GB2386732A

GB2386732A - Motorcycle collision prevention apparatus

Info

Publication number: GB2386732A
Application number: GB0205172A
Authority: GB
Inventors: Antony Gary Ward
Original assignee: Individual
Current assignee: Individual
Priority date: 2002-03-06
Filing date: 2002-03-06
Publication date: 2003-09-24
Anticipated expiration: 2022-03-06
Also published as: GB0205172D0; GB2386732B

Abstract

A motorcycle collision prevention apparatus comprises at least one rearward facing sensor and an associated warning means for use by the rider. In operation the sensor detects at least one movement characteristic of a vehicle approaching from the rear of the bike and when the characteristic exceeds a predetermined threshold level issues a warning to the rider through the warning means preferably indicating the direction of approach of the vehicle. The movement characteristic may include speed, acceleration, distance or angular displacement. The sensor may be directed rearward, angularly or move through an angular sector. Where three sensors are used the sensors may be deployed to the left 8, directly rearward 6 and to the right 10, each direction having an associated warning indicator 20, 18 and 22. The warning may also be given audibly through a speaker 16 or transmitted to a speaker which may be located in the riders helmet.

Description

Improvements In and Relating to Motorcycle Safety Field of the Invention

5 This invention relates to motorcycles comprising motorcycle collision prevention apparatus, and to motorcycle alert apparatus per se.

Background to the Invention

It is known to provide vehicle monitoring apparatus, especially for cars and lorries, which is arranged to detect the proximity of vehicles directly behind the car or lorry, or directly in front of the car or lorry. It is 15 also known to provide sensors for cars and lorries which detect the presence of vehicles in the "blind spot" of the vehicle to which the proximity sensing apparatus is mounted, when the vehicle indicates that it is going to turn left or right, or move into a lane to the left or 20 right of the lane in which the vehicle is currently travelling. Thus, the proximity sensor may sense other vehicles in the lane into which the vehicle is about to move, which other vehicles are travelling faster than the vehicle in which the proximity sensing apparatus is 25 mounted. The use of such proximity sensing apparatus helps to prevent collision or accidents between two or more vehicles.

Known proximity sensing apparatus generally comprises a visual indicator on the dashboard of the car or lorry, which visual indicator is arranged to warn the driver of the car or lorry if another vehicle sensed by the proximity sensing apparatus encroaches over a certain

threshold determined by the sensing apparatus, such as distance from the vehicle or speed travelling towards to the vehicle. The visual indicator generally comprises a warning lamp. It is also known to provide a visible 5 indicator on the rear of the vehicle, which visible indicator will indicate to an oncoming driver behind the vehicle if the driver of the oncoming vehicle encroaches above the threshold level set by the proximity sensing apparatus. Thus, the driver of the vehicle in which the lo proximity sensing apparatus is mounted is warned, and the driver of the oncoming vehicle is warned, when a threshold level is about to be breached, or has been breached.

For example, in US 6121915 an automobile vehicle proximity 15 sensor comprises a random noise radar system which generates output signals indicating the range and closing velocity of objects in the vicinity of the vehicle in which it is mounted. The proximity sensor is generally employed in vehicles employing a smart cruise control 20 system. Thus, when the random noise radar system detects a threshold range or velocity of an encroaching object, it will send an output signal to the smart cruise control system which then generates control signals responsive to the relative range or closing velocity of the object.

JP 08040144A describes an apparatus having an optical sensor which detects light around the vehicle on which it is mounted, and also detects the luminosity of the headlight of an approaching vehicle. The luminosity of 30 the signal detected by the optical sensor is monitored.

When the detected signal is greater than a set value, the approach of the vehicle is judged and a calculator out-

puts a control signal which actuates a rear end collision

prevention lamp, which makes a constant on/off switching to indicate to the driver of the oncoming vehicle that his approach is to fast or has approached too near to the vehicle to which the sensor is mounted.

FR 2790858A describes a vehicle proximity sensing apparatus comprising rearward facing sensors on a motorcycle or emergency vehicle. Signals received by the sensors are arranged to cause visible signals to be lo generated to warn the driver or rider of that vehicle of an oncoming vehicle, and audible signal may be generated in the cockpit of the vehicle which, warns the driver of that vehicle of the approach of an oncoming vehicle.

