Devon & Cornwall Police are using a motorcycle simulator to engage with inexperienced riders and reduce the risk of motorcycle-related deaths and serious injuries on the roads.

Using a real motorbike – a Honda CB500X – the simulator is operated using custom software to test the rider’s hazard awareness skills with authentic controls including brakes, clutch, throttle, and indicators to replicate real-life road conditions.

The motorcycle simulator is the first of its kind in the UK and will be used to pilot a national initiative. Over coming months, the team will be taking the simulator to colleges across Devon and Cornwall, where students can evaluate their skills on a bike.

Thanks to a funding bid from the Department for Transport and Vision Zero South West, Devon & Cornwall Police have received delivery of a state-of-the-art mobile motorcycle road safety simulator. The simulator is part of national scheme ‘Project APEX’ which aims to reduce the number of motorcycle casualties and collisions across the country.

Other schemes include Operation Cosset in 2023. The police used drones to detect unsafe motorcycle riders.

The team also worked with motorcycle dealerships to offer observed rides and additional training, installed proactive 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.

Motorcycle casualty reduction officer, Ian Harvey, said: “Motorcyclists are one of the highest risk road users in Devon and Cornwall and across the UK, and we’re hoping the simulator will help us to provide vital skills to inexperienced riders in a safe environment.

“Every death and serious injury on our roads has a devastating impact. We’ll be using the simulator at every available opportunity to engage with riders about how they can hone their skills and help us to reduce the number of deaths or serious injuries on UK roads.”

Motorcyclists are one of the most vulnerable road user groups. Despite making up just 1% of total traffic, motorcyclists account for almost 21% of road deaths in Devon and Cornwall.

In 2022, 16 motorcyclists were killed on Devon and Cornwall’s roads and a further 187 were left seriously injured, prompting the creation of a dedicated task force, supported by the Vision Zero South West road safety partnership, to help drive these numbers down.

The simulator will also be at 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.