Travelling to the NW200 – do it safely, urge police

Police are urging motorcyclists travelling to and from the North West 200 to use all their road craft to stay safe and stay alive on roads across Northern Ireland.

Motorists can expect increased number of traffic patrols on our roads across the North Coast area during race week, with the aim of ensuring the safety of all road users.

Inspector John Millar, Road Policing officer, explains:

“In recent years a number of people lost their lives while either travelling to or from this sporting spectacular, or to one of the many events that take place throughout race week. This is something that all bikers need to take note of, and is why road safety has got to be everyone’s number one priority.

“It is very easy to get caught up in all the excitement that the races bring, and it is this excitement, and the anticipation of seeing professional racers do their thing on closed roads that supporters and enthusiasts need to suppress if they want to stay alive when travelling on open roads. Do not try to emulate any of the riders taking part in the North West 200 as it is simply not feasible or safe to do so.

“Don’t think that you can get away with just driving safely on roads around the race circuit. You must drive safely at all times whether you are en-route to the North coast from Armagh, Ballymena, Belfast, Carrickfergus, Derry, Enniskillen, Limavady, Portaferry, Newry, or indeed anywhere else in Ireland.

“I would also remind motorists that there will be more motorcycles out and about during race week, and that they need to be more alert to the presence of bikes on the roads, and particularly at junctions...

THINK BIKE

.

“Motorcyclists have a major role to play when it comes to road safety. Use dipped headlights day and night, and consider sounding your horn to alert others to your presence as necessary. Ride responsibly and don’t take foolish chances. You only get one life; make sure it doesn’t come to an untimely end…BIKESAFE and STAY ALIVE,” concluded Inspector Millar.