FMQ-BRT 0.

154 study
Evaluation of
brake reaction times
on a motorcycle

Produced by
Promocycle Foundation

Date
January 5, 2003

Summary
Brake reaction time (BRT) of motorcyclists was measured on a sample of 1,181 subjects, using
stationary real motorcycles coupled to a computer. The test sample was drawn from among
public visitors to the 2002 Quebec City Motorcycle and ATV Show and the 2002 Montreal
Motorcycle Show. Participation was done on a voluntary basis. The mean BRT obtained by the
group of test subjects, all classes combined, was 0.463 seconds. When the subject waited for the
signal with fingers already poised over the brake lever and foot positioned over the brake pedal,
the mean measured BRT was reduced by 0.154 seconds compared with the procedure in which
the subject waited with fingers wrapped around the handlebar and foot placed flat on the footrest.
At 100 km/h, an increase of 0.154 seconds represents an increased braking distance of 4.28
metres. The age of the subject, the sex of the subject, and his or her experience of off-road riding,
of distance ridden during the previous three years or of automobile driving had no significant
bearing on the results. The unique factor influencing BRT in any significant way is the position
of the fingers and foot while waiting, or covered mode.
1

Introduction

The present study aims to determine the mean brake reaction time (BRT) among motorcyclists.
The evaluation of BRT will allow us to identify the time delay required to clear different stages
before beginning brakingamong others, identification of a disturbance or hazard, decisionmaking which engenders an action, initiation of muscular movement to begin executing braking
and finally the movement of a brake lever.
2

Research method

Test measurements were taken at the Quebec City Motorcycle and ATV Show, Feb. 8-10, 2002
and the Montreal Motorcycle Show, Feb. 22-24, 2002. Subjects were recruited from among the
public visitors to the show. Participation was done on a voluntary basis. Test equipment was
mounted on a stage and personnel invited the public to participate, but no reward or prize was
offered. The objective was to gain the participation of at least 1,100 subjects.
3

Experimental equipment

Registration of participants was recorded on a group of Apple iMax G3/700 computers, three in
Quebec City and four in Montreal, with the information gathered then transferred to a central
database contained on a PowerBook G4/550 Titanium laptop computer.
A group of motorcycles, three in Quebec City and four in Montreal, was arranged on a stage. The
motorcycles were stationary, placed side by side in a single row. Each motorcycle was positioned
two metres from a 134.6 cm giant screen controlled by an Apple PowerMacintosh G4/867
computer. The left side of the screen displayed a table showing the BRT for front, rear and mean.
The right side of the giant screen, larger than the other, contained a green light consisting of a
circle 25 cm in diameter, which changed to red in a random fashion and served as a starting point
for measurements. Each subject had his own numbered giant screen which provided the
necessary information to complete the test as well as displaying personal results after each test.
2

The Apple PowerMacintosh G4/867 controlled the signals sent to each test subject and also
measured elapsed times with the aid of a NI PCI 6602 card. The precision of time measurements
was on the order of tenths of a microsecond (107 second), although values retained for analysis
were rounded to the thousandth of a second (0.001 second). Data were acquired with a Labview 6
Developer Edition (Mac) utility and an in-house acquisition program. The voltage used to
produce the display was 5 V, furnished by an Apple PowerMacintosh G4/867. The parameters
used to generate the random signal sent to the test subjects relied on the formula T=(Ran( ) * 9)s,
where T is the random waiting time generated, Ran ( ) is a random function which gives a value
between 0 and 1, 3 being the minimum threshold and 9 the multiplier. Based on this formula, the
values obtained ranged from T=3s (where Ran ( ) = 0) and T=12s (where Ran ( ) = 1), naturally
including all the intermediate values possible between 3 and 12 seconds.
The motorcycles served the sole purpose of generating a signal. Each motorcycle was
independent of the others and the electrical signal was isolated in order to eliminate all risk of
interference. Signals from the front and rear brakes were both recorded independently from each
other with the aid of an Apple PowerMacintosh G4/867, then transferred and recorded on a
central database running on a PowerBook G4/550 Titanium.
4

Experimental procedure

The subjects were required initially to register and provide the following personal information:
age, sex, address, number of years of experience riding motorcycles on the road, number of years
of experience riding motorcycles off-road, distance ridden on motorcycles in the previous three
years and number of years of experience driving an automobile. Following this, a sequential
personal identification number was issued to each subject.
Next, the subject sat on the motorcycle of his choice and provided his personal identification
number. Consequently, the database coupled the personal identification number with the specific
motorcycle, capturing the data.
Before each session, a host explained the procedure in order to be sure the rules were properly
followed. In addition, an observer ensured that the test was performed according to requirements.
The information required by the participant was conveyed by means of the giant screen. When
the green light changed to red, the subject had to activate both brakes as quickly as possible.
Timekeeping began as the green light changed to red and stopped with the application of brakes
by the subject. The two BRTs front and rear were then transferred automatically to the central
database.
Subjects had to complete two braking procedures, once in covered mode and once non-covered,
using the front and rear brakes as close to simultaneously as possible. Covered mode meant the
subject was already prepared to brake, but without completing activation of the brake levers. The
subject had beforehand positioned the fingers of the right hand on the front brake lever and the
right foot above the rear brake pedal, thus positioned ready to act. The non-covered mode meant
the subject had his fingers closed or wrapped around the handlebar and his right foot flat on the
footpeg. Consequently, both brake levers were visible to the eye. The result of zero seconds (0s)

was automatically recorded if the subject activated either the front or rear brake lever before the
light changed to red or if the subject forgot to activate one lever or the other, these results being
eliminated for purposes of statistical analysis.
5
5.1

Results
Identification of sample group serving for analysis

For purposes of this study subjects had to be at least 16 years of age, the legal minimum age to
have a riding permit in Quebec, and to have completed two valid groups of tests, in covered and
non-covered mode, while meeting the requirement of scoring results between 0.2 and 1.0
seconds. A time below 0.2 seconds indicated the subject had anticipated the signal and times of
more than 1.0 seconds indicated the subject was distracted or inattentive. As a result, of the 1,930
test subjects only 1,181 satisfied the selection criteria and only these were used as a basis for the
present study.
Figure 1, Figure 2 and Figure 3 represent respectively the distribution of women, men and the
mixed group, according to their age groups. The mean age obtained was 33.3 years for women,
35.3 years for men and 35.1 years for the mixed group. The sample consisted of 108 women and
1,073 men.
5.2

Brake reaction times as a function of sex of groups of individuals

Figure 4 to Figure 9 inclusive represent the frequencies obtained as a function of brake reaction
time in non-covered and covered mode as a function of the three distinct groups--women, men
and a mixed group.
It must be mentioned that these figures are not represented in constantly rising values, that is, the
distribution along the X axis is not constant. The goal of the test was to maximize the central
region, which itself is constant and significant. Consequently, it will be normal to see a section of
the histogram higher than at either end of the figures.

