‘Bike Safe’ in Ballymoney

Millsport owner, Billy Lyons (third left) with David Jackson, the new Chief Executive of the Causeway Coast and Glens council, Tom McKeown and Sam Knox, both Ballymoney Road Safety committee at the Bike Safe event.

David Jackson described the initiative of Ballymoney Road Safety committee as a “wonderful event” which addressed many of the challenges facing motor cyclists.

Bikers from across North Antrim and beyond came together at Millsport Motorcycles in the town where they were given expert tuition by advanced riders from the PSNI’s Roads Policing in a one-hour observed assessment along local roads.

Mr Jackson stressed that road safety was of major concern to the Causeway Coast and Glens council and the efforts of the local Road Safety committee served to highlight some of the challenges facing cyclists today.

Enjoying the Room 2 Race computer game are these young visitors to the Bike Safe event at Millsport.

“This event provides an opportunity for those taking part to get tuition through the professionalism of the police service using their expertise to make the roads safer for everyone,” Mr Jackson added.

In its second year, Bike Safe was sponsored by Millsport, dealers of Ducati cycles, and Ballymoney Community Safety Partnership with prizes up to £1000 on offer.

Sydney Henry, a Road Education Officer with the PSNI, said the aim of the exercise was to encourage riders to take further assessments after their initial tests so as to give them more confidence on the roads.

“Our intention is to bridge the gap between cyclists getting their full licence and then hopefully pushing them on to undergo further tests from RoSPA and the I.A.M,” he said.

Tom McKeown, chair of Ballymoney Road Safety committee, getting some tasty treats from La Petite Baguette's Paul McClelland at the Bike Safe event.

Sam Knox, a member of Ballymoney Road Safety Committee and Tom McKeown, chair of the committee, were delighted with the turn out and praised the contribution of the PCSP and Millsport owner, Billy Lyons, for providing sponsorship.

Winners in the raffle were as follows:

1, Eddie McCrellis, Motor cycle protective clothing (£350); 2, Rob Vollebregt, crash helmet (£300); 3, Duncan Buchanan, Ducati for a day.

The event is now well established in the road safety committee calendar.