Prompted by two motorcycle fatalities in the Moyle area in April 2009, one on the A2 “Coast Road”, motorcyclists were invited to attend meetings with the Moyle District Policing Partnership (DPP).
An initial public meeting was called at the beginning of June by Oliver McMullan.
The purpose of this was to engage in dialogue with local and regional motorcycle groups and organisations, council representatives of Moyle District (North Antrim Coast Road area) and the PSNI (Police Service of Northern Ireland), including Bikesafe – an assessment program run by the PSNI for motorcyclists regarding their riding skills.
Subsequent meetings were well attended with representatives from motorcycle clubs, including the Ancestors MCC, Quay Vipers MCC, Armoy Motorcycle Road Racing Club and individual riders.
Representatives from the Roads Service also attended to give an overview of their work.
Right To Ride and the Quay Vipers MCC prepared a consultation document with the aim to give background information from a motorcyclist’s point of view for the first public meeting.
The conclusions were;
- There is public concern regarding motorcycles and the concentration of riders on the coast road both in the “rural” and “urban” areas.
- These concerns may be subjective but are genuine for the local population, who may suffer noise intrusion and quality of life issues.
- It is a fact that the majority of riders treat the coast road and other vehicle users with respect.
- In our opinion, there is a minority of riders whose attitude is to use the coast road as a weekend race track and due to their actions, they may be perceived as the majority.
- Although these riders’ actions are what are remembered by the public, residents and other users of the coast road, the majority of motorcyclists are not and should not be identified as “the problem”.
- There are also many instances of reckless car drivers, ignoring traffic regulations and speed warnings.
- To find a way forward regarding the issue of motorcycle safety in the context of looking at the dynamics of the coast road and adjoining feeder roads for the safety of all road users.
The way forward was the forming of the group which was named “Right It Right”. To run a motorcycle “safety” event on the 30th August and to promote the group and event through its own website.
Ride It Right – Northern Ireland
To improve motorcycling in Northern Ireland especially on “Biker Routes”.