Colombia. Considering the alarming figures of motorcycle accidents, CESVI, the Center for Experimentation and Road Safety Colombia, evaluated the conditions of motorcycles and how they should be equipped for greater safety.
Thanks to their low cost and versatility, motorcycles are a quick solution for transportation and are the main method of transportation in Colombia.
By 2022, and according to a report by the RUNT (Single National Traffic Registry), 60% of Colombia's vehicle fleet was made up of motorcycles, the remaining 40% was divided between cars, buses, dump trucks, trailers and others.
In this context, the purpose of the study was to evaluate the safety equipment of motorcycles marketed in this country, mainly in terms of lighting and brakes.
In the analysis of the total number of motorcycles sold during the year 2023, CESVI found that 91.2% of the examples did not meet the basic safety features. Compliance with suggested safety standards for total sales in that year increased to 7.8% compared to 2021. This increase is attributed to equipment improvements.
So, how should motorcycles be equipped in Colombia? These are CESVI's suggestions:
Motorcycles with displacement up to 125 cc:
- CBS brakes, a system in which braking power is distributed over both wheels to gain stability, but does not prevent the wheels from locking.
- Daytime running lights or street lamps with LED position lights to identify the position of the motorcycle in daytime conditions, improving its visibility against other road actors.
- LED stop lights that, having a higher intensity compared to halogen lights, improve visibility.
Motorcycles with a displacement greater than 125 cc: in addition to the above
- ABS brakes to maintain control of the motorcycle and manoeuvre in an emergency braking situation, thanks to which wheel lock-up is prevented.
- Rear disc brake.
The study represents an area of opportunity for workshops specializing in motorcycle modifications.
Among the modifications allowed by the Colombian regulation are: modifying the color, appearance or altering the mechanics, as long as it is for the improvement of performance and the pertinent modifications in the vehicle's license plate are updated.
It is important to note that while improvements in active safety equipment are crucial, they are not the only factor influencing the reduction of accidents. Other aspects such as road conditions and, above all, the human factor, must be addressed to reduce the numbers of injured and deceased motorcyclists, as well as other vulnerable road users affected in collisions with motorcycles.