Figure 1 : Frequency of participants as a function of age groups (women only).

Rpartition
des candidates
selon les groupes
Distribution
of candidates
by aged'ges,
groups,
moyenne
d'ge
=
33.3
ans
mean age = 33.3 years
40

Nombre de candidates

35
30
25
20
15
10
5
0
16-25

26-35

36-45

46-55

56-65

66-75

Groupes
d'ges
Age groups

Age groups
Figure 2 : Frequency of participants as a function of age groups (men only).
Distribution
ofcandidats
candidates
by
age groups,
Rpartition des
selon
groupes
d'ges,
Age les
groups
moyenne
d'ge
=
35.3
ans
mean age = 35.3 years
350

Nombre de candidats

300
250
200
150
100
50
0
16-25

26-35

36-45

46-55

56-65

Groupes
d'ges
Age groups

Age groups

Age groups
5

66-75

Figure 3 : Frequency of mixed participants (women and men) as a function of age groups.
Distribution
of candidates
by age
groups,
Rpartition
des candidats
mixtes selon
les groupes
d'ges,
moyenne
d'ge
35.1 years
ans
mean age
= =35.1
400
350

Nombre de candidats

300
250
200
150
100
50
0
16-25

26-35

36-45

46-55

56-65

66-75

Groupes
d'ges
Age groups

Age groups
Figure 4 and Figure 5 represent the data recorded for the group of women in non-covered and
covered mode respectively. The mean non-covered BRT is 0.558 s (BRT front = 0.564 s and
BRT rear = 0.552 seconds), the mean
covered BRT is 0.388 s (BRT front = 0.360 s and BRT rear
Age groups
= 0.416 s). The final mean brake reaction time for women is 0.475 s, regardless of mode. Figure
6 and Figure 7 represent the data recorded for the group of men in non-covered and covered
mode respectively. The mean non-covered BRT is 0.538 s (BRT front = 0.543 s and BRT rear =
0.534 seconds), the mean covered BRT is 0.386 s (BRT front = 0.359 s and BRT rear = 0.413 s).
The final mean brake reaction time for men is 0.462 s, regardless of mode.
Figure 8 and Figure 9 represent the data recorded for the mixed group in non-covered and
covered mode respectively. The mean non-covered BRT is 0.540 s (BRT front = 0.545 s and
BRT rear = 0.536 s), the mean covered BRT is 0.386 s (BRT front = 0.359 s and BRT rear =
0.413 s). The front BRT therefore presents a gap 0.054 s shorter than the rear BRT. The final
mean brake reaction time for the mixed group is 0.463 s, regardless of mode. The mean noncovered BRT is 0.154 s greater than the mean covered BRT. At 100 km/h this delay of 0.154 s
increases vehicle stopping distance by 4.28 metres.

Figure 4 : Frequency obtained as a function of non-covered brake reaction time for women.

30
Front brake
Frein
avant
mean=0.564 s
moy.=0.564s

25

Rear brake
Frein
arrire
mean=0.552 s
moy.=0.552s

Frequency
Frquence

20

15

10

0.

0.

2<
0
41 .41
<0
0.
43 .43
<
0. 0.4
45 5
<
0. 0.4
47 7
<0
0.
49 .49
<
0. 0.5
51 1
<0
0.
53 .53
<
0. 0.5
55 5
<
0. 0.5
57 7
<0
0.
59 .59
<
0. 0.6
61 1
<0
0.
63 .63
<
0. 0.6
65 5
<0
0.
67 .67
<
0. 0.6
69 9
<0
0.
71 .71
<
0. 0.7
73 3
<0
0. .80
80
<1
.0

Temps de raction au freinage (s)

Brake reaction time (s)

Figure 5 : Frequency obtained as a function of covered brake reaction time for women.

45
40

Frein
avant
Front brake
mean=0.564 s
moy.=0.360s

35

Frein
arrire
Rear brake
mean=0.552 s
moy.=0.416s

25
20
15
10
5
0
0.
2<
0. 0.2
27 7
<
0. 0.2
29 9
<
0. 0.3
31 1
<0
0.
33 .33
<
0. 0.3
35 5
<
0. 0.3
37 7
<0
0.
39 .39
<
0. 0.4
41 1
<0
0.
43 .43
<
0. 0.4
45 5
<0
0.
.
47 47
<
0. 0.4
49 9
<
0. 0.5
51 1
<
0. 0.5
53 3
<
0. 0.5
55 5
<0
0.
57 .57
<
0. 0.5
59 9
<0
0. .72
72
<1
.0

Frequency
Frquence

30

Temps de raction au freinage (s)

Brake reaction time (s)

Figure 6!: Frequency obtained as a function of non-covered brake reaction time for men.
300
Front brake
Frein
avant
mean = 0.543 s
moy.=0.543s

250

Rear brake
Frein
arrire
mean = 0.534 s
moy.=0.534s

Frquence

Frequency

200

150

100

50

0.

0.

2<
0
41 .41
<0
0.
43 .43
<
0. 0.4
45 5
<0
0.
47 .47
<
0. 0.4
49 9
<0
0.
51 .51
<
0. 0.5
53 3
<0
0.
55 .55
<
0. 0.5
57 7
<
0. 0.5
59 9
<0
0.
61 .61
<
0. 0.6
63 3
<0
0.
65 .65
<
0. 0.6
67 7
<0
0.
69 .69
<
0. 0.7
71 1
<0
0.
73 .73
<0
0. .80
80
<1
.0

Temps de raction au freinage (s)

Brake
reaction time (s)

Figure 7 : Frequency obtained as a function of covered brake reaction time for men.

450
400

Frein
avant
Front brake
mean = 0.359 s
moy.=0.359s

350

Frein
arrire
Rear brake
mean = 0.413 s
moy.=0.413s

250
200
150
100
50
0
0.
2<
0. 0.2
27 7
<
0. 0.2
29 9
<
0. 0.3
31 1
<
0. 0.3
33 3
<
0. 0.3
35 5
<0
0.
37 .37
<
0. 0.3
39 9
<0
0.
.
41 41
<
0. 0.4
43 3
<
0. 0.4
45 5
<
0. 0.4
47 7
<
0. 0.4
49 9
<
0. 0.5
51 1
<
0. 0.5
53 3
<
0. 0.5
55 5
<
0. 0.5
57 7
<
0. 0.5
59 9
<0
0. .72
72
<1
.0

Frquence

Frequency

300

Temps de raction au freinage (s)

Brake
reaction time (s)

Figure 8!: Frequency obtained as a function of non-covered brake reaction time for a mixed group
of women and men.
350
Frein
vant
Front brake
mean = 0.545 s
moy.=0.545s
300
Frein
arrire
Rear brake
mean = 0.536 s
moy.=0.536s

Frquence

250

200

150

100

50

0.