15 For motorcycle riders the problems associated with fitting a vehicle proximity sensing system include the need to warn the rider in a suitable manner that a threshold limit has been breached. Visible indicators on the dash of the motorcycle have been employed as above, but these only 20 partly alleviate the problem, due to the restricted view of the motorcycle rider wearing a helmet. Furthermore, the systems described above employ visible indicators which simply indicate that a threshold limit has been detected, and does not indicate in which direction the 25 oncoming vehicle is approaching, such as directly behind the motorcycle or in the left or right blind spot behind the motorcycle.

It is therefore an aim of preferred embodiments of the 30 present invention to provide a motorcycle collision prevention apparatus which provides the motorcycle rider with an improved visible indication means to indicate the approach of oncoming vehicles. Furthermore, it is an aim

of preferred embodiments of the present invention to provide a motorcycle collision provision apparatus that provides audible signals receivable by a motorcycle rider wearing a helmet.

It is a further aim of the preferred embodiments of the present invention to overcome or mitigate at least one of the problems of the prior art, whether expressly disclosed

herein or not.

Summary of the Invention

According to the present invention there is provided a motorcycle comprising a motorcycle collision prevention 15 apparatus comprising at least one sensor facing rearwardly of the motorcycle, the sensor comprising means to detect at least one movement characteristic of a vehicle approaching from a rearward direction of the motorcycle, and an indicator operably connected to the sensor, the 20 indicator comprising means to indicate to the rider of the motorcycle when a threshold level of the movement characteristic of the approaching vehicle has been passed and indicate the defined rearward direction from which the vehicle is approaching.

Suitably the sensor is arranged to sense at least one movement characteristic selected from: the speed of an approaching vehicle, the acceleration of an approaching vehicle, the distance of an approaching vehicle from the 30 motorcycle and the angular displacement of an approaching vehicle from the motorcycle.

The sensor may effect sensing in a straight line rearwardly of the motorcycle. The sensor may effect sensing of the approach of a vehicle through a defined rearward angular sector of the motorcycle. The sensor may 5 be movable to effect sensing through the defined angular sector, and is preferably rotatable.

Alternatively there may be a plurality of sensors, each sensor oriented to sense the approach of vehicles lo approaching from a defined rearward angle from the motorcycle, or a defined rearward angular sector.

There may be two sensors, a first sensor oriented to sense movement of an object approaching from directly behind the 15 motorcycle, and a second sensor oriented to sense movement of an object located rearwardly of the motorcycle at a defined angle, or in a defined angular sector, from the direction of forward movement of the motorcycle.

20 Suitably, if the sensor is such that it senses movement within a defined angular sector, the angular sector comprises between substantially 5 and 90 , preferably between substantially 15 and 75 , and most preferably between substantially 30 and 60 . The angular sector may 25 extend in any rearward direction from the forward movement of the motorcycle.

Thus the two sensors may be mounted such that the first sensor senses the approach of a vehicle which is 30 travelling substantially directly behind the motorcycle in the same direction as the forward movement of the motorcycle, while the second sensor senses the approach of a vehicle travelling parallel with the motorcycle but

rearwardly and to one side of the motorcycle, which may be in the "blind spot" of the motorcycle side mirrors.

In a preferred embodiment of the motorcycle of the 5 invention there are provided three sensors, a first sensor oriented to sense the movement of a vehicle approaching substantially in a straight line substantially directly behind the vehicle, a second sensor arranged to sense movement of a vehicle travelling parallel with the lo motorcycle rearwardly to one side of the motorcycle and a third sensor arranged to sense movement of a vehicle travelling parallel with the motorcycle rearwardly to the other side of the motorcycle. Preferably the second and third sensors are oriented to sense movement of an 15 approaching vehicle in a rearward direction substantially 45 from the longitudinal axis of the motorcycle (135 from the forward direction of the motorcycle).

Suitably there are a plurality of indicators.

There may be an indicator associated with each sensor of the collision prevention apparatus.

Suitably the indicator associated with any one sensor has 25 a different indication output to indicators associated with other sensors of the apparatus.

Suitably each sensor is associated with visible indicator.

Preferably the visible indicator is a warning lamp.

30 Suitably the visible indicator associated with any one sensor has a different visible indicator output to the output of indicators associated with other sensors of the apparatus.

