NEWS A new tracking system for motorbikes has been developed that aims to improve the recovery rate of stolen bikes and automatically alert the emergency services to a serious accident.
A tag is carried by the legitimate owner and a reader is fitted on the motorbike. If the bike is moved when the owner's tag is not present it immediately alerts the police who can automatically track it.
The recovery rate for stolen motorbikes is 26 per cent compared to 65 per cent for cars due to the ease with which bikes can be loaded into the back of a van and the fact existing anti-theft systems mean the tracking device is not usually switched on until the owner discovers the bike has been stolen.
The system has been developed by security firm Thales, which claims the technology also has the potential to save bikers' lives through an accident-reporting feature that alerts the emergency services to any unusual mechanical readings from the bike.
The telematics technology measures axial angle and G force and reports them to a central unit that can alert the police and ambulance services of any unusual reading associated with a serious accident. The tracking technology then sends the location of the motorbike to the emergency services.
Thales has already won a contract to supply Performance House Holdings with 20,000 of the units, which will be sold under the T-Trac brand in the UK. A similar unit will be sold under the B-Back brand in France, Germany, Austria, Switzerland, the Netherlands, Belgium and Luxembourg.
Rick Cappella, MD of Performance House Holdings, said in a statement: "We are pleased to be able to offer our customers this new solution to improve chances of recovery if their motorcycle is stolen. More importantly though, these units from Thales could save numerous riders' lives by reporting accidents and we are delighted to be able to offer such peace of mind to our customers."
Comments
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1. Karen Challinor
Hmmm wonder how much these cost, I might get one if it's not an arm and leg
2. wild bill Hiccup
I could do with a similar system to be attached to me when I go out with the lads. In the event of being subjected to any unusual forces (falling down) or getting lost on the way to the kebab house, the missus could be notified and pick me up. Couple that with an RFID implant so the bars immediately knows to pour my favourite drink and I will be sorted :)
3. Neil B
Any suggestion that they could also be used to monitor speed would, I suggest, go down like a lead balloon... :p
4. anonymous
Do I really want a Bush era Police State to know my whereabouts at any given time, considering what happened in Macedonia, Croatia, and other areas where they disarmed the civilian population; then went door to door to take in for "questioning" all pretty girls 10 years old and up....so that they all ended up on the opposing religion's RAPE CAMPS for years of serious torture and de-humanization by the rogue POLICE FORCES for rape by rebel soldiers and POLICE. These people look just like you and I, in dress, mannerisms, buildings , skin colors etc. Do I REALLY want them to know my wife and children are home alone? Or do I want to let myself be politically or religiously (based upon my religion...Christian) assassinated like in a scene out of "Easyrider"? You say "Not in America?" geesh....WAKE-UP! Wasn't the cameras on every stoplight enough to tip you off? "Turn in your guns?" NOT ACTUALLY OWNING THE SOFTWARE YOU BUY!!
Still clueless??? A convicted felon who is still AWOL from his post is PRESIDENT??? Bull!! Speak
softly....but always carry a gun
5. bruce boomstick
This will go exactly the same way as every other safety initiative from Thales - Leg Protectors, Air Bags and Type Approval being obvious examples.
A device that's going to monitor how a bike is going to be ridden - are you serious?. I'm sure I want the police to know where and when my Kwak is pulling a massive 3rd gear wheelie (I somehow doubt I'll get a letter of commendation).
Yes - develop a device that tracks stolen bikes by all means, but bear in mind the false alarm issue (anyone that has a datatool alarm knows what i'm talking about).
Just in case anyone thinks this is just a biker issue - would you want one fitted to your 3 series? I think not.
Perhaps if Thales could devote some reseach time to improved anchor points and locking systems - and local authoties deployed such systems more effectively, then there may be some reduction in theft