Spectators encouraged to Bikesafe with new DVD
10 May 2010
As thousands of motorcycle racing enthusiasts prepare to travel to the North West 200 later this week, Assistant Chief Constable Duncan McCausland and Environment Minister Edwin Poots launched the new PSNI Bikesafe DVD at the Stena Line terminal in Belfast today (10 May).
The new DVD, which features interviews from some of the biggest local and international Motorcycle racing stars competing on the circuit this week, will be shown onboard the Stena Line HSS and other ferries to target race spectators with the road safety message.
In addition, every motorbike travelling onboard the Stena Line HSS, will be tethered with protected security strapping bearing the BikeSafe message as an additional reminder to riders.
Assistant Chief Constable McCausland said: "Sadly, in previous years people have lost their lives while travelling to and from this event. Two motorcyclists have already lost their lives on roads in Northern Ireland this year.
“Road safety must be every road users’ first priority, particularly with the huge increase in traffic anticipated on routes to and from the North West this week.
"While the vast majority of bikers attending the event ride sensibly and safely, we will not tolerate the minority who attempt to emulate racers on the open road.
“Anyone tempted to break the rules of the road can at best, expect the full rigour of the law. At worst, because of their own stupidity, they risk becoming another statistic.
Environment Minister Edwin Poots said: “All of us watching or attending the North West 200 will no doubt get a great thrill out of seeing the top riders competing at high speeds.
“I urge all fans and spectators attending or watching the race to leave the high speeds to the professionals. Even in a controlled environment, on specially designed bikes, ridden by highly skilled and experienced riders, there is no guarantee of safety.
“Biking can be a great experience but ridden inappropriately a motorcycle becomes a lethal weapon.
“Bikers have a responsibility to ride their bikes in a proper and safe manner. I urge you to be vigilant, take account of the weather and traffic conditions and please, bike safely.
“As half of all motorcyclist casualties are caused by other drivers, I would also like to appeal to motorists to give extra consideration to motorcyclists. Drivers need to look out for bikes when overtaking, at junctions, when turning right and when emerging onto main roads.”
Stena Line communications manager Nigel Tilson added: “Thousands of motorcyclists travel with Stena Line each year and we would encourage each and every one of them to bike safely. This initiative is a compelling way to get the message across that they should not take unnecessary risks when enjoying the freedom of the open road.”
Motorcyclists of all ages and abilities attending the North West 200 are being encouraged to take part in the Bikesafe assessed ride-outs being held during race week.
The events will take place daily, leaving from The Pits, from 9am to 5pm on Tuesday (11 May) and Wednesday (12 May) 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 on Thursday (13 May) from 3.30pm to 9pm from the same meeting point. A further session will run on Friday (14 May) from 10am to 5pm.
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.
Applications can be made on-line at www.bikesafe.co.uk
. Assessments not booked will be done on first come first served basis or booked for another date.
