ABSTRACT

Requirements for computer-based training for young and novice motorcyclists are described from a rider perspective. In-depth interviews were conducted with prendere, novice, intermediate and advanced riders (n = 44) and enabled a description of the ‘young’ and ‘mature’ rider and an exploration of rider motivation and experience. Some beliefs and behaviours are described as paradoxical. These contradictory characteristics are identified as potential barriers to the uptake and success of training. It is concluded that computer-based training has a potential beyond conventional training for achieving acceptance by riders and for imparting the experience required. ‘Motivational fidelity’ is introduced as a new concept of training device fidelity which is critical for achieving tuition which is inherently attractive to trainees and relevant to safety. The concept emphasises the need for technological developments in this area to be driven by rider requirements and tutorial goals rather then engineering approaches to physical and functional fidelity.