Poots warns grand prix fans to bike safely

Environment Minister Edwin Poots has appealed to motorcyclists to take care on the roads on eve of the Ulster Grand Prix.

Today Mr Poots urged biking enthusiasts attending or watching the race to leave the high speeds to the professionals.

He said: "Those with a keen interest in road racing, especially young men, will no doubt get a great thrill out of seeing the top riders competing at high speeds. However they need to be aware there is a big difference between racing behaviour on the circuit and every day riding behaviour on the road.

“Spectators and race enthusiasts should be under no illusion that away from the circuit and on the road: speed kills and wrecks lives.”

Although motorcycles represent 3.1% of all licensed vehicles in Northern Ireland, motorcyclists account for 14% of all road deaths. 15 motorcyclists were killed last year and 442 were injured – 123 of them seriously. So far this year, nine riders have lost their lives.

The Minister noted: “Too many motorcyclists are being killed and seriously injured. 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. So please bike safely.”

Mr Poots urged spectators not to imitate what they see on the course. He said: “The Ulster Grand Prix is the world’s fastest road races and spectators will no doubt revel in the thrills and spills of what happens over the weekend. However it would be foolish for anyone to copy on the road what they see during the races.

“The high-speed racing that people will enjoy over the next few days takes place in a controlled environment on specially designed bikes by experienced riders. Those skills cannot be put to the test on any road by any motorcyclist. The consequences could be lethal.”

With half of all motorcyclist casualties caused by other drivers, the Minister also appealed to motorists to give extra consideration. He said: “Drivers need to look out for bikes when overtaking, at junctions, when turning right and when emerging onto a main road. A bike is three times harder to see than a car so extra effort and a greater level of awareness is needed.”

“Thinking Ahead” the DOE Road Safety campaign will be delivered through local radio and direct advertising during the practice races on Thursday through to the race itself on Saturday.

Supporting the campaign, Inspector Gary McComb, gave details of the latest Operation Roadsafe that will run during the week-long series of races.

He Said: “So far this year, nine motorcyclists have lost their lives in road traffic collisions. These are not simply shocking statistics. Each death or serious injury has a devastating effect on the families and friends of those involved. The sad reality is that each of these deaths is preventable and that’s why we are embarking on this latest Operation Roadsafe, targeting law-breaking drivers and motorcyclists.

“During the week of practice sessions and racing, local police officers, supported by colleagues from the Road Policing Unit and our Tactical Support Group will be out in force, urging all road users to exercise caution during the event.

”Our message to drivers and riders is very simple. We all have a role to play in preventing deaths and injuries on our roads. If you speed, take drink or impairing drugs and drive, fail to wear your seatbelt, drive or ride carelessly or dangerously, you will be caught and you will be prosecuted to the fullest extent of the law.”

Notes To Editors:

1. The Ulster Grand Prix takes place 9-15 August 2009 at Dundrod.

2. The DOE advertising campaign “Thinking Ahead” seeks to encourage motorcyclists’ safety and supports the Police “Bikesafe” initiative. The campaign uses the strapline “It’s not just you who crashes”.

3. The DOE “Thinking Ahead” campaign will run on three local radio stations (Q97, 6FM and 7FM) from 9-15 August and on a direct advertising initiative via an admobile on site from 13-15 August.

4. Bikesafe is an initiative run by Police Forces across the United Kingdom aimed at reducing the number of motorcycle related casualties. The Bikesafe initiative is based on professional riding techniques and is designed to enhance the skills of riders who have already passed their test.5. For media enquiries please contact DOE Press Office 028 9054 0003 or out of office hours, contact the EIS Duty Press Officer on pager 07699 715 440 and your call will be returned.