Devon and Cornwall Police hope biking simulator will save lives

Police will be taking the simulator to colleges and large public events during a 12-month pilot period

Police in Devon and Cornwall are piloting a new, mobile, state-of-the-art motorcycle road safety simulator.

It combines a real motorbike with custom software to test a rider's hazard awareness skills.

The police road casualty reduction team will be taking the simulator to colleges and public events across Devon and Cornwall.

They said the aim was to offer a safe environment for young or inexperienced riders to test their skills.

Sgt Owen Messenger said road casualty statistics made "hard reading".

"Motorcyclists make up around 1% of the total motoring community, yet the make up around 25% of those killed or seriously injured in collisions," he said.

"16-24 year olds are the most vulnerable ones of those.

"If we can reduce that by using this [a simulator], that must be a good thing."

Officers described the simulator as "a truly immersive experience", allowing users to experience a range of road layouts, weather conditions and driving environments.

Car driver Charlie Shattock's godfather was killed riding a motorbike 10 years ago.

He believes the simulator will benefit all road users, not just bikers.

Charlie Shattock's godfather was killed in a motorcycling accident

"I think this is an incredible bit of kit for inexperienced riders to get behind and learn to increase their awareness of other road users and be more aware of other potential hazards.

"As the driver of a car, getting on the simulator really helped me understand the perspective of a motorbike and get to grips with how I need to better watch out for motorbike riders on the road," said Mr Shattock.

The simulator has been funded by the Department for Transport and Vision Zero South West.

Details of where the simulator will be located are available on the Vision Zero South West website.