0.

2<

0
41 .41
<0
0.
43 .43
<
0. 0.4
45 5
<
0. 0.4
47 7
<0
0.
49 .49
<
0. 0.5
51 1
<0
0.
53 .53
<
0. 0.5
55 5
<0
0.
57 .57
<
0. 0.5
59 9
<0
0.
61 .61
<
0. 0.6
63 3
<
0. 0.6
65 5
<0
0.
67 .67
<
0. 0.6
69 9
<0
0.
71 .71
<
0. 0.7
73 3
<0
0. .80
80
<1
.0

Temps de raction au freinage (s)

Brake
reaction time (s)

Figure 9!: Frequency obtained as a function of covered brake reaction time for a mixed group of
women and men.

450
Front brake
Frein
avant
mean = 0.359 s
moy.=0.359s

400

Rear brake
Frein
arrire
mean = 0.413 s
moy.=0.413s

350

250
200
150
100
50
0
0.
2<
0. 0.2
27 7
<
0. 0.2
29 9
<
0. 0.3
31 1
<0
0.
33 .33
<
0. 0.3
35 5
<0
0.
37 .37
<
0. 0.3
39 9
<
0. 0.4
41 1
<0
0.
43 .43
<
0. 0.4
45 5
<0
0.
47 .47
<
0. 0.4
49 9
<0
0.
51 .51
<
0. 0.5
53 3
<0
0.
55 .55
<
0. 0.5
57 7
<0
0.
.
59 59
<0
0. .72
72
<1
.0

Frquence

300

Temps de raction au freinage (s)

Brake reaction time (s)

The preceding data are summarized in Table 1. An interesting trend noted is that in non-covered
mode the front BRT is slightly slower than the rear, while in covered mode the front BRT is
faster than the rear.
Table 1 : Mean brake reaction time as a function of brake used.
Front brake
Rear brake
Combined
Mean time
Mean time
brake
Subject
Procedure
(s)
(s)
Mean time (s)
Women
Men
Mixed

Non-covered

0.564

0.552

0.558

Covered
Non-covered
Covered
Non-covered
Covered

0.360
0.543
0.359
0.545
0.359

0.416
0.534
0.413
0.536
0.413

0.388
0.538
0.386
0.540
0.386

Combined
brake
Mean time
overall (s)
0.473
0.462
0.463

For each of the four measured phenomena the mean BRT for women was slower than that of the
men, regardless of the procedure used or the brake measured, the overall gap being 0.011 s. The
study performed by H. Ecker, J. Wassermann. G. Hauer, R. Ruspekhofer and M. Winkelbauer,
Brake Reaction Times of Motorcycle Riders, presented at the International Motorcycle Safety
Conference, March 1-4, 2001 in Orlando, Florida, U.S.A., showed the same tendency, but as in
the present study, the sample of women was small.
5.3

Influence of candidates age on BRT

The factor of age was also studied to verify whether it is a determinant in obtaining BRT. Figure
10 and Figure 11 represent the data gathered in graphic form, where the diamonds are the results
obtained and the triangles are the mean values for each age group. Table 2 and Table 3 represent
the cumulative mean values for each age group, by non-covered and covered mode respectively.
These two tables demonstrate that the influence of age is not a determinant in that there is no
clear trend. If a trend influenced BRT, there would be a constant increase or decrease in BRT as a
function of that parameter, and this is not the case.
In addition, one must observe the frequency of data, which in the case of the 66-75 year group
consists of only four tests, performed by two men.

10

Figure 1 : Non-covered brake reaction time as a function of age.

a)
brake
a) Front
Frein avant
76
66

ge (anne)

Age (years)

56

46
36
26

16
0.2

0.3

0.4

0.5

0.6

0.7

0.8

0.9

0.8

0.9

Temps
ractiontime
au freinage
(s)
Brakede
reaction
(s)

b)
b) Rear
Freinbrake
arrire
76

66

Age (years)

ge (anne)

56

46

36
26

16
0.2

0.3

0.4

0.5

0.6

0.7

Temps
raction
au freinage
(s)
Brake de
reaction
time
(s)

11

Figure 11 : Covered brake reaction time as a function of age.

a) Front brake
a) Frein avant
76
66

Age (years)

ge (anne)

56

46
36
26

16
0.2

0.3

0.4

0.5

0.6

0.7

0.8

0.9

0.8

0.9

Temps
raction
au freinage
(s)
Brake de
reaction
time
(s)

b)
b)Rear
Freinbrake
arrire
76

66

Age (years)

ge (anne)

56

46

36
26

16
0.2

0.3

0.4

0.5

0.6

0.7

Tempsreaction
de raction
au (s)
freinage (s)
Brake
time

12

Table 2 : Mean non-covered brake reaction time as a function of age.

Front brake
Age groups
16-25
26-35
36-45
46-55
56-65
66-75
Rear brake
Age groups
16-25
26-35
36-45
46-55
56-65
66-75

58
72
48
38
0
0

58
72
48
38
0
0

Women
X (s)
0.577
0.536
0.574
0.585
0.000
0.000
Women
X (s)
0.553
0.540
0.566
0.557
0.000
0.000

= frequency

F (s)
0.082
0.099
0.090
0.096
0.000
0.000

456
642
608
402
34
4

F (s)
0.079
0.114
0.081
0.124
0.000
0.000

456
642
608
402
34
4

X = mean

Men
X (s)
0.532
0.534
0.545
0.564
0.558
0.560
Men
X (s)
0.538
0.539
0.531
0.526
0.533
0.508

F (s)
0.081
0.082
0.093
0.113
0.098
0.040

514
714
656
440
34
4

F (s)
0.091
0.096
0.090
0.106
0.090
0.036

514
714
656
440
34
4

Mixed
X (s)
0.537
0.535
0.547
0.566
0.558
0.560
Mixed
X (s)
0.540
0.539
0.534
0.529
0.533
0.508

F (s)
0.082
0.084
0.093
0.111
0.098
0.040
F (s)
0.090
0.098
0.090
0.108
0.090
0.036

F = standard deviation

Table 3: Mean covered brake reaction time as a function of age.

