I have come across a story by Jackie Turley titled “Police urge bikers to cut out the posing”. This focuses on the plea from the police to TT racing fans not to risk lives by showing off in front of cameras. Police have issued the warning after concerns about the way some bikers have been riding around the TT course when roads are open. They are hoping for an accident free TT festival this year.
For two weeks of every year the eyes of the world focus on the Isle of Man – the jewel of the Irish Sea – as the finest road racers on the planet pit their skills against the 37¾ miles of public roads that form the legendary TT circuit.
The way was paved for the TT by the Isle of Man’s 1904 law allowing roads to close for the Gordon Bennett car trials. With road closure and speed limit laws preventing a much-wanted British motorcycle race on UK roads, the organiser, the Auto Cycle Club, turned to the Isle of Man and, in 1907, the TT was born.
Inspector Richard Power, of the road policing unit, said: ‘I can only reiterate the messages previously given that high speeds on the Mountain Road inevitably put riders and other road users in danger.
‘The encouragement of riders to ride in this way resulted in more than one serious road crash during last year’s TT.
‘If riders continue with this practice I have no doubt that it will happen again, which is tragic for more than just the rider involved.’
Inspector Power said the road safety campaign this year features highly visible measures, adopted with the aim of reducing accidents and enhancing safety, which focus on speed enforcement.
He explained: ‘Road safety during TT, as at other times of year, is paramount but the conditions of our roads are significantly different to the rest of the year.
‘During TT there will be an increase in the number of police patrol units around the Isle of Man and, in particular, the TT Course. More than 20 local officers will be deployed to the roads policing unit during the festival.
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