projects to:
- Educate and empower riders on choosing to buy high safety rated gear
- Explore rider behaviour and vehicle design
- Develop cutting-edge tools and systems
- Deliver new training and education programs.
Saving motorcycle riders’ lives and preventing serious injuries remains a key road safety challenge. While motorcycle riding continues to grow in popularity, we know motorcyclists are more vulnerable to injury than other motorists.
Using motion simulators to improve motorcycle clothing
One of the Deakin projects, led by the Deakin Institute for Intelligent Systems, was awarded $281,444 to improve the design of motorcycle and rider clothing using motion simulators in a closed environment.
Researchers will use the Institute’s advanced motion simulator Genesis, which provides simultaneous visual and motion cues to create a realistic driving experience, to explore how different factors like lighting, motorcycle design and rider clothing affect driver recognition during daytime driving.
‘Our motion simulation technology recreates real-world test scenarios in a safe and controlled laboratory setting. This project showcases how we are shaping the future of motorcycle safety to enhance safer interactions between riders and drivers.’
Helping riders choose the best gear
The remaining Deakin projects will be led by the Deakin Institute for Frontier Materials. The first was awarded $113,567 for updating the content of The Good Gear Guide – a guide to help motorcyclists choose the best safety gear to meet their needs.
The guide is currently used by rider trainers across Australia and New Zealand. Originally published in 2008, the revised edition will include updated insights from programs such as MotoCAP and research conducted at Deakin.
The second project was awarded $164,237 for developing educational resources on the dangers of purchasing low-cost protective gear – an important initiative with the growing rise of digital discount marketplaces.
‘Our projects aim to give riders unbiased advice on how they can prepare themselves for a safer ride,’ said Associate Professor Chris Hurren, who is lead for both projects. ‘We want to give riders greater confidence in choosing the right safety gear – a choice that could help them reduce injury severity from a crash.’
Successful Safer Motorcycle Grant Program projects
Funding: $281,444
Developing educational resources on the dangers of purchasing low-cost protective gear
Team: Associate Professor Christopher Hurren, Dr Weiwei Cong
Funding: $164,237
Updating the content of The Good Gear Guide – a guide to help motorcyclists choose the best safety gear to meet their needs
Team: Associate Professor Christopher Hurren, Honorary Associate Professor Liz de Rome
Funding: $113,567
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