Front brake
Age groups
16-25
26-35
36-45
46-55
56-65
66-75
Rear brake
Age groups
16-25
26-35
36-45
46-55
56-65
66-75

58
72
48
38
0
0

58
72
48
38
0
0

Women
X (s)
0.369
0.346
0.365
0.368
0.000
0.000
Women
X (s)
0.418
0.399
0.440
0.415
0.000
0.000

= frequency

F (s)
0.056
0.053
0.064
0.057
0.000
0.000

456
642
608
402
34
4

F (s)
0.058
0.060
0.102
0.059
0.000
0.000

456
642
608
402
34
4

X = mean

13

Men
X (s)
0.358
0.356
0.359
0.364
0.387
0.449
Men
X (s)
0.410
0.413
0.412
0.415
0.428
0.490

F (s)
0.054
0.052
0.059
0.070
0.058
0.103

514
714
656
440
34
4

F (s)
0.066
0.078
0.077
0.083
0.070
0.080

514
714
656
440
34
4

Mixed
X (s)
0.359
0.355
0.359
0.364
0.387
0.449
Mixed
X (s)
0.411
0.412
0.414
0.415
0.428
0.490

F = standard deviation

F (s)
0.055
0.052
0.060
0.069
0.058
0.103
F (s)
0.065
0.076
0.079
0.081
0.070
0.080

5.4

Influence of candidates on-road motorcycle riding experience on BRT

The factor <<on-road motorcycle riding experience>> was studied to verify whether it influenced
BRT. Figure 12 and Figure 13 represent the data gathered in graphical form (diamonds = raw
figures, triangles = mean). Table 4 and Table 5 represent the calculated mean values as a function
of on-road riding experience for non-covered and covered procedure respectively. Analysis of
these two tables demonstrates that this is not a determinant, as there is no trend.
5.5

Influence of candidates off-road motorcycle riding experience on BRT

Does the factor <<off-road motorcycle riding experience>> influence BRT? Figure 14 and Figure
15 represent the data gathered in graphical form (diamonds = raw figures, triangles = mean).
Table 6 and Table 7 represent the calculated mean values as a function of off-road riding
experience for non-covered and covered procedure respectively. Analysis of these two tables
demonstrates once more that this factor does not influence BRT.
5.6

Influence of distance ridden on a motorcycle in past three years on BRT

The factor <<distance ridden on-road during the previous three years>> has no direct influence
on BRT. Figure 16 and Figure 17 represent the data gathered in graphical form (diamonds = raw
figures, triangles = mean). Table 8 and Table 9 represent the calculated mean values as a function
of distance ridden for non-covered and covered procedure respectively.
5.7

Influence of candidatesautomobile experience on BRT

The factor <<automobile driving experience>> has no influence on BRT. Figure 18 and Figure
19 represent the data gathered in graphical form (diamonds = raw figures, triangles = mean).
Table 10 and Table 11 represent the calculated mean values as a function of distance ridden for
non-covered and covered procedure respectively.
5.8

Mean brake reaction times (summarized data)

Table 12 summarizes the calculated data for combined BRT obtained by creating the mean of
tests for front and rear brakes as well as for the two procedures of covered and non-covered
operation. It emerges from the analysis of this table that the mean brake reaction time, obtained
from a sample of 1,181 candidates, is 0.463 seconds with a standard deviation of 0.114 seconds.
If the sample group is representative of the Quebec motorcycling population, this result allows a
prediction with a certainty of 95 per cent that the combined mean brake reaction time for the
population is between 0.461 and 0.465 seconds.

14

Figure 12!: Mean non-covered brake reaction time as a function of motorcycle riding experience
of subjects.
a)a)Frein
Frontavant
brake
conduite
en moto
de
On-roadExprience
motorcyclede
riding
experience
(years)
route (anne)

25

20

15

10

0
0.2

0.3

0.4

0.5
0.6
0.7
0.8
Temps
de
raction
au
freinage
(s)
Brake reaction time (s)

0.9

0.9

Reararrire
brake
b)b)Frein
On-roadExprience
motorcyclede
riding
experience
(years)
conduite
en moto
de
route (anne)

25

20

15

10

0
0.2

0.3

0.4

0.5
0.6
0.7
0.8
Temps de raction au freinage (s)
Brake reaction time (s)

15

Figure 13 : Mean covered brake reaction time as a function of motorcycle riding experience of
subjects.
a)
a) Front
Frein brake
avant
conduite
en moto
de
On-roadExprience
motorcyclede
riding
experience
(years)
route (anne)

25

20

15

10

0
0.2

0.3

0.4

0.5
0.6
0.7
0.8
Temps
de
raction
au
freinage
(s)
Brake reaction time (s)

0.9

0.9

Reararrire
brake
b)b)Frein
conduite
en moto
de
On-road Exprience
motorcycle de
riding
experience
(years)
route (anne)

25

20

15

10

0
0.2

0.3

0.4

0.5
0.6
0.7
0.8
TempsBrake
de raction
au
freinage
(s)
reaction time (s)

16

Table 4!: Mean non-covered brake reaction time as a function of motorcycle riding experience.
Front brake
Year(s) exp..
0
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
10
15
20
25
Rear brake
Year(s) exp.
0
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
10
15
20
25

76
36
26
16
14
8
4
6
2
6
8
2
6
6

76
36
26
16
14
8
4
6
2
6
8
2
6
6

Women
X (s)
0.588
0.555
0.530
0.550
0.528
0.520
0.615
0.546
0.519
0.556
0.510
0.702
0.643
0.591
Women
X (s)
0.565
0.550
0.515
0.573
0.492
0.583
0.576
0.549
0.441
0.494
0.499
0.814
0.616
0.602

= frequency

F (s)
0.104
0.087
0.073
0.073
0.083
0.037
0.084
0.087
0.019
0.049
0.056
0.096
0.141
0.053

300
178
172
176
102
126
86
54
40
24
216
172
246
254

F (s)
0.086
0.103
0.068
0.110
0.072
0.084
0.067
0.121
0.038
0.026
0.079
0.069
0.093
0.206

300
178
172
176
102
126
86
54
40
24
216
172
246
254

X = mean

17

Men
X (s)
0.550
0.545
0.545
0.533
0.527
0.558
0.530
0.522
0.548
0.536
0.541
0.543
0.534
0.557
Men
X (s)
0.549
0.547
0.529
0.530
0.539
0.544
0.519
0.509
0.536
0.526
0.528
0.538
0.529
0.523

F (s)
0.094
0.083
0.096
0.091
0.087
0.106
0.078
0.076
0.093
0.072
0.096
0.084
0.084
0.101

376
214
198
192
116
134
90
60
42
30
224
174
252
260

F (s)
0.096
0.081
0.084
0.102
0.086
0.103
0.074
0.059
0.095
0.067
0.112
0.097
0.103
0.092

376
214
198
192
116
134
90
60
42
30
224
174
252
260

Mixed
X (s)
0.558
0.547
0.543
0.535
0.527
0.556
0.534
0.524
0.546
0.540
0.539
0.545
0.537
0.557
Mixed
X (s)
0.552
0.548
0.527
0.534
0.533
0.547
0.522
0.513
0.532
0.520
0.527
0.542
0.531
0.525

F = standard deviation

F (s)
0.097
0.084
0.094
0.089
0.086
0.104
0.081
0.077
0.091
0.069
0.095
0.086
0.087
0.100
F (s)
0.094
0.085
0.082
0.103
0.086
0.103
0.075
0.069
0.095
0.062
0.111
0.102
0.104
0.097

