Brussels (Belgium) | 01 September 2022
A new white paper published by the Connected Motorcycle Consortium (CMC) discusses the current state of automobile ADAS from a two-wheeler detection point of view. It also presents an evaluation of potential methods to improve PTW conspicuity and analyses previous relevant studies (e.g. current research, academic papers, technical reports, etc.).
Drivers of powered-two wheelers (PTWs) are vulnerable road users who require special attention from other road users due to the relatively small size of the vehicle. This issue has become even more important with car manufacturers introducing level 3 and 4 automated vehicles, with level 3 transferring (at least temporarily) the responsibility for vehicle control to the vehicle itself.
Motorcycle manufacturers are seriously concerned that this may lead to an increase in two-wheelers accidents, as car drivers start to become more dependent on Level 1 and 2 ADAS and less attentive to other vehicles around them. Motorcycle industry experts are also worried that modern cars lack robust enough equipment to correctly detect motorcycles.
Against this background, reliable detection of PTWs by passenger car ADAS is absolutely essential to avoid car-PTW collisions and to decrease the number of motorcycle accidents. Passenger cars must be able to appropriately recognize motorcycle manoeuvres in ordinary traffic, such as weaving in, leaning while cornering or splitting lanes.
Document available to download
Connected Motorcycle Consortium (CMC) paper – Powered-two wheeler conspicuity [PDF]
Background information
• The Connected Motorcycle Consortium (CMC) brings together motorcycle OEMs, suppliers, researchers and associations to make motorcycles part of the future connected mobility. CMC members are also working on creating synergies between on-board sensor systems and connectivity solutions.
• The CMC has launched a Basic Specification for Cooperative Intelligent Transport Systems (C-ITS) for motorcycles in 2020. The CMC was created in 2016, building on the ACEM Memorandum of Understanding on C-ITS.
• Modern cars are increasingly equipped with on-board sensor systems (radars, cameras, etc.) and driver assistance systems. These vehicle systems need to include motorcycle requirements in order to enhance safety effects in mixed traffic conditions. The CMC believes that tailored motorcycle/car scenarios and tests need to be developed and standardized.
• The ACEM’s “How will automated cars impact motorcycle safety?” (2019) position paper explains why automation must, not only improve convenience for car drivers but also safety for all road users.
• MAIDS, the in-depth European motorcycle accident study, found that about 37% of all accidents involving other vehicles (OV) and motorcycles were linked to an OV driver perception failure. This means that the OV driver may have failed to see the motorcycle prior to the subsequent event that caused the accident.
Press contact
Manuel Ordonez de Barraicua
ACEM Communications Manager
[email protected]
+32 496 52 65 17
