I do think a large proportion of the factors contributing to the all Island speed limit, on the Mountain especially, are actually down to the amount of fatal and serious crashes that have happened involving locals at a time when there is NO racing on. There have been many over the past year or two including one or two of them during the races, but, at a time when there are no bikes on the road, i.e in the very early hours whilst still dark.
I know that there have been many unfortunate and stupid incidients involving bikes whilst the racing is on and I do not condone some of the riding I have seen and been cut up by (and I know where I am going!) and they will not have helped, but, there have also been a lot of car accidents resulting in loss of life and that is what these speed limits are reaction to, in my opinion.
As we all know, speed limits have been introduced over the years,
in various places, but only initially whilst the racing is on (stand up Kates- Hilberry 60mph etc.) and then have gradually become a permanent fixture. If these new speed limits ONLY targetted the bike racing fraternity and its spectators, they too, would only have been introduced whilst the races are on, initially anyway.
The sad fact is that there is a high proportion of drivers on the road (both car and bike) that should never have been granted a driving licence and it is about time people realised that a vehicle and I mean ANY vehicle, in the wrong hands, is a dangerous weapon.
None of this is to say I agree with the speed limits, I don't agree in principal but, I have to say that you can't blame them for wanting to do something.
Just my opinion.