Table 5!: Mean covered brake reaction time as a function of motorcycle riding experience.
Front brake
Year(s) exp.
0
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
10
15
20
25
Rear brake
Year(s) exp.
0
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
10
15
20
25

76
36
26
16
14
8
4
6
2
6
8
2
6
6

76
36
26
16
14
8
4
6
2
6
8
2
6
6

Women
X (s)
0.373
0.356
0.348
0.334
0.344
0.369
0.338
0.375
0.479
0.346
0.317
0.358
0.401
0.365
Women
X (s)
0.429
0.408
0.394
0.428
0.394
0.443
0.403
0.437
0.460
0.393
0.366
0.434
0.449
0.400

= frequency

F (s)
0.063
0.070
0.034
0.049
0.042
0.038
0.046
0.037
0.004
0.037
0.036
0.005
0.045
0.022

300
178
172
176
102
126
86
54
40
24
216
172
246
254

F (s)
0.070
0.067
0.032
0.149
0.063
0.045
0.032
0.048
0.005
0.048
0.046
0.008
0.048
0.020

300
178
172
176
102
126
86
54
40
24
216
172
246
254

X = mean

18

Men
X (s)
0.370
0.355
0.362
0.357
0.358
0.351
0.348
0.348
0.360
0.361
0.357
0.354
0.361
0.364
Men
X (s)
0.420
0.412
0.409
0.412
0.418
0.410
0.400
0.390
0.412
0.403
0.411
0.418
0.420
0.410

F (s)
0.066
0.053
0.067
0.057
0.051
0.046
0.043
0.047
0.057
0.042
0.060
0.051
0.061
0.066

376
214
198
192
116
134
90
60
42
30
224
174
252
260

F (s)
0.065
0.069
0.076
0.078
0.069
0.075
0.078
0.056
0.061
0.050
0.071
0.094
0.096
0.070

376
214
198
192
116
134
90
60
42
30
224
174
252
260

Mixed
X (s)
0.370
0.356
0.360
0.355
0.356
0.352
0.347
0.351
0.366
0.358
0.356
0.354
0.362
0.364
Mixed
X (s)
0.422
0.411
0.407
0.414
0.415
0.412
0.400
0.394
0.414
0.401
0.409
0.419
0.420
0.410

F = standard deviation

F (s)
0.065
0.056
0.064
0.057
0.050
0.046
0.043
0.047
0.061
0.042
0.060
0.050
0.061
0.065
F (s)
0.066
0.069
0.072
0.086
0.069
0.074
0.077
0.057
0.061
0.050
0.071
0.093
0.095
0.069

Figure 14!: Mean non-covered brake reaction time as a function of off-road motorcycle riding
experience of subjects.
a)
a) Front
Frein brake
avant
Exprienceriding
de conduite
en moto
hors
Off-road motorcycle
experience
(years)
route (anne)

25

20

15

10

0
0.2

0.3

0.4
0.5
0.6
0.7
0.8
TempsBrake
de raction
autime
freinage
reaction
(s) (s)

0.9

0.9

b)b)Rear
brake
Frein
arrire
Exprience
de conduite
en moto
hors
Off-road motorcycle
riding
experience
(years)
route (anne)

25

20

15

10

0
0.2

0.3

0.4
0.5
0.6
0.7
0.8
TempsBrake
de raction
autime
freinage
reaction
(s) (s)

19

Figure 15!: Mean covered brake reaction time as a function of off-road motorcycle riding
experience of subjects.
a)a)Front
Freinbrake
avant
Exprience de conduite en moto hors
route (anne)

25

20

15

10

0
0.2

0.3

0.4
0.5
0.6
0.7
0.8
TempsBrake
de raction
autime
freinage
reaction
(s) (s)

0.9

0.9

a)b)Rear
brake
Frein
arrire
Exprience de conduite en moto hors
route (anne)

25

20

15

10

0
0.2

0.3

0.4
0.5
0.6
0.7
0.8
TempsBrake
de raction
autime
freinage
reaction
(s) (s)

20

Table 6 : Mean non-covered brake reaction time as a function of off-road riding experience
Front brake
Year(s) exp..
0
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
10
15
20
25
Rear brake
Year(s) exp.
0
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
10
15
20
25

160
18
8
8
0
2
0
0
0
0
6
10
2
2

160
18
8
8
0
2
0
0
0
0
6
10
2
2

Women
X (s)
0.570
0.557
0.563
0.537
0.000
0.589
0.000
0.000
0.000
0.000
0.561
0.506
0.547
0.573
Women
X (s)
0.556
0.565
0.520
0.579
0.000
0.492
0.000
0.000
0.000
0.000
0.518
0.520
0.499
0.522

= frequency

F (s)
0.096
0.094
0.097
0.123
0.000
0.043
0.000
0.000
0.000
0.000
0.050
0.044
0.007
0.004

996
198
144
112
64
102
30
38
28
6
170
102
102
54

F (s)
0.099
0.149
0.068
0.085
0.000
0.020
0.000
0.000
0.000
0.000
0.011
0.099
0.004
0.006

996
198
144
112
64
102
30
38
28
6
170
102
102
54

X = mean

21

Men
X (s)
0.550
0.546
0.540
0.524
0.525
0.539
0.525
0.520
0.553
0.565
0.536
0.540
0.541
0.535
Men
X (s)
0.542
0.543
0.520
0.517
0.548
0.526
0.507
0.514
0.551
0.531
0.511
0.536
0.533
0.509

F (s)
0.093
0.093
0.099
0.085
0.086
0.091
0.069
0.077
0.110
0.117
0.087
0.080
0.089
0.102

1156
216
152
120
64
104
30
38
28
6
176
112
104
56

F (s)
0.097
0.090
0.098
0.090
0.118
0.094
0.072
0.090
0.117
0.070
0.084
0.089
0.084
0.087

1156
216
152
120
64
104
30
38
28
6
176
112
104
56

Mixed
X (s)
0.552
0.547
0.541
0.525
0.525
0.540
0.525
0.520
0.553
0.565
0.537
0.537
0.541
0.537
Mixed
X (s)
0.544
0.545
0.520
0.521
0.548
0.525
0.507
0.514
0.551
0.531
0.511
0.535
0.533
0.509

F = standard deviation

F (s)
0.094
0.093
0.099
0.089
0.086
0.090
0.069
0.077
0.110
0.117
0.086
0.078
0.088
0.101
F (s)
0.098
0.097
0.097
0.091
0.118
0.094
0.072
0.090
0.117
0.070
0.082
0.091
0.084
0.085

Table 7: Mean covered brake reaction time as a function of off-road riding experience
Front brake
Year(s) exp.
0
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
10
15
20
25
Front brake
Year(s) exp.
0
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
10
15
20
25