In a preferred embodiment of the invention, wherein the motorcycle comprises a collision prevention apparatus comprising a first sensor arranged to sense movement of an 5 a vehicle approaching substantially from directly behind the motorcycle and second and third sensors arranged to sense vehicles travelling parallel with the motorcycle rearwardly to the left and right sides of the motorcycle, the visible indicator comprises three indicator lights lo arranged sequentially from left to right, with the central indicator light associated with the first sensor only and the left and right indicator lights associated with the second and third sensors respectively and also with the first sensor. Thus the central, indicator light will 15 actuate upon the first sensor sensing a movement characteristic of an approaching vehicle which surpasses a defined threshold level, and the second and third indicator lights will activate upon either the first sensor or respectively the second and third sensors 20 sensing a material characteristics of an approaching vehicle surpassing a defined threshold level.

Each sensor may be arranged to sense a plurality of threshold levels, and its associated visible indicator or 25 indicators may provide a different indication dependent upon the threshold level sensed. For example, the visible indicator may comprise a warning light which flashes intermittently at defined time intervals, which time intervals depend upon the particular threshold level 30 sensed by the indicator's associated sensor.

Alternatively the visible indicator may comprise a warning lamp which increases in luminosity as the associated sensor senses successive threshold levels passed.

A sensor may be arranged to utilize an indicator associated with another sensor, the indicator being arranged to output a different indication dependent upon 5 which server is transmitting a signal to the indicator.

Alternatively or additionally the or each indicator may comprise an audio indicator.

lo Suitably the audio indicator comprises means for transmitting audio information into the helmet of the motorcycle rider. The audio indicator may comprise a speaker, arranged to be located on the helmet, or arranged to be inserted into at least one ear of the motorcycle 15 rider. The audio indicator is preferably associated with all of the sensors of the collision prevention apparatus, and is preferably arranged to selectively indicate which sensor or sensors has or have sensed that an approaching object has or have surpassed a defined threshold level.

20 Thus, the audio indicator is suitably arranged to indicate from which rearward direction a vehicle is approaching from. The audio indicator may comprise a speech output and may dictate the direction from which an object is approaching by way of compass points, degrees deviation 25 from the direction of travel of the motorbike, or any other suitable notation, for example.

Suitably the indicator comprises at least one visible indicator and at least one audio indicator.

The collision prevention apparatus may include at least one indicator visible to an approaching vehicle, and arranged to indicate to the approaching vehicle that a

defined threshold of at least one movement characteristic of the vehicle has been passed. The or each movement characteristic is preferably as defined above. The or each indicator is preferably a visible indicator as 5 defined above.

According to a second aspect of the present invention there is provided a motorcycle alert apparatus comprising a plurality of vehicle detection sensors and indicator 10 means, which indicator means are configured to indicate in use, which of the plurality of vehicle detection sensors has detected the approach of a vehicle.

Suitably the sensors are as described for the first aspect 15 of the present invention. Preferably the indicator means is as described for the first aspect of the invention.

According to a third aspect of the present invention there is provided a motorcycle comprising a motorcycle alert 20 apparatus of the second aspect of the invention.

Brief Description of the Drawings

For a better understanding of the invention and to show 25 how embodiments of the same may be put into effect, a preferred embodiment of the invention will now be described by way of example, with reference to the following drawings in which: 30 Figure 1 illustrates a schematic view of a collision prevention apparatus of a motorcycle of the invention;

Figure 2 illustrates a schematic view of a use of the central sensor of the apparatus shown in Figure 1; Figure 3 illustrates a schematic view of use of the left 5 rearwardly angled sensor of Figure 1; and Figure 4 illustrates a schematic view of use of the right rearwardly angled sensor of the apparatus of Figure 1.

lo Description of the Preferred Embodiment

We refer firstly to Figures 1 and 2. A motorcycle 2, as shown in Figure 2, includes a collision prevent apparatus 4, as shown in Figure 1. The collision prevent apparatus 15 4 includes three sensors in the form of a central sensor 6 and left 8 right 10 rearwardly angled sensors. The apparatus 4 also includes two indicators in the form of a dashboard indicator bank 12 and an indicator bank 14 mounted to the rear of the motorcycle as shown in Figure 20 2. The dashboard mounted indicator bank 12 includes a central indicator light 19 and left 20 and right 22 indicator lights flanking the central indicator light 18.

