News

Mobile App could save thousands of Motorists

Emma Neal

27 Aug 2013

New app for motorcycling reduces risk: REALRIDER gets 10,000 users in 6 months due to its clever, life-protecting use of mobile’s GPS feature

A new mobile app, primarily a social network specifically for motorcyclists, recently hit a milestone 10,000 users, in an impressive 6 months; due in no small part to its pioneering safety features, most notably a GPS locating system for injured riders.

Whilst motorbikes only account for 1% of road traffic, over a fifth of all motor accident fatalities are motorcyclists; giving bikers a casualty rate 61 times higher than car drivers.

REALRIDER, which launched earlier this year, has multiple safety aspects built in, that has attracted thousands of motorcyclists around the country. The most extraordinary of these features makes use of a smartphones tilt and motion sensors, and can actually detect if its user has crashed.

Should the app detect the user undergoing high impacts, an alert is sent to the rider’s phone; should they be unable to respond to it, the emergency services are alerted. GPS tracking allows crash victims who may be unconscious or separated from their bikes to be found.

The app has gained widespread praise from the motorcycle community as an innovative way of making biking safer; the speed with which those involved in accidents can be found has significant implications upon the severity of their injuries.

Anthony Margrave, the motorcyclist who survived in a flooded ditch for three days following an accident, supports REALRIDER, believing it could have hastened his rescue and reduced the extent of his injuries.

“I wish to God I had REALRIDER when I crashed. My family went through hell trying to find me. I am convinced REALRIDER can help save the lives of bikers who suffer a crash – as well as help reduce injuries - by getting the emergency services to them much quicker than before” explains Anthony.

After funding was secured through business angels and Rivers Capital Partners, an independent venture capital management fund, the app was developed for both iOS and Android devices. REALRIDER is also an online social community, where users can suggest routes, display bikes they own and upload pictures or videos.

Zoe Farrington, from REALRIDER, says “The motorcycling world has a very strong sense of community and the social networking side of the app brings together bikers from all around the country. This has drawn in thousands of riders, each of which benefits from the unique safety features of REALRIDER. Hopefully this will make a big difference to some of the worry accident statistics surrounding motorcycles.”

Other safety features of the application include highlighting difficult points on particular roads, such as sharp bends or steep hills, which other users can see through first-person videos of recommended routes. Similarly, a point and click feature allows flagging up temporary safety hazards, such as potholes or loose gravel, on a map of the UK.

Motorcycle dealerships are already beginning to offer REALRIDER to their customers, proving that those in the industry recognise the value offered by the app.

David Hall, co-owner of Harley Davidson North East and Director of Triumph North East, an early adopter of the app, commented: "I think REALRIDER is a fantastic safety tool that all riders should use. It's like having a guardian angel on your shoulder and a real benefit to our customers. Let's hope they never need it."