Bound for NW200? Travel safely, police urge

Issuing this important safety message, Roads Policing Inspector John Millar said: “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.

“This year, we are also involved in the Thursday evening race event taking place. We would ask the local community and those attending to be patient and police are determined to minimise any disruption to traffic.

“It is very easy to get caught up in all the excitement that the practice sessions and the races bring, and it is this excitement, and the anticipation of seeing professional racers in action on closed roads that can all too easily translate to a serious traffic collision on open public roads. Do not try to emulate any of the riders taking part in the North West 200 as it is simply not sensible or safe to do so,” said Inspector Millar.

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

“I would also remind motorists that there is likely to be a considerable increase in the general level of traffic and particularly the number of motorcycles on the roads during race week. Drivers therefore need to be more alert to the presence of bikes, particularly when emerging from junctions...THINK BIKE.”

“Motorcyclists have a huge 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” concluded Inspector Millar.

Anyone who would like further advice on road safety, road craft, defensive driving, should contact their local Road Policing Unit on 0845 600 8000.

For further details of ‘Bikesafe’ events, traffic and travel information, and other policing arrangements for this year’s International North West 200 Motorcycle Races, visit the PSNI’s website: www.psni.police.uk