The indicator bank 14 mounted on the rear of the motorcycle 2 includes a central indicator light 24 and 25 left 26 and right 28 indicator lights flanking the central indicator light 24. The collision prevention apparatus 4 also includes an audio indicator in the form of a speaker 16. The central sensor 6, left and right sensors 8 and 10, indicator banks 12 and 14 and the audio speaker 16 are 30 all interconnected via electrical connections 30. The indicator banks 12 and 14 and the audio speaker 16 are each connected to all of the sensors 6, 8 and 10. The indicator lights 18, 20 and 22 of the indicator bank 12

are able to both intermittently flash, or permanently illuminate, depending on the signal received from the sensors 6, 8 and 10. The indicator lights 24, 26 and 28 of the indicator bank 14 are permanently illuminated in 5 response to signals generated by the sensors 6, 8 and 10, in defined circumstances.

Use of the apparatus 4 will now be described with reference to Figures 1 to 4. Referring firstly to Figures lo 1 and 2, the central sensor 6 of the apparatus 4 emits signals rearwardly of the motorcycle 2 in the direction D-

D, which direction is directly rearwardly away from the forward movement direction D'' of the motorcycle. If an object in the form of a car 32 approaches from directly 15 behind the motorcycle 2 in a direction D', which is the same direction D'' as the motorcycle 2, the signals D-D transmitted by the central sensor 6 are reflected back from the car 32 and back to the sensor 6, along the line D-D, as shown in Figure 2. When the sensor 6 senses that 20 the car 32 approaching from behind the motorcycle 2 has reached a threshold distance 'A' from the motorcycle, the sensor transmits a signal to both indicator banks 12 and 14. The indicator banks 12 and 14, upon receiving the signal from the central sensor 6, permanently illuminate 25 the left lights 12 and 26 respectively, to indicate to the rider of the motorcycle, in the case of dashboard bank 12, and the driver of the approaching car 32, in the case of rear mounted bank 14, that the car 32 has approached a potentially dangerous distance 'A' from the motorcycle 2.

30 If the car 32 continues to approach the motorcycle 2, and the central sensor 6 detects that it has reached the second threshold distance 'B', which is a shorter distance than threshold distance 'A', the sensor 6 sends a signal

to the indicator banks 12 and 14 to permanently illuminate both the left lights 20 and 26 and the central lights 18 and 24, to indicate that the car 32 has now approached a dangerous distance from the motorcycle 2. If the car 32 5 continues to approach the vehicle, to a very dangerous distance 'C', from the motorcycle 2, the central sensor 6 on detecting the approach of the car to distance 'C', emits a signal to the indicator banks 12 and 14, which then light up each of the left 20 and 26, centre 18 and lo 24, and right 20 and 28 lights, to indicate to the rider of the motorcycle 2 and the driver of the car 32 that a collision is imminent. The indicator banks 12 and 14 may also actuate the lights to intermittently flash when the car has approached to distance 'C' from the motorcycle 2.

At the same time as the car reaches the threshold distances 'A', 'B' or 'C', the sensor sends a signal to the audio speaker 16, which is located within the helmet of the rider of the motorcycle 2, which audibly indicates 20 that the car 32 approaching from directly behind the motorcycle 2 has reached the threshold distances 'A', 'B' or 'C'. The audible indicator may be in the form of spoken word such as a spoken warning of the exact distance the car 23 has approached, or may be in the form of a 25 series of intermittent audio signals, the time period between intermittent audio signals shortening, the closer the car 32 approaches the motorcycle 2.

We refer now to Figures 1 and 3 to describe use of the 30 left angled sensor 8 of the apparatus 4 on the motorcycle 2. The left angled sensor 8 is arranged on the motorcycle 2 to detect the approach of a vehicle 36, which is travelling in a parallel direction D' to the forward