160
18
8
8
0
2
0
0
0
0
6
10
2
2

160
18
8
8
0
2
0
0
0
0
6
10
2
2

Women
X (s)
0.361
0.367
0.363
0.349
0.000
0.370
0.000
0.000
0.000
0.000
0.343
0.358
0.300
0.390
Women
X (s)
0.420
0.408
0.415
0.428
0.000
0.394
0.000
0.000
0.000
0.000
0.378
0.395
0.336
0.424

= frequency

F (s)
0.062
0.048
0.036
0.041
0.000
0.053
0.000
0.000
0.000
0.000
0.025
0.046
0.005
0.009

996
198
144
112
64
102
30
38
28
6
170
102
102
54

F (s)
0.079
0.048
0.042
0.013
0.000
0.057
0.000
0.000
0.000
0.000
0.020
0.063
0.011
0.007

996
198
144
112
64
102
30
38
28
6
170
102
102
54

X = mean

22

Men
X (s)
0.364
0.363
0.351
0.349
0.351
0.359
0.334
0.340
0.365
0.389
0.350
0.358
0.366
0.356
Men
X (s)
0.416
0.422
0.403
0.401
0.429
0.411
0.376
0.385
0.434
0.416
0.400
0.407
0.430
0.416

F (s)
0.064
0.055
0.052
0.056
0.060
0.055
0.036
0.047
0.061
0.028
0.046
0.048
0.064
0.048

1156
216
152
120
64
104
30
38
28
6
176
112
104
56

F (s)
0.074
0.073
0.063
0.065
0.119
0.078
0.046
0.045
0.109
0.019
0.071
0.054
0.105
0.097

1156
216
152
120
64
104
30
38
28
6
176
112
104
56

Mixed
X (s)
0.363
0.363
0.352
0.349
0.351
0.360
0.334
0.340
0.365
0.389
0.350
0.358
0.365
0.357
Mixed
X (s)
0.416
0.421
0.404
0.403
0.429
0.411
0.376
0.385
0.434
0.416
0.400
0.406
0.428
0.416

F = standard deviation

F (s)
0.064
0.055
0.051
0.055
0.060
0.055
0.036
0.047
0.061
0.028
0.046
0.048
0.064
0.047
F (s)
0.074
0.071
0.062
0.064
0.119
0.078
0.046
0.045
0.109
0.019
0.070
0.055
0.105
0.095

Figure 16 : Mean non-covered brake reaction time as a function of distance ridden in previous
three years.
a) Frein
Front avant
brake
a)
Distance parcourue durant 3 ans (km)

50000

40000

30000

20000

10000

0
0.2

0.3

0.4
0.5
0.6
0.7
0.8
Temps
de
raction
au
freinage
(s)
Brake reaction time (s)

0.9

0.9

b) Frein
arrire
Rear brake

Distance parcourue durant 3 ans (km)

50000

40000

30000

20000

10000

0
0.2

0.3

0.4
0.5
0.6
0.7
0.8
Temps de raction au freinage (s)
Brake reaction time (s)

23

Figure 17 : Mean covered brake reaction time as a function of distance ridden in previous three
years.
a)
a)Frein
Frontavant
brake
Distance parcourue durant 3 ans (km)

50000

40000

30000

20000

10000

0
0.2

0.3

0.4
0.5
0.6
0.7
0.8
Temps de raction au freinage (s)
Brake reaction time (s)

0.9

0.9

b)
b)Frein
Rear arrire
brake

Distance parcourue durant 3 ans (km)

50000

40000

30000

20000

10000

0
0.2

0.3

0.4
0.5
0.6
0.7
0.8
Temps de raction au freinage (s)
Brake reaction time (s)

24

Table 8: Mean non-covered brake reaction time as a function of distance ridden in past three
years.
Front brake
Distance in km
0
1000
2000
5000
10000
15000
20000
25000
30000
40000
50000
Rear brake
Distance in km
0
1000
2000
5000
10000
15000
20000
25000
30000
40000
50000

84
4
12
28
20
14
10
6
14
14
10

84
4
12
28
20
14
10
6
14
14
10

Women
X (s)
0.581
0.521
0.542
0.557
0.571
0.525
0.542
0.586
0.582
0.544
0.543
Women
X (s)
0.557
0.510
0.569
0.545
0.574
0.575
0.465
0.533
0.605
0.502
0.549

= frequency

F (s)
0.102
0.013
0.102
0.102
0.068
0.069
0.091
0.071
0.108
0.068
0.072

390
64
96
174
200
214
200
120
234
158
296

F (s)
0.088
0.045
0.118
0.086
0.121
0.105
0.058
0.021
0.172
0.059
0.077

390
64
96
174
200
214
200
120
234
158
296

X = mean

25

Men
X (s)
0.549
0.542
0.548
0.542
0.556
0.544
0.537
0.542
0.533
0.530
0.544
Men
X (s)
0.545
0.539
0.533
0.541
0.534
0.534
0.536
0.526
0.525
0.528
0.524

F (s)
0.093
0.086
0.088
0.082
0.100
0.087
0.091
0.097
0.083
0.090
0.101

474
68
108
202
220
228
210
126
248
172
306

F (s)
0.093
0.085
0.102
0.088
0.093
0.094
0.102
0.095
0.096
0.092
0.100

474
68
108
202
220
228
210
126
248
172
306

Mixed
X (s)
0.554
0.541
0.547
0.544
0.557
0.543
0.537
0.544
0.536
0.532
0.544
Mixed
X (s)
0.548
0.537
0.537
0.542
0.538
0.537
0.533
0.526
0.530
0.526
0.525

F = standard deviation

F (s)
0.095
0.084
0.089
0.085
0.098
0.086
0.091
0.097
0.085
0.089
0.101
F (s)
0.092
0.083
0.105
0.087
0.096
0.095
0.102
0.093
0.103
0.090
0.099

Table 9: Mean covered brake reaction time as a function of distance ridden in past three years.
Front brake
Distance in km
0
1000
2000
5000
10000
15000
20000
25000
30000
40000
50000
Rear brake
Distance in km
0
1000
2000
5000
10000
15000
20000
25000
30000
40000
50000

84
4
12
28
20
14
10
6
14
14
10

84
4
12
28
20
14
10
6
14
14
10

Women
X (s)
0.369
0.342
0.322
0.349
0.381
0.363
0.351
0.368
0.345
0.356
0.362
Women
X (s)
0.424
0.402
0.384
0.406
0.463
0.403
0.387
0.399
0.402
0.390
0.442

= frequency

F (s)
0.062
0.009
0.034
0.043
0.074
0.060
0.040
0.023
0.042
0.057
0.065

390
64
96
174
200
214
200
120
234
158
296

F (s)
0.069
0.015
0.043
0.041
0.133
0.071
0.038
0.022
0.055
0.048
0.069

390
64
96
174
200
214
200
120
234
158
296

X = mean

26

Men
X (s)
0.366
0.357
0.359
0.359
0.363
0.361
0.362
0.360
0.352
0.348
0.357
Men
X (s)
0.419
0.419
0.408
0.422
0.411
0.416
0.420
0.410
0.410
0.403
0.404

