Since the late sixties, the road safety situation for motor cyclists has deteriorated by 50% in comparison with car users. An ad hoc group of the Nordic road safety council which has studied this matter proposes some measures regarding motor cycles and mopeds which should be introduced in the Nordic countries. The accident risk of 500 cc motor cycles is three times that of 125 cc ones; the possibility of tuning mopeds so as to make them into light motor cycles is a safety risk. Manufacturers should make modifications to mopeds difficult; maximum engine size should be 50 cc, giving 6-7 hp, top speed of 80-90 km/h and acceleration corresponding to VW 1300 or Mercedes 200d. A 350 cc motor cycle has top speed of 160 km/h and acceleration of a fast sports car. Suitable limit is 250 cc which gives top speed of 140 km/h and acceleration of Alfa Romeo. The long-term limitation should be based on engine output/vehicle weight ratio. For light motor cycles this should be 5 hp/100 kg (incl. Driver), and for heavy motor cycles, 12 hp/100 kg.
Abstract