The PSNI are using this year’s North West 200 races as the launching pad for a major campaign to raise road safety awareness amongst motorcyclists throughout Northern Ireland.

With the help of the Department of the Environment (DoE), the Bikesafe initiative has been prompted by a sharp increase in the number of deaths amongst motorcyclists - and will be backed-up by new high-impact television and radio advertisements from the DoE.

Nineteen motorcyclists were killed last year, compared to seven in the year 2000. More than 440 were injured, 168 of them seriously. Since January of this year, eight motorcyclists have died, double the figure for the same period last year.

The campaign, supported by motorcycle giant Honda, will mark the North West 200 with assessed ‘ride outs’ by police advanced motor cyclists at the circuit on May 6, 7 and 8. Those taking part will also have the opportunity to use the Honda ‘Big Rig’ and simulator which will be stationed close to the pits area.

Bikesafe then takes its safety message around Northern Ireland to Newcastle, on May 11, Enniskillen, on May 12 and Belfast on May 14.

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