direction D'' of the motorcycle 2, rearwardly and to the left of the motorcycle 2, as shown in Figure 3. Thus, the left angled sensor 8 is arranged to sense the approach of a car 36 which is in the left hand lane of dual 5 carriageway when the motorcycle is in the right hand lane, or which is in the left hand lane of a road having three or more lanes, when the motorcycle is in a lane to the right of the lane in which the car 36 is travelling. The left angled sensor 8 emits signals in the direct E-E in a 10 straight line at an angle of 135 from the direction D'' that the motorcycle 2 is travelling. If the rider of the motorcycle 2 desired to move from the lane 42 into the left hand lane 44, in the direction G-G, due to a slower moving car 34 ahead of the motorcycle 2, shown in Figure 15 3, the left angled sensor 8 emits signals in the direction E-E, upon receiving a signal from movement of the handlebars of the motorcycle 2, or upon actuation of the motorcycle left turn indicator (not shown). If the sensor 8 detects that a car 36 or other vehicle is approaching in 20 the same direction D' as the forward direction D'' of the motorcycle 2, and which is travelling faster than the motorcycle 2, the sensor 8 emits a signal to the dashboard mounted indicator bank 12, which intermittently flashes the left indicator light 20, to warn the motorcycle rider 25 that movement into the left hand lane 44 may cause a collision with the approaching car 36. The rider of motorcycle 2 then has the opportunity to cease movement into the left hand lane 44 from the lane 42, to prevent a collision. We refer now to Figure 4 which illustrates use of the right angled sensor 10 of the apparatus 4 of the motorcycle 2. Use of the right angled sensor 10 is

identical to use of the left angled sensor 8, except for the direction in which the right angled sensor 10 emits singles, along the line F-F, which is 135 from the direction of movement D'' of the motorcycle, rearwardly to 5 the right of the motorcycle 2. Thus, when the motorcycle wishes to move from its lane 46 into a right hand lane 48, along a movement direction H-H, the right angled sensor 10 emits a signal in a straight line along F-F, to detect whether a car 40 or other vehicle is approaching in the lo same direction D' as the forward direction D'' of movement of the motor cycle 2. If the right angled sensor 10 detects that a car 40 or other vehicle is approaching more quickly than the speed of the motorcycle 2, a signal is generated and sent to the dashboard mounted indicator bank 15 12, which intermittently flashes the right light 22, to warn the motorcycle rider that a collision is imminent if the motorcycle moves from the lane 46 into the right hand land 48 at that time.

20 In alternative embodiments of the invention, the sensors 6, 8 and 10 may all sense approaching objects by emitting signals in an angular sector, such as a sector comprising between 45 and 90 , or preferably a narrower sector, such as between 30 and 60 . The sensors 6, 8 and 10 may also 25 be rotatable such that they move and detect in an arc rearwardly of the motorcycle 2.

In another embodiment of the motorcycle 2, the indicator lights may, instead of intermittently flashing at defined 30 time periods depending upon the distance of any approaching object from the motorcycle 2, shine at varying luminosities depending on the distance of object from the motorcycle 2.

The reader's attention is directed to all papers and documents which are filed concurrently with or previous to this specification in connection with this application and

5 which are open to public inspection with this specification, and the contents of all such papers and

documents are incorporated herein by reference.

All of the features disclosed in this specification

lo (including any accompanying claims, abstract and drawings), and/or all of the steps of any method or process so disclosed, may be combined in any combination, except combinations where at least some of such features and/or steps are mutually exclusive.

Each feature disclosed in this specification (including

any accompanying claims, abstract and drawings), may be replaced by alternative features serving the same, equivalent or similar purpose, unless expressly stated 20 otherwise. Thus, unless expressly stated otherwise, each feature disclosed is one example only of a generic series of equivalent or similar features.

The invention is not restricted to the details of the 25 foregoing embodiment(s). The invention extend to any novel one, or any novel combination, of the features disclosed in this specification (including any accompanying claims,

abstract and drawings), or to any novel one, or any novel combination, of the steps of any method or process so 30 disclosed.

Claims

1. A motorcycle comprising a motorcycle collision prevention apparatus comprising at least one sensor 5 facing rearwardly of the motorcycle, the sensor comprising means to detect at least one movement characteristic of a vehicle approaching from a rearward direction of the motorcycle, and an indicator operably connected to the sensor, the indicator lo comprising means to indicate to the rider of the motorcycle when a threshold level of the movement characteristic of the approaching vehicle has been passed and indicate the defined rearward direction from which the vehicle is approaching.

2. A motorcycle as claimed in Claim 1, wherein the sensor is arranged to sense at least one movement characteristic selected from: the speed of an approaching vehicle, the acceleration of an 20 approaching vehicle, the distance of an approaching vehicle from the motorcycle and the angular displacement of an approaching vehicle from the motorcycle. 25

3. A motorcycle as claimed in Claim 1 or 2, wherein the sensor effects sensing in a straight line rearwardly of the motorcycle.

