MOTOR-CYCLE ACCIDENTS

Press, Volume LXXXVII, Issue 26398, 17 April 1951, Page 5

MOTOR-CYCLE ACCIDENTS

Sir,—Motor-cycles can stop much more quickly than cars. As an example, the Vincent can stop in 21 feet from 30 miles per hour, which is 1.44 g where g is the acceleration of gravity. The average car is good at about 31 feet, about .98g. If motor-cyclists were deprived of their acceleration by means of a governor, accidents their own fault might become less than 55 per ce nt., but the total would increase, and the number due to cars not giving way would certainly increase. Late in 1941 crash helmets were made compulsory in the army. By July, 1943, this had resulted in the reduction of hospital admissions by 33 per cent, of fractured skulls by 75 per cent., and of the severity of head injuries in general. Let our city traffic officers lead the way and equip themselves with crash helmets.—Yours, etc., G. April 16, 1951.

Sir,—Could you please give me the correct definition of a motor-cycle, as I am the owner of a push-bicycle with a motor attached. This travels at 15 m.p.h. with a tail wind and 6 m.p.h. with a head wind if I pedal to assist. At the moment I am quite worried whether it will go at all if I come within the definition of a motor-cycle and have to wear a crash helmet as well as having to have my bicycle fitted with leg guards.—Yours, etc., FATA OBSTANT. April 16, 1951.