The International North West 200 Motorcycle Races 2009
With crowds in excess of 100,000 expected to descend on Portrush for this year’s International North West 200 motorcycle road races, the message from the police is - “Travel safely and be on your best behaviour!”
Police say the event organisers have made every effort to ensure that the races are a complete success and are now urging the public to play their part as well.
Superintendent Nicky Thompson said, “Months of planning, and thousands of hours work have been expended in preparation for the races, and spectators owe it to the organisers to travel to and from the circuit safely; and to ensure that there are no ugly scenes of disorder on display at the trackside or in the seaside towns of Portrush and Portstewart during race week.”
“In recent years the North West 200 has generated a truly family friendly atmosphere, and we don’t want to see any change in 2009. When you arrive at the circuit, make full use of the official car parks and don’t park in a prohibited area, or where your vehicle could cause an obstruction to ambulance routes or to public or private entrances. And, for your safety and the safety of the competitors, always obey the instructions of race marshals, once circuit roads have closed.”
“Responsibility for a week free from drunkenness and public disorder falls on everyone, and is integral to the event’s continued success. We will have additional resources in place to ensure that we meet the policing needs and expectations of local residents and visitors alike. Whenever possible, policing will be unobtrusive, but we will retain the ability to react quickly to any situation should the need arise.”
“It is understandable that no one wants to miss a second of the excitement that takes place throughout the week and that people will be reluctant to give up their chosen vantage point particularly during the practice sessions and on race day. Nevertheless it is good manners to recognise that the gardens of local residents are not a public convenience nor are they a place to dump your rubbish. Please remember that litter blowing onto the circuit presents a real danger to the competitors so please take your rubbish home with you, or dispose of it properly.”
“With all eyes on the racing, people also need to take sensible precautions to prevent their property from being stolen. It is important that valuables are not left in cars, and that motorcycles and crash helmets are properly secured if left unattended. If you do happen to see any activity that raises your suspicions, please contact us straight away on 0845 600 8000.”
“Areas where on-street drinking is prohibited are clearly signposted. This year I would like to see people exercise more self-restraint, and take it upon themselves to observe the on-street drinking restrictions that are in force, but if necessary my officers will enforce the By-Laws,” he stressed.
“I hope that everyone has a great week at the North West 200, and that this year’s event is enjoyable, safe, and free from crime and traffic collisions,” concluded Superintendent Thompson.
Traffic and Travel Information
Practice Sessions: Tuesday 12 May and Thursday 14 May
The police are advising motorists, and residents fronting onto circuit roads in the Coleraine, Portrush and Portstewart areas that practice sessions for the International North West 200 motorcycle races are to take place on Tuesday May 12, and again on Thursday May 14. Circuit roads will be closed from 5:00 pm – 9:30 pm.
Motorists attending the practice sessions are urged to make full use of official car parks, and must not park where their vehicle will cause an obstruction to public or private entrances, and in particular, to designated ambulance routes that are signposted, and which must be kept clear at all times.
Drivers are also asked to comply with the directions of police officers on point duty before and after the races.
Race Day: Saturday 16 May 2009
The police are advising motorists travelling to the International North West 200 motorcycle races to get there early, as circuit roads will close at 10:00 am sharp on Saturday May 16.
They say that traffic from Belfast should divert at the Portrush Road Roundabout at Ballymoney, and travel to Portrush via Ballybogey. Those travelling from the West and South of the Province should use the Ring Road at Coleraine, thereby avoiding the town centre. From Ballysally roundabout motorists travelling to the coast road section of the course should either take the Cromore Road to Portstewart, or the Atlantic Road to Portrush turning left at Glenvale Crescent to avoid Metropole corner.
Motorists attending the races are urged to make full use of official car parks and must not park where their vehicle will cause an obstruction to public or private entrances, and in particular, to designated ambulance routes that are signposted, and which must be kept clear at all times. Drivers are also asked to comply with the directions of police officers on point duty before and after the races.
Once circuit roads have re-opened, (approximately 7:00 pm) traffic will not be permitted to enter the coast road section of the course from either Portrush or Portstewart for a period of up to one hour, to facilitate the large number of vehicles, which will be leaving the area. To further minimize delays, motorists leaving the coast road car parks must turn left and follow the natural flow of traffic.
Motorists should expect delays on all roads leading to and from the circuit and should make appropriate allowances in order to complete their journey safely.
Bikesafe Events
The police are encouraging motorcyclists of all ages and abilities to take part in the ‘Bikesafe’ assessed ride-outs that are being held during race week for this year’s North West 200 motorcycle races.
The events will take place daily from 10:00 am to 4:00 pm from Tuesday May 12 to Friday May 15 at the start / finish area of the race circuit, situated on the coast road between Portrush and Portstewart
Further ‘Bikesafe’ events are also to take place, at Seymour Street in Ballymoney from 10:00 am to 2:00 pm on Sunday May 10, and at Millsport Motorcycles in Seymour Street in Ballymoney from 10:00 am to 4:00 pm on Friday May 15.
The PSNI’s Road Safety Education Officer, Constable John Jamieson said, “Bikesafe events are free of charge, and are operated on a first come first served basis. They provide motorcyclists with a unique opportunity to have their riding and road craft assessed by an advanced police motorcyclist.”
“During the ride-outs, the advanced police motorcyclist assesses machine knowledge, hazard awareness, safety at junctions, cornering, overtaking and, will encourage riders to use a Riding Plan. The plan poses a number of simple yet revealing questions for riders to consider when on the road. What can I see? What can’t I see? What is likely to happen? What can I do about it?”
“The assessment is not a test, nor is it training, it provides advice and an assessment of a rider’s capabilities, and it is open to all, from the complete novice to the experienced motorcyclist. ALERT TODAY, ALIVE TOMORROW- BIKESAFE,” concluded Constable Jamieson.
Travel Safely - Urge Police
The police are urging motorcyclists travelling to and from the International North West 200 circuit at any time from Saturday May 9 to Sunday May 17 to use all their road craft to stay safe and stay alive on roads across the Province.
Issuing this important safety message, Roads Policing Inspector John Millar said, “In recent years a number of people lost their lives while either travelling to or from this sporting spectacular, or to one of the many events that take place throughout race week. This is something that all bikers need to take note of, and is why road safety has got to be everyone’s number one priority."
”It is very easy to get caught up in all the excitement that the practice sessions and the races bring, and it is this excitement, and the anticipation of seeing professional racers in action on closed roads that can all too easily translate to a serious traffic collision on open public roads. Do not try to emulate any of the riders taking part in the North West 200 as it is simply not sensible or safe to do so."
”Don’t think that you can get away with just driving safely on roads around the race circuit. You must also drive safely at all times whether you are en-route to the North coast from Armagh, Ballymena, Belfast, Cookstown, Derry, Enniskillen, Larne, Limavady, Londonderry, Newry, or indeed anywhere else in Ireland."
”I would also remind motorists that there is likely to be a considerable increase in the general level of traffic and particularly the number of motorcycles on the roads during race week. Drivers therefore need to be more alert to the presence of bikes, particularly when emerging from junctions...THINK BIKE.
”Motorcyclists have a huge role to play when it comes to road safety. Use dipped headlights, day and night, and consider sounding your horn to alert others to your presence as necessary. Ride responsibly and don’t take foolish chances. You only get one life; make sure it doesn’t come to an untimely end – BIKESAFE” concluded Inspector Millar.
Anyone who would like further advice on road safety, road craft, defensive driving, should contact their local Road Policing Unit on 0845 600 8000.
