Trip to H.A.R.T.

Dale Maggs, MRAA President and John Karmouche, MRAA Vice President were invited to accompany Martin Pakula MLC (Parliamentary Secretary for Transport) on a vistit to the Honda Australia Rider Training (H.A.R.T.) facility in Tullamarine on Monday 31st April 2007.

Martin has been appointed by Minister for Ports and Roads Tim Pallas MLC, as the Parliamentary Assistant responsible for motorcycles.

The purpose of the visit to H.A.R.T. was to allow Martin to be briefed on the subject of Rider Training and Simulation. It was a good oppportunity for a group of interested parties, all with a common goal, to teach Martin the important issues about this very important issue.

The briefing was attended by Neil O'Keefe and Ray Newland from VMAC. Martin was very interested in everything that was put to him and even came up with a few sugestions himself on subjects that we wanted to raise with him, even before we got to them.

One of the achievements that Honda has made is to take the lead in the area of Motorcycle Rider Simulation. Subsequently, Martin was shown the latest "state of the art" equipment:

This photo shows Martin Pakula MLC looking on as a member of H.A.R.T. demonstrates the simulator. Standing in the background is Neil O'Keefe VMAC Chaiman.

The simulator has all the controls that would be found on a motorcycle, and can be set for scooter or motorcycle mode. The quality of the graphics is excellent and the student soon learns all they need to know about hazard perception.

This photo shows Martin seated at the simulator, getting a feel for what it is like. Standing to the right and looking on from behind is Stuart Strickland, Managing Director Honda MPE Australia.

One of the Key Issues that was raised was the need for Riders to gain skills experience, which for many is gained from the "school of hard knocks". It was explained that Situational Awareness is critical for motorcycle riders. An analogy was made with the way aircraft pilots are trained - ie riding a motorcycle requires specialized skills and knowledge that can be enhanced through simulation similar to the way pilots are trained.