4. A motorcycle as claimed in Claim 1 or 2, wherein the 30 sensor effects sensing of the approach of a vehicle through a defined rearward angular sector of the motorcycle.

5. A motorcycle as claimed in preceding claim, wherein the sensor is movable to effect sensing through a defined angular sector.

5

6. A motorcycle as claimed in Claim 1, wherein there are a plurality of sensors, each sensor oriented to sense the approach of vehicles approaching from a defined rearward angle from the motorcycle, or a defined rearward angular sector.

7. A motorcycle as claimed in Claim 6, wherein there are two sensors, a first sensor oriented to sense movement of an object approaching from directly behind the motorcycle, and a second sensor oriented to sense 15 movement of an object located rearwardly of the motorcycle at a defined angle, or in a defined angular sector, from the direction of forward movement of the motorcycle. 20

8. A motorcycle as claimed in Claim 7, wherein the two sensors are mounted such that the first sensor senses the approach of a vehicle which is travelling substantially directly behind the motorcycle in the same direction as the forward movement of the 25 motorcycle, while the second sensor senses the approach of a vehicle travelling parallel with the motorcycle but rearwardly and to one side of the motorcycle. 30

9. A motorcycle as claimed in any one of Claims 6 to 8, wherein there are three sensors, a first sensor oriented to sense the movement of a vehicle approaching substantially in a straight line

substantially directly behind the vehicle, a second sensor arranged to sense movement of a vehicle travelling parallel with the motorcycle rearwardly to one side of the motorcycle and a third sensor arranged 5 to sense movement of a vehicle travelling parallel with the motorcycle rearwardly to the other side of the motorcycle.

10. A motorcycle as claimed in any preceding claim, lo wherein there are a plurality of indicators.

11. A motorcycle as claimed in Claim 10, wherein there is an indicator associated with each sensor of the collision prevention apparatus.

12. A motorcycle as claimed in Claim 11, wherein the indicator associated with any one sensor has a different indication output to indicators associated with other sensors of the apparatus.

13. A motorcycle as claimed in any one of Claims 10 to 12, wherein each sensor is associated with a visible indicator. 25

14. A motorcycle as claimed in Claim 13, wherein each sensor is arranged to sense a plurality of threshold levels, and its associated visible indicator or indicators provide a different indication dependent upon the threshold level sensed.

15. A motorcycle as claimed in any preceding claim, wherein a sensor is arranged to utilize an indicator associated with another sensor, the indicator being

arranged to output a different indication dependent upon which sensor is transmitting a signal to the indicator. 5

16. A motorcycle as claimed in any preceding claim, wherein the or each indicator comprises an audio indicator.

17. A motorcycle as claimed in Claim 16, wherein the audio lo indicator comprises means for transmitting audio information into the helmet of the motorcycle rider.

18. A motorcycle as claimed in Claim 17, wherein the audio indicator comprises a speaker, arranged to be located 15 on the helmet, or arranged to be inserted into at least one ear of the motorcycle rider.

19. A motorcycle as claimed in Claim 17 or 18, wherein the audio indicator is associated with all of the sensors 20 of the collision prevention apparatus.

20. A motorcycle as claimed in any preceding claim, wherein the indicator comprises at least one visible indicator and at least one audio indicator.

21. A motorcycle as claimed in any preceding claim, wherein the collision prevention apparatus includes at least one indicator visible to an approaching vehicle, and arranged to indicate to the approaching vehicle 30 that a defined threshold of at least one movement characteristic of the vehicle has been passed.

22. A motorcycle alert apparatus comprising a plurality of vehicle detection sensors and indicator means, which indicator means are configured to indicate in use, which of the plurality of vehicle detection sensors 5 has detected the approach of a vehicle.

23. A motorcycle alert apparatus as claimed in Claim 22, wherein the sensors are as claimed in anyone of Claims 1 to 21.

24. A motorcycle alert apparatus as claimed in Claim 22, wherein the indicator means are as claimed in any one of Claims 1 to 21.

15

25. A motorcycle comprising a motorcycle alert apparatus as claimed in any one of Claims 22 to 24.

26. A motorcycle substantially as described herein with reference to the accompanying drawings.

27. A motorcycle alert apparatus substantially as described herein with reference to the accompanying drawings.