(29-04-2013, 11:55 AM)Malcolm Wrote: .

Bikers tempted to ride their machines on the mountain are being targeted in a new safety campaign.

There is usually a big rise in the number of motorcyclists who take to their machines in the month leading up to the TT.

The police, the Department of Infrastructure’s road safety team, the fire and rescue service, the ambulance service and Institute of Advanced Motorists have launched campaign called ‘Mountain Safe’.

The publicity shows a rider heading from Douglas to Ramsey and Ramsey to Douglas to remind road users that the Mountain Road is two-way except during the TT festival.

Sergeant Allan Thompson of the roads policing unit said:

‘We want the pre-TT bikers to enjoy the roads while they are quieter, but we need to stress that there are hazards associated with getting back on a bike, and ask that riders consider how the course has changed following the adverse weather.

‘It is also important to be aware that there will be many vehicles and workers on the circuit preparing it for the TT races. If riders could simply back off 10 per cent, this would make the road that much safer for all. Let’s get to TT week, and beyond, without anyone being injured.’

The campaign began yesterday (Sunday) and will carry on every weekend through to TT practice week. Throughout the campaign there will be more police throughout the TT course, especially on the mountain section.

Chris Roughley, senior observer with Isle of Man Advanced Motorcyclists, added:

‘Adjust your speed according to the road conditions, traffic and distance you can clearly see. You should always be able to stop safely whilst keeping to your side of the road, within the distance you can see to be clear. Anything else is little better than playing Russian Roulette.’

The fire service’s ‘fire bike’ will be touring the island, and the ambulance service will encourage riders to get a crash card and keep it up to date to help medics in the event of an accident.

The road safety promotions vehicle will be at Parliament Square on Sunday, May 5, and at the Great Ramsey Bike Show the next day.

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The latter I use myself and it goes with me wherever I travel in the world, as it has multi language translation and can be read in English, French, Spanish, and German etc...

Malcolm