14/02/2022
Jonathan Rea Helps Launch Motorcycle Awareness Campaign
Six-time World Superbike Champion Jonathan Rea has helped launch a new motorcycle awareness campaign.
The 35-year-old motorcycle racing king visited Hydebank Wood College to help educate young people about the dangers associated with unskilled and illegal use of off-road motorcycles
The visit also gave Hydebank's young offenders an opportunity to chat with Rea about his success and knock-backs during his career when he joined them in a workshop and afterwards gave a demonstration of his motorcycling skills.
During the six-week Motorcycle Awareness Programme the young people took part in a combination of classroom and practical workshop classes that teach motorcycle maintenance, safety and first-aid, as well as motorcycle riding skills.
Governor Richard Taylor said: "The whole idea of this programme in Hydebank is to divert young men away from crime around motorcycles. And to have a world champion motorcyclist like Jonathan Rea help us bring that message to them is just massive.
"He is a role model for all our young men who have an interest in motorcycling, and I firmly believe that those in our care will learn from his motorcycling knowledge and experiences and become better people when they return to their communities."
Jonathan Rea said: "It was good to visit Hydebank and speak with the many young men who have ended up in these unfortunate circumstances. Motorcycling is fantastic and enjoyed by so many, but it is important to know about the dangers, especially around off-road biking, so that it can be enjoyed safely.
"To see such a commitment to motorcycling safety here in Hydebank is commendable. These young people have been provided with a safe environment where they can learn how to ride while being educated in motorcycle safety in a positive way."
The 35-year-old motorcycle racing king visited Hydebank Wood College to help educate young people about the dangers associated with unskilled and illegal use of off-road motorcycles
The visit also gave Hydebank's young offenders an opportunity to chat with Rea about his success and knock-backs during his career when he joined them in a workshop and afterwards gave a demonstration of his motorcycling skills.
During the six-week Motorcycle Awareness Programme the young people took part in a combination of classroom and practical workshop classes that teach motorcycle maintenance, safety and first-aid, as well as motorcycle riding skills.
Governor Richard Taylor said: "The whole idea of this programme in Hydebank is to divert young men away from crime around motorcycles. And to have a world champion motorcyclist like Jonathan Rea help us bring that message to them is just massive.
"He is a role model for all our young men who have an interest in motorcycling, and I firmly believe that those in our care will learn from his motorcycling knowledge and experiences and become better people when they return to their communities."
Jonathan Rea said: "It was good to visit Hydebank and speak with the many young men who have ended up in these unfortunate circumstances. Motorcycling is fantastic and enjoyed by so many, but it is important to know about the dangers, especially around off-road biking, so that it can be enjoyed safely.
"To see such a commitment to motorcycling safety here in Hydebank is commendable. These young people have been provided with a safe environment where they can learn how to ride while being educated in motorcycle safety in a positive way."
Related Northern Ireland News Stories
Click here for the latest headlines.
09 July 2018
William Dunlop Killed In Skerries 100 Road Crash
Tributes have been paid to Northern Ireland motorcycle racer William Dunlop, who was killed following a crash during the Skerries 100 road race in Dublin. The 32-year-old Ballymoney rider was competing in an Open practice session when he crashed and later died from his injuries on Saturday, 07 July.
William Dunlop Killed In Skerries 100 Road Crash
Tributes have been paid to Northern Ireland motorcycle racer William Dunlop, who was killed following a crash during the Skerries 100 road race in Dublin. The 32-year-old Ballymoney rider was competing in an Open practice session when he crashed and later died from his injuries on Saturday, 07 July.
02 June 2014
Two Die In Separate Motorcycle Crashes
Police are investigating the circumstances surrounding two separate motorcycle crashes in Northern Ireland over the weekend, in which two people died. A 49-year-old died in Cushendun, County Antrim, when their motorcycle collided with a Suzuki SX4 on the Loughareema Road at around 10:35 on the morning of Saturday 31 May.
Two Die In Separate Motorcycle Crashes
Police are investigating the circumstances surrounding two separate motorcycle crashes in Northern Ireland over the weekend, in which two people died. A 49-year-old died in Cushendun, County Antrim, when their motorcycle collided with a Suzuki SX4 on the Loughareema Road at around 10:35 on the morning of Saturday 31 May.
13 September 2010
Race Tragedy Shocker In Dublin
A Northern Ireland-based motorcyclist has died following a crash at the Killalane Road Races, near Skerries, in north County Dublin. Victor Gilmore, 42, from Ballymoney was critically injured after he came off his bike at around 1.20pm on Sunday. The Irish police said he was rushed to Beaumont Hospital in Dublin, but was then pronounced dead.
Race Tragedy Shocker In Dublin
A Northern Ireland-based motorcyclist has died following a crash at the Killalane Road Races, near Skerries, in north County Dublin. Victor Gilmore, 42, from Ballymoney was critically injured after he came off his bike at around 1.20pm on Sunday. The Irish police said he was rushed to Beaumont Hospital in Dublin, but was then pronounced dead.
02 February 2006
Fourth person charged over musician's murder
An 18-year-old has become the fourth person charged in connection with the murder of Londonderry blues musician Jim Gilchrist. Mr Gilchrist, aged 62, was murdered after a night out at a local motorcycle club. He was last seen leaving the Oval Bar in the Waterside area of the city in the early hours of September 28.
Fourth person charged over musician's murder
An 18-year-old has become the fourth person charged in connection with the murder of Londonderry blues musician Jim Gilchrist. Mr Gilchrist, aged 62, was murdered after a night out at a local motorcycle club. He was last seen leaving the Oval Bar in the Waterside area of the city in the early hours of September 28.
13 April 2015
New College For Young Offenders Opens
A new college for young offenders at Hydebank Wood in south Belfast has opened. The Northern Ireland Prison Service opened the college for 18-21 year old young men, which will address their offending behaviour through education, vocational training, mentoring and support programmes.
New College For Young Offenders Opens
A new college for young offenders at Hydebank Wood in south Belfast has opened. The Northern Ireland Prison Service opened the college for 18-21 year old young men, which will address their offending behaviour through education, vocational training, mentoring and support programmes.
-
Northern Ireland WeatherToday:A sunny but frosty start for many. However cloud increases by midday with a few showers reaching the north coast, these mostly light but spreading inland this afternoon. Chilly. Maximum temperature 8 °C.Tonight:A rather cloudy evening with scattered showers. Becoming drier through the night with some good clear spells developing and a patchy frost away from coasts. Minimum temperature 0 °C.
