Mesh barrier designed to cut biker deaths

New-style crash barrier being tested on roads in County Durham

Posted: 12 August 2009
by Ben Cope

A NEW MESH barrier, designed to minimise the danger posed to motorcyclists by barriers in the event of an accident is being tested in Durham County.

Engineers from Durham County Council are completing the installation of a new style of roadside crash barrier on the A689 road, close to the entrance to Killhope Lead Museum in upper Weardale.

Further installations at other sites are planned once the new barrier is established at Killhope.

A police spokesman said safety methods will continue to be researched, with possibilities including special padding fixed to road signs and lampposts in vulnerable positions.

Durham County are also looking at ways to treat drain covers and manholes to make them less of a hazard to bikers.

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John Seccombe

Thats fantastic to be looking at that protection and the man hole covers. We find the roading sub contractors, and traffic engineers just don't seem to care about motorcyclist, and latest danger is the use of just "Hotchip" to repair roads, that leaves a really dangerous loose metal for ever and a day on the roads. Problem with modern Super bikes under 50ks/30mph the front brake can do a instant lock up on loose metal in a split second, with front end wash out in in next instant.

Posted: 12/08/2009 at 23:54