We have measured noise levels at the ears of police motorcyclists in a wind tunnel and on the road, with several different helmets and motorcycles. Noise levels in the wind tunnel were similar to those on the road.
The graph above shows some examples of noise levels measured under motorcycle helmets during our tests on the roads. Although both BMW motorcycles were ridden by the same person wearing the same helmet, the noise levels differed. The BMW 1100LT has a windscreen which can be raised and lowered, and the noise levels varied with the height of the windscreen. The Kawasaki was ridden by a different person with a different helmet.
Police motorcycle in the
wind tunnel
The measurements in the wind tunnel showed the main source of noise to be the turbulence at the edge of the windscreen's wake acting on the helmet. The rank ordering of helmets by the noise level depended upon the motorcycle and in particular the windscreen height - a helmet which is relatively quiet on one motorcycle can be relatively noisy on another and vice-versa. Low windscreens direct the turbulence to the base of the helmet, and modifications to improve the helmet seal around the neck can reduce noise levels on motorcycles with low windscreens. High windscreens direct the turbulence to the helmet visor and forehead, and modifications to improve the sealing of the visor to the helmet shell are then effective. Such simple modifications to helmets can reduce noise levels by between 5 dB and 8 dB at the ear.
Wind tunnel tests with a flying helmet containing active noise reduction earmuffs demonstrated that noise levels as low as 70 dB(A) at 80 km/h and 80 dB(A) at 115 km/h were achievable at the ear. Similar systems within a motorcyclist's helmet suggest that this potential will not be realised unless the earmuffs are well isolated from the helmet shell and liner. Another method of achieving similarly low levels is to wear good earplugs. Many police forces in the UK are now providing these for their motorcyclists.
If you ride a motorcycle and your hearing sounds muffled afterwards, or if your ears ring, then you are suffering temporary hearing damage, which, if repeated regularly, may become permanent hearing damage. We recommend you consider wearing earplugs under the helmet. Because the earplugs reduce the noise, you may seem to be travelling more slowly, so take extra care to check your speed until you get used to the earplugs.
This project was carried out for the Home Office by ISVR Consulting, the Department of Aeronautics and Astronautics, the Wolfson Unit for Marine Technology and Industrial Dynamics, and Hampshire Constabulary.
We have also measured the noise exposures of motorcycle patrols for one of the motorist breakdown rescue services. The measurements were carried out during the motorcyclists' normal duties to determine whether their full-day noise exposures were below the limits of the UK Noise at Work Regulations.
Briefly, the suggested route is:
Bowburn Hall
Kirkby Stephen
Rivington Barnshttp://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JN8SvpxNvS4
Chester
Chester
Cat and Fiddle Pass
Squires Café
The exact route is still to be finalised but will take in a mixture of Fast Dual Carriageways/Motorways, Winding Single Carriageway A Roads, Scenic/Rural B roads and some town and village transits. A good chance to practise all sorts of riding skills in a single trip.
Total distance is about 450 miles (subject to adjustment) and the riding time – according to Auto Route is about 10 hrs in the saddle, depending on your speed, spread over both days.
Whilst the drop off system is appropriate for shorter ride outs, I think that it is not really appropriate for something on this scale. I suggest that for this trip, members elect to go solo or in smaller groups; this will allow people to travel at a reasonable speed without hindering others or putting them under pressure. In the event of inclement weather or someone needing to start late or finish early, motorways can be used to reduce the transit times and total distance to something, in the order of 6hrs in the saddle & 350 miles – the good thing is it’s down to you how you do it. Pick and choose your poison!
Accommodation. I will offer to book rooms in a Travelodge or similar for a reasonable number of members in advance. Prices are likely to be in the range of £50 – 60 per room double or double single occupancy (might be less if I can get a group booking). I’ll look into it a bit more and let you know what the details are but currently the Travelodges do not have twin rooms available.
You are of course free to book accommodation independently should you wish.
Bill
For those interested in joining the trip, please contact me through the link on the blog & I will pass on your details to Bill.
Course supported and endorsed by: MAG, BMF, IAM (motorcyclists section), and Police Bike Safe schemes at County level.
Course inspected for technical content by IHCD (who produce the Ambulance Service Training manual and First Person on Scene course for First Responders).
Covers first aid guidelines (UK), Scene safety, emergency rescues (when to move, when not to move), manage an incident (with and without rider protective clothing), dealing with collapse, spinal management, when and how to remove safety helmet, different types of safety helmets, solo rescuer helmet removal, severe bleed, shock, suggested first aid kit contents (Kits are made up and available on the course, with explanation as to contents and how and when used), also includes a motor cyclist specific A5 first aid manual, slim line, and ring bound, to make it easy to carry under the seat, or in tank bag, or rucksack, or even in a large jacket pocket.
People and groups who have done this course include MAG, IAM and BMW groups UK wide, also Kevin and Julia Sanders and the staff at Globe busters motorcycle expeditions and the BMW off road rider training school in South Wales.
We also supplied fastest solo rider around the world Nick Sanders, with specifically adapted first aid kits for his expedition Lisbon to Timbuktu.
To keep the costs down to a very reasonable £40.00 per attendee we need at least 20 people to sign up for the training.
Those who are interested in taking the course and equipping themselves with what could be a lifesaving skill (I did this course myself last time we ran it, and when I did need to manage a accident scene it definitely helped focus the mind on the important aspects) please contact Bill McReady via his email (billjean@tiscali.co.uk) or evening phone on 01325 311426.
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Dave is a keen exponent of the benefits of the Internet, and his website (http://www.davidbadcock.co.uk/index.html) contains his photos & write up of the Alaska trip and his other tours.