As spring time is finally approaching with hopefully warmer and longer days, there is an increase in motorcycle traffic on and around the Mountain Course. Typically this peaks at weekends and invariably, due to the increased levels of traffic, there is also an increase in the number of collisions on our roads. The Isle of Man’s Roads Policing Unit together with the Department of Infrastructure’s Road Safety Team, Fire and Rescue Service, Ambulance Service and Institute of Advanced Motorists are planning to help combat these issues with a joint campaign called ‘Mountain Safe’.
The publicity images show a rider heading from Douglas to Ramsey and Ramsey to Douglas to remind all road users that the Mountain Road is two-way except during the TT festival.
Hon David Cretney MHK, Minister for Infrastructure, said: “Traditionally from late April onwards a number of Manx motorcyclists who have stored their bike during the winter take it for the first ride of the year. Please spend a little time checking your machine, especially tyre pressures and the condition of the tyres, that fluid levels are all topped up, the chain is lubricated and properly adjusted, and finally practise a couple of stops to ensure your brakes are fully efficient. Whether you are riding or driving just take that extra moment to look for bikes before making a manoeuvre.”
Sergeant Allan Thompson of the Roads Policing Unit said, “The Isle of Man has a rich culture of motorcycling and the sight of machines on our roads paints a distinctive picture of the arrival of Spring. We want the pre-TT bikers to enjoy the roads whilst they are quieter, but we need to stress that there are hazards associated with getting back on a bike, and ask that riders consider how the course has changed following the adverse weather. It is also important to be aware that there will be many vehicles and workers on the circuit preparing it for the TT races. If riders could simply back off 10%, this would make the road that much safer for all. Let’s get to TT week, and beyond, without anyone being injured.”
The campaign will run from Sunday 28th April , for every weekend through to TT Practice week, and throughout the campaign we will have an increased presence around the TT Course and particularly on the Mountain section.
All those involved in the campaign want the motorcycling community to enjoy the Island’s roads whilst riding safely and responsibly.
Chris Roughley, Senior Observer, Isle of Man Advanced Motorcyclists added: 'Adjust your speed according to the road conditions, traffic and distance you can clearly see. You should always be able to stop safely whilst keeping to your side of the road, within the distance you can see to be clear. Anything else is little better than playing Russian Roulette.'
Isle of Man Fire is also supporting the campaign with its ‘fire bike’ which will be touring the Island, and the Ambulance Service will be encouraging riders to get a crash card and keep it up to date to help medics in the unfortunate event of an accident.
The Road Safety Promotions vehicle with members of the ‘Mountain Safe Partnership’ will be in attendance, subject to weather, at the following locations :
• Creg Ny Baa Sunday 28th April
• Ramsey Parliament Square Sunday 5th May
• Great Ramsey Bike Show Monday 6th May
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