Dunlop, 47, was killed in a high-speed crash during a practice lap for the North West 200 on Thursday.

However, the organisers of the event said they would proceed with Saturday's races in tribute to the Ballymoney man.

A minute's silence will be held before the first race. Tributes have been paid to Dunlop, whose brother, Joey, was killed in a similar accident in 2000.

Father-of-three Robert Dunlop came off his bike in the 250cc qualifying session near Portrush.


Story: Ballymena rider eye-witness to tragic crash in which Robert Dunlop lost his life.


Police are advising motorists travelling to the NW 200 motorcycle races to get there early, as circuit roads will close at 10:00 am sharp.

They say that traffic from Belfast should divert at the Portrush Road Roundabout at Ballymoney, and travel to Portrush via Ballybogey.

Those travelling from the West and South of the Province should use the Ring Road at Coleraine, thereby avoiding the town centre. From Ballysally roundabout motorists travelling to the coast road section of the course should either take the Cromore Road to Portstewart, or the Atlantic Road to Portrush turning left at Glenvale Crescent to avoid Metropole corner.

Motorists attending the races are urged to make full use of official car parks and must not park where their vehicle will cause an obstruction to public or private entrances, and in particular, to designated ambulance routes that are signposted, and which must be kept clear at all times. Drivers are also asked to comply with the directions of police officers on point duty before and after the races.

Once circuit roads have re-opened, (approximately 7:00 pm) traffic will not be permitted to enter the coast road section of the course from either Portrush or Portstewart for a period of up to one hour to facilitate the large number of vehicles, which will be leaving the area. To further minimize delays, motorists leaving the coast road car parks must turn left and follow the natural flow of the traffic.

Motorists should expect delays on all roads leading to and from the circuit and should make appropriate allowances in order to complete their journey safely.

The Police Service Of Northern Ireland's Area Commander for Coleraine, Chief Inspector Nicky Thompson said, "A mammoth effort has gone into the planning of this event, and I am sure that no one wants to see anything happen that would in any way detract from what is expected to be a hugely successful and enjoyable day's racing."

"I do however fully expect motorists and bikers to exercise the utmost caution on the roads on race day and throughout race week. This doesn't just mean that people should drive safely on roads around the circuit it means you must drive safely at all times whether you are en-route to the North coast from Armagh, Belfast, Ballymena, Carrickfergus, Derry, Enniskillen, Limavady, Portaferry, Newry, or indeed anywhere else in Ireland.

"Road safety is very important, and people dismiss it at their peril. You only get one life so make sure it doesn't come to a premature end. Drivers need to be particularly alert, and as there will be many more motorcyclists on the roads, they need to THINK BIKE especially at junctions. Motorcyclists also need to use their road craft to foresee potential dangers and be able to take appropriate action to prevent a collision. Riders need to THINK 'BIKESAFE'."

"I also want everyone to remember that this is an event enjoyed by families and it follows that people need to act accordingly and not in a manner that could be viewed as disorderly. Visitors to the area should respect the wishes of local residents particularly those who live on the circuit and who don't want their gardens trampled on, damaged, or used as a toilet or as a convenient place to dump rubbish."

"Responsibility for a week free from drunkenness and public disorder falls on everyone, and we will have additional resources in place to ensure that we meet the policing needs and expectations of local residents and visitors alike. Whenever possible, policing will be unobtrusive, but we will retain the ability to react quickly to any situation should the need arise."

"On-street drinking is prohibited in certain places, and as the areas are clearly signposted, I would like to see people exercise a degree of self-restraint and take it upon themselves to comply with the on-street drinking restrictions. If necessary my officers will enforce the By-Laws," he stressed.

"Look after your property while at the North Coast. Don't leave valuables of any description unattended in your car and only bring those items that you are prepared to carry with you. Bikers should also make use of anti-theft devices to prevent their machines and their crash helmets from being stolen. And, if you notice any suspicious activity and have a mobile phone fitted with a camera, use it to capture the incident, and give us a call straight away."

"Motorcycle racing can be a dangerous sport. Obey the instructions of race marshals at all times. Do not enter prohibited areas, and do not park on designated ambulance routes or anywhere that could cause an obstruction."

"I hope that the racers and enthusiasts have a great day and that this year's International North West 200 is a safe and enjoyable one. Arrive early, drive safely, park properly, behave, and get home again safely," concluded Chief Inspector Thompson.

The telephone number for police is 0845 600 8000. In an emergency always dial '999'.