MOTORCYCLE RIDER ASSESSMENT
History • Previous approaches to FoMC from NABD • No further developments • Increased local enquiries re Axs • Rural area • Poor public transport system • Increase in petrol costs • Increased running costs for cars • Greener options • Freedom of choice • DVLA Medical Branch enquiries re assessment for licencing
Establishing Need • Chicken and egg situation - Difficult to establish need until people know the service is available • Ideally, 9 – 12 month pilot required in order to collect meaningful data. • Does it fit with DfT objectives?
Who would the assessments be for ? • Initially it was thought for any biker with disabilities, but: • NABD are good at what they do ie adaptations to bikes. • Huge set up costs • No assessment was available of “fitness to ride”
Initial Proposal • Carry out whole assessment • 1st part similar to car driver assessment • 2nd part on off-road area • 3rd part on road • Types of assessment to be provided: • Fitness to ride (cognitive issues; physical disabilities) • Adaptations requirements • Ability to learn
This was soon deemed to be impractical because: • Suitable location required, including a large, flat riding area • Appropriately qualified and experienced motorcycle instructor/assessor required • Suitable machines required – greater variety than cars due to complex licencing laws. • Large selection of clothing and protective equipment required – all expensive.
Re-Think………… • What are we good at? • A. Assessment, problem solving and teamwork.
Feasibility of using existing rider training establishments explored. • Already approved by DSA • Entire infrastructure already in place • Mobility Centre could make use of instructors, bikes, clothing, protective equipment, approved training areas on ‘as & when’ basis • Insurance covered
2nd Proposal • 1st part Ax in similar format to car drivers’ assessment, carried out by clinician. • 2nd part Ax to be practical, carried out off-road, at the rider training base. • 3rd part Ax to be practical on-road, accompanied by the instructor and our assessor, both on m/bikes.
Assessment Format • Part 1 • Physical ability • Effect of Medical condition • ROM, Strength, tone etc • Cognitive ability
Part 2 – carried out on off-road, flat, riding area • Use of controls • Balance, riding in pre-determined patterns • Normal braking, emergency braking • Slow riding • Knowledge of highway code • Knowledge of protective equipment requirements • Awareness of dangers and hazards
The client will only move on to the next part of the assessment if : • they can demonstrate an acceptable level of vehicle control, and • it is considered they are safe to do so. In cases where clients are attending to determine their potential to learn (eg learning difficulties, head injuries etc) the next stage would not be undertaken but they may be referred on for Compulsory Basic Training as per the standard requirements for all motorcyclists.
Part 3 – carried out on-road • Client riding appropriate machine, • Instructor and Assessor following, • Route to be agreed between Mobility Centre and Instructor • One hour on road • Debrief
Next Steps • Further investigation into motorbike adaptations • Approach NABD again; are they open to referrals from us once “fitness to ride” issues have been covered? • Establish a working group of interested centres within Forum who have staff and facilities available. • Gain approval from DfT
CASE STUDY
Motorcycle Assessment – Vehicle Handling Assessment Confidential • Name: Ash • Address: XxxxxxxXxxxxxxx • Postcode: xxxxxx • Telephone:e-mail Address • Date of Birth: 01.01.1986 • DVLA ref Number • KMAC ref No: xxxx TMA • Diagnosis: Learning difficulties; injured right shoulder • Date of Onset: 2005, following accident • Referring Agency: Self • Assessors: IC (OT) & RW (ADI) • Persons Present:Mother • Date of Assessment: 17.12.07 • Date of report: 31.12.07
Medical History Ash has a history of learning difficulties and depression. In 2005 he was involved in a road accident when he was hit by an oncoming car, as a result of which he sustained multiple injuries. He still has an intramedullary nail in situ and a metal plate in his wrist. His right shoulder joint was injured and has resulted in reduced range of movement with loss of sensation and loss of deltoid muscle bulk. Ash’s current medication includes: Risperidone and paracetamol.
Date of Onset: 2005, following accident Social Situation: Ash recently started living on his own in a flat. He receives assistance from his mother but is having some difficulties looking after himself ie cooking and cleaning. Driving Experience: He has a provisional licence and has completed CBT twice – it is now expired. He reported having an assessment previously (supplier not known but referred by GP). This was an ‘on-road’ assessment with the assessor (who walked with a stick) following Ash on his motorbike in a car. It was not concluded and no report was provided.
Physical Range of Movement and Strength Head and Neck Full Trunk Full Upper Limbs Reduced right shoulder Lower Limbs Full Balance Good Vision: Able to read number plate at 20.5 metres; Peripheral vision adequate Cognitive Assessment Ash undertook a number of cognitive tests designed to demonstrate his processing ability. Short term memory very good Acoustic reaction test 0.55 secs (Acceptable range= 0.4 – 1 sec) Visual reaction test 0.66 secs (Acceptable range= 0.4 – 1 sec) 27 lamp reaction test Average 0.55 secs (Acceptable range= 0.4 – 1 sec)
Off Road Circuit Assessment Motorcycles used: Honda MT50 (50cc) with 5 gears Starting method: Kick start Basic maintenance/service questions (a per DSA riding test) Not assessed Basic highway code awareness Not assessed Awareness of dangers of motorcycles v other traffic Not assessed
Awareness of protective clothing requirements: Able to state basic requirements came equipped with full protective clothing of medium to high quality which appeared to have been well cared for. Awareness of static hazards: Aware of consequences of wet roads
Taking off/putting on stand: Independent Starting: Independent Moving off/stopping: Independent Balance at walking pace: Not assessed Balance at normal driving speed: Good Use of gears:Good – no instruction necessary Use of brakesGood – no instruction necessary Use of throttleGood – no instruction necessary Use of indicators when moving: Not assessed Use of lights when moving: Not assessed
Steering control round circuit No instruction necessary Steering control round cones Good – well controlled and balance maintained without putting feet down Controlled braking Good Emergency stops Not assessed On Road Assessment Not undertaken
Recommendations/ Summary • Ash showed good overall control of the motorcycle in all the exercises asked of him. These were deliberately designed to test his balance and steering control in a variety of situations; including following a course clockwise and anti-clockwise; changing gear, controlled braking; figure of eight pattern around cones; weaving in between a series of cones; controlled braking using both brakes and changing gear at the same time; use of throttle. Based on the skills shown during the off road section, there would appear to be no reason why he should not undertake a CBT course – the passing of which would enable him to ride on the road unsupervised for a maximum of two years. There would appear to be no reason why he should not be able to train for and pass his test within that time.
Update – 09.05.08 • Ash has now completed CBT with Norfolk Rider Training • His mother has bought him a “very nice” bike which he adores and treats with the greatest respect. • He is back at work. • His depression has lifted and according to his family he is a different person.
