Our regions approach to road race radios

During 2024, alongside other regions, the East Midlands launched a study in to the future use of radio technologies during regional road race convoys as we had experienced significant challenges to ensure the safety of the peloton, closure of roads and the overall reputational security of racing on the highways.

For those interested on the depth of the study, please see this document

Following the conclusion of the study, in spring 2025 we procured and commenced the use of Digital Mobile Radio (DMR) radios

The stock we have procured to date will be for the exclusive communication between Commissaires, Medics, Accredited Marshals, the Finish Line and the National Escort Group motorcycle marshals.

In brief the technology allows us to apply the British Cycling radio frequencies across the digital range of channels giving us a jump up in performance (a claimed 40%). This however means that the analogue radios many volunteers and teams have, are NOT compatible.

With that in mind, we are conscious that there are other parties that play a role in a race and not all parties have the funds available to align to the direction we have ventured upon just yet. Therefore, where we employ the DMR radios, Commissaires will employ an analogue radio to communicate to team cars, neutral service etc etc. Please read all event manuals for any specific approach being taken.

The units we have procured are

- For fixed in-car units Kenwood NX1800 DE link here

- For handhelds (including NEG) Kenwood NX 1300 DE3 link here

These come with proprietary software & cabling that the region has also procured. We have a template data set for upload ready - email secretarybceastmidlands@gmail.com

We also appreciate that this investment by the region is towards the premium end of the market, and many source alternative models from other manufacturers. However we compared the cost of Analogue radios, versus DMR (which also have analogue capabilities) and there is no noticeable cost difference within the equivalent manufacturers ranges.

In the coming weeks we will be testing some third party open source DMR radios and providing where possible some user & purchase advice.

For any queries on this scheme, please email : secretarybceastmidlands@gmail.com