Poots warns bike show fans to ride safely

Environment Minister Edwin Poots has warned motorcyclists that speed kills.

Mr Poots made his comments as he attended the Motorcycle Festival 2010 in Belfast’s King’s Hall as a new biking season got under way.

He said: "Those with a keen interest in motorbikes will no doubt be excited to see the new designs and models being showcased here today and wondering what speeds they can do. However, they need to be aware there is a big difference between the speed a motorcycle can reach and the ability to ride it safely on public roads.

"Biking enthusiasts should 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 those killed or seriously injured on our roads. Last year, 16 motorcyclists were killed and hundreds more injured.

The Minister noted: "Biking can be a great experience but, ridden inappropriately, a motorcycle becomes a lethal weapon. Too many motorcyclists are being killed and seriously injured. Bikers have a responsibility to ride their bikes in a proper and safe manner. So please bike safely."

However, 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."

The Minister added: "Road Safety is one of my greatest priorities and I am committed to ensuring that everything possible is done to prevent further casualties in 2010.

“My Department has recently completed research into the causes and influencing factors of motorcycle casualties and collisions. The results of this work are helping to inform the development of a new road safety strategy that is due to be published by the end of this year.”

Notes to editors:

1. The Adelaide Motorcycle Festival is taking place from 12-14 February 2010 in the King’s Hall, Belfast.
2. The completed report will be published on the road safety website at the same time as the consultation on the new road safety strategy, planned for March/April 2010.
3. All media enquiries should be directed to the DOE Press Office on 028 9054 0003. Out of office hours, please contact the duty press officer on pager 07699 715 440 and your call will be returned.