Poots urges Ulster Grand Prix fans to bike safely

Environment Minister Edwin Poots today urged all road users to do more to reduce motorcyclist casualties.

Speaking on a visit to the Ulster Grand Prix circuit in Dundrod, Mr Poots urged biking enthusiasts attending the race to leave the high speeds to the professionals.

The Minister said: “This weekend hundreds of motorcycle racing enthusiasts will be visiting Dundrod to see the world’s fastest road race.

“However, year after year on the way to and from the races, we see motorcyclists and drivers engaging in some very risky behaviour, often travelling too fast for the conditions or overtaking where it is obviously not safe to do so.

“I also see drivers putting the lives of motorcyclists at risk by pulling out at junctions or overtaking without warning. Half of all motorcyclist casualties are caused by other drivers, therefore I urge car drivers to think about motorcyclists and how their actions might put them in danger.

“A bike is three times harder to see than a car - so take more care where bikes are concerned."

He said: "Road racing fans, especially young men, will no doubt get a great thrill out of seeing the top riders competing at high speeds. However, there is a big difference between racing behaviour on the circuit and every day riding behaviour on the road. Be under no illusion that on the road: speed kills and wrecks lives.”

Although motorcycles represent 3% of all licensed vehicles in Northern Ireland, motorcyclists account for 13% of all road deaths. Last year 16 motorcyclists were killed and 398 were injured – 138 of them seriously. Already this year, five riders and one pillion passenger have lost their lives.

The Minister added: “Many of the casualties were caused by drivers or riders travelling too fast to cope with the unexpected.

“Although road deaths have reduced so far this year, we cannot become complacent. Drivers need to look out for bikes. It would be foolish for anyone to copy on the road what they see during the races. Bikers have a responsibility to ride their bikes in a proper and safe manner. So please bike safely.”

Notes to editors:

1. The Ulster Grand Prix takes place 9-15 August 2010 at Dundrod.
2. All media enquiries should be directed to the Department of the Environment Press Office on 028 9054 0003. Out of office hours, please contact the duty press officer via pager number 07699 715 440 and your call will be returned.