(24-03-2011, 02:48 PM)Tomcat Wrote:

(15-03-2011, 04:27 PM)George Wrote: I was very surprised to read on another forum that a rider made the comment that spectators should not have to pay and that riders should take out maximum insurance to cover such events.

Until recently the potentially lapsed reciprocal agreement between the UK and IoM would have forced all riders to do that anyway. Fortunately that has been reinstated, which is some consolation at least.

Riders from outside the UK are currently required to prove they have accidental treatment insurance in place before they can enter, which I believe followed James Cornell's accident with subsequent prolongued treatment and air ambulance back to the US. I understand such insurance is not entirely cheap.

However in my (admittedly biased) opinion IoMG should provide comprehensive free cover to riders for accidental damage, and injured riders should not have to pay thousands from their own pockets for treatment because the IoM Health Service can't provide it in time to prevent lasting damage. The races bring millions of pounds income to the Island. Most riders already pay thousands out of their own pockets to ride, surely it's only fair that those who pocket the proceeds should cover those who take the risks?

Incidentally, wasn't this the original purpose of (what used to be) the Joey Dunlop Injured Riders Fund? Except it has now been used to build holiday accommodation...

The Joey Dunlop injured riders fund was always going to be the provision of Disabled accommodation for not just Bike riders but any disabled people from a sporting background, although I have heard that they provide accommodation during the off peak season for other visitors.