F (s)
0.062
0.065
0.054
0.058
0.059
0.061
0.070
0.048
0.052
0.057
0.054

474
68
108
202
220
228
210
126
248
172
306

F (s)
0.066
0.076
0.061
0.093
0.071
0.087
0.089
0.056
0.082
0.069
0.071

474
68
108
202
220
228
210
126
248
172
306

Mixed
X (s)
0.366
0.356
0.354
0.358
0.365
0.361
0.362
0.360
0.352
0.349
0.357
Mixed
X (s)
0.420
0.418
0.405
0.420
0.416
0.416
0.418
0.409
0.409
0.402
0.406

F = standard deviation

F (s)
0.062
0.063
0.054
0.056
0.061
0.061
0.069
0.047
0.052
0.057
0.054
F (s)
0.067
0.074
0.060
0.088
0.080
0.086
0.087
0.055
0.081
0.068
0.072

Figure 18 : Mean non-covered brake reaction time as a function of automobile experience.

a) Front
Frein brake
avant
a)

Experience in automobile driving (years)

Exprience de conduite auto (anne)

25

20

15

10

0
0.2

0.3

0.4

0.5
0.6
0.7
0.8
Temps
de
raction
au
freinage
(s)
Brake reaction time (s)

0.9

0.9

b)rear
Frein
arrire
b)
brake

Experience in automobile driving (years)

Exprience de conduite auto (anne)

25

20

15

10

0
0.2

0.3

0.4

0.5
0.6
0.7
0.8
Temps
de raction
freinage
(s)
Brake
reactionau
time
(s)

27

Figure 19 : Mean covered brake reaction time as a function of automobile experience.

a) Front
Frein brake
avant
Experience in automobile driving (years)
Exprience de conduite auto (anne)

25

20

15

10

0
0.2

0.3

0.4

0.5
0.6
0.7
0.8
Temps de raction au freinage (s)
Brake reaction time (s)

0.9

0.9

b)
b) rear
Freinbrake
arrire
Experience
in automobile
driving
Exprience
de conduite
auto (years)
(anne)

25

20

15

10

0
0.2

0.3

0.4

0.5
0.6
0.7
0.8
Temps
de raction
freinage
Brake
reactionau
time
(s) (s)

28

Table 10: Mean non-covered brake reaction time as a function of automobile experience.
Front brake
Years exp.
0
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
10
15
20
25
Front brake
Years exp.
0
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
10
15
20
25

10
4
8
2
4
14
6
12
6
4
32
34
28
52

10
4
8
2
4
14
6
12
6
4
32
34
28
52

Women
X (s)
0.622
0.599
0.562
0.488
0.534
0.593
0.603
0.549
0.578
0.498
0.529
0.552
0.534
0.596
Women
X (s)
0.566
0.565
0.614
0.476
0.452
0.585
0.554
0.548
0.557
0.438
0.529
0.566
0.533
0.566

= frequency

F (s)

0.099
0.055
0.026
0.045
0.013
0.107
0.042
0.100
0.073
0.066
0.103
0.090
0.077
0.095

52
40
38
50
42
48
72
44
54
66
292
300
314
734

F (s)

0.090
0.068
0.039
0.057
0.073
0.085
0.039
0.098
0.101
0.020
0.091
0.118
0.092
0.110

52
40
38
50
42
48
72
44
54
66
292
300
314
734

Men
X (s)
0.569
0.530
0.544
0.510
0.535
0.537
0.527
0.512
0.536
0.553
0.533
0.533
0.542
0.556
Men
X (s)
0.576
0.533
0.553
0.504
0.546
0.530
0.545
0.529
0.538
0.544
0.532
0.540
0.540
0.525

X = mean

29

F (s)

0.098
0.076
0.077
0.077
0.077
0.105
0.071
0.057
0.075
0.074
0.086
0.077
0.095
0.103

62
44
46
52
46
62
78
56
60
70
324
334
342
786

F (s)

0.120
0.065
0.085
0.087
0.096
0.100
0.100
0.077
0.080
0.082
0.083
0.105
0.098
0.096

62
44
46
52
46
62
78
56
60
70
324
334
342
786

Mixed
X (s)
0.577
0.537
0.547
0.509
0.535
0.549
0.533
0.520
0.540
0.550
0.533
0.535
0.541
0.559
Mixed
X (s)
0.574
0.536
0.563
0.503
0.538
0.542
0.546
0.533
0.540
0.538
0.532
0.543
0.539
0.528

F = standard deviation

F (s)
0.100
0.077
0.071
0.076
0.074
0.108
0.072
0.070
0.076
0.074
0.087
0.079
0.094
0.103
F (s)
0.116
0.066
0.083
0.086
0.098
0.100
0.097
0.082
0.082
0.083
0.084
0.107
0.097
0.097

Table 11: Mean covered brake reaction time as a function of automobile experience.
Front brake
Years exp.
0
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
10
15
20
25
Front brake
Years exp.
0
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
10
15
20
25

10
4
8
2
4
14
6
12
6
4
32
34
28
52

10
4
8
2
4
14
6
12
6
4
32
34
28
52

Women
X (s)
0.384
0.395
0.372
0.310
0.334
0.375
0.378
0.376
0.372
0.287
0.361
0.341
0.352
0.366
Women
X (s)
0.415
0.447
0.436
0.302
0.369
0.439
0.431
0.422
0.421
0.358
0.408
0.400
0.442
0.415

= frequency

F (s)

0.034
0.044
0.061
0.044
0.025
0.074
0.043
0.037
0.011
0.011
0.080
0.043
0.053
0.053

52
40
38
50
42
48
72
44
54
66
292
300
314
734

F (s)

0.045
0.043
0.072
0.017
0.036
0.058
0.036
0.044
0.026
0.047
0.081
0.047
0.127
0.052

52
40
38
50
42
48
72
44
54
66
292
300
314
734

Men
X (s)
0.379
0.358
0.375
0.335
0.372
0.345
0.347
0.359
0.355
0.359
0.360
0.355
0.357
0.363
Men
X (s)
0.448
0.404
0.419
0.381
0.417
0.401
0.399
0.423
0.407
0.405
0.413
0.418
0.415
0.413

X = mean

30

F (s)

0.069
0.044
0.073
0.049
0.052
0.054
0.043
0.041
0.044
0.045
0.058
0.050
0.052
0.068

62
44
46
52
46
62
78
56
60
70
324
334
342
786

F (s)

0.086
0.051
0.069
0.053
0.062
0.060
0.056
0.082
0.056
0.048
0.067
0.089
0.084
0.078

62
44
46
52
46
62
78
56
60
70
324
334
342
786

Mixed
X (s)
0.380
0.361
0.375
0.334
0.369
0.352
0.349
0.362
0.357
0.355
0.360
0.353
0.357
0.363
Mixed
X (s)
0.443
0.408
0.422
0.378
0.413
0.410
0.402
0.423
0.409
0.403
0.412
0.416
0.417
0.413

F = standard deviation

F (s)
0.064
0.046
0.071
0.049
0.051
0.060
0.044
0.041
0.042
0.047
0.061
0.050
0.052
0.067
F (s)
0.081
0.051
0.070
0.054
0.062
0.062
0.055
0.076
0.054
0.049
0.069
0.086
0.088
0.076

Table 12: Summarized data on BRT combined as a function of sex of test subjects.
Women

Men

Mixed

NonNonNonCoveredCombined
CoveredCombined
CoveredCombined
covered
covered
covered
Number of candidates
108
108
108
1073 1073
1073
1181 1181
1181
Number of tests
432
432
864
4292 4292
8584
4724 4724
9448
Mean BRT (s)
0.558 0.388
0.473 0.538 0.386
0.462 0.540 0.386
0.463
Standard deviation (s)
0.098 0.071
0.121 0.094 0.073
0.113 0.094 0.073
0.114
0.008 0.003 0.002
0.002 0.003 0.002
0.002
Confidence level at 95% 0.009 0.007
Mean brake reaction time for the sample of 108 women, regardless of procedure, is 0.473
seconds with a standard deviation of 0.121 seconds. Mean brake reaction time for the sample of
1,073 men, regardless of procedure, is 0.462 seconds with a standard deviation of 0.113 seconds.
6

Discussion

No relation could be established between age, sex, motorcycle riding experience or automobile
experience and combined brake reaction time.
This study finds that mean BRT is shorter by 0.154 seconds in covered mode than in non-covered
mode. Covered mode implies that the motorcyclist has already positioned the fingers of his right
hand over the front brake lever and his right foot over the rear brake pedal, the rider being
thereby ready to react. At 100 km/h, a vehicle covers 27.78 m/sec; a variation of 0.154 seconds
lengthens braking distance by 4.28 metres. This difference in braking distance could mean the
difference between having an accident and being able to avoid an accident, assuming the same
rate of deceleration.
The mean brake reaction time, regardless of procedure, obtained from a sample of 1,181
candidates, is 0.462 seconds with a standard deviation of 0.114 seconds. If the sample is
representative of the Quebec motorcycling population, this result allows us to predict with 95 per
cent certainty that the mean combined brake reaction time for the population is between 0.461
and 0.465 seconds.
The mean brake reaction time for the sample of 108 women, regardless of procedure, is 0.473
seconds with a standard deviation of 0.121 seconds. The mean brake reaction time for the sample
of 1,073 men, regardless of procedure, is 0.462 seconds with a standard deviation of 0.113
seconds.

31

Conclusion

This study shows that the mean brake reaction time is shorter by 0.154 seconds in covered mode
than in non-covered mode. At 100 km/h, this variation in BRT lengthens stopping distance by
4.28 metres.
No correlation could be established between age, sex, motorcycle riding experience or
automobile experience and combined brake reaction time.
In conclusion, if the sample is representative of the population of motorcyclists in Quebec, we
can predict with a certainty of 95 per cent that the mean combined brake reaction time for the
population is between 0.461 and 0.465 seconds.

32

LIST OF TABLES

Table 1: Mean brake reaction time as a function of brake used

10

Table 2: Mean non-covered brake reaction time as a function of age

13

Table 3: Mean covered brake reaction time as a function of age

13

Table 4: Mean non-covered brake reaction time as a function of motorcycle riding

Experience

17

Table 5: Mean covered brake reaction time as a function of motorcycle riding experience

17

Table 6: Mean non-covered brake reaction time as a function of off-road riding experience 21
Table 7: Mean covered brake reaction time as a function of off-road riding experience

22

Table 8: Mean non-covered brake reaction time as a function of distance

ridden in past three years

25

Table 9: Mean covered brake reaction time as a function of distance ridden

in past three years

26

Table10: Mean non-covered brake reaction time as a function of automobile experience

29

Table 11: Mean covered brake reaction time as a function of automobile experience

30

Table 12: Summarized data on BRT combined as a function of sex of test subjects

31

33

LIST OF FIGURES

Figure 1 : Frequency of participants as a function of age groups (women only)

Figure 2 : Frequency of participants as a function of age groups (men only)

Figure 3 : Frequency of mixed participants (women and men) as a function of age groups

Figure 4 : Frequency obtained as a function of non-covered brake reaction time for women

Figure 5 : Frequency obtained as a function of covered brake reaction time for women

Figure 6 : Frequency obtained as a function of non-covered brake reaction time for men

Figure 7 : Frequency obtained as a function of covered brake reaction time for men

Figure 8 : Frequency obtained as a function of non-covered brake reaction

time for a mixed group of women and men

Figure 9 : Frequency obtained as a function of covered brake reaction

time for a mixed group of women and men

Figure 10 : Non-covered brake reaction time as a function of age

11

Figure 11 : Covered brake reaction time as a function of age

12

Figure 12 : Mean non-covered brake reaction time as a function of motorcycle

riding experience of subjects

15

Figure 13 : Mean covered brake reaction time as a function of motorcycle

riding experience of subjects

16

Figure 14 : Mean non-covered brake reaction time as a function of off-road

motorcycle riding experience of subjects

19

34

Acknowledgement

This report was commissioned and funded by the Fdration motocycliste du Qubec. It was
produced by Promocycle Foundation in 2002. The tests and their methodology which provided
the data for this study were made possible through the financial participation of the insurance
company Meloche-Monnex Inc., the special-interest publication Moto Journal and Promocycle
Foundation.

Project manager: Jean-Pierre Belmonte.

Data gathering: Yanick Grgoire, Pierre Robitaille.
Data compilation: Yanick Grgoire.
Editing of report: Yanick Grgoire.
Information technology: Alain Chammas.
English translation: John Cooper.

35

TABLE OF CONTENTS
Table of contents

ii

Summary

Introduction

Research methodology

Experimental equipment

Experimental procedure

Results

5.1

Identification of sample group serving for analysis

5.2

Brake reaction times as a function of sex of groups of individuals

5.3

Influence of candidates age on BRT

10

5.4

Influence of candidates on-road motorcycle riding experience on BRT

14

5.5

Influence of candidates off-road motorcycle riding experience on BRT

14

5.6

Influence of distance ridden on a motorcycle in past three years on BRT

14

5.7

Influence of candidatesautomobile experience on BRT

14

5.8

Mean brake reaction times (summarized data)

14

Discussion

31

Conclusion

32

List of figures

33

List of charts

34

Acknowledgement

35

36

ii

37