Motorcycle campaign tells of 'Mike's last ride'

Police motorcyclists from across the country are riding into Avon and Somerset Police HQ in Portishead as they meet to “Ride for Mike”.

An experienced rider and a trained advanced motorcycle observer who used to teach other motorcyclists, Mike Mangan died in September 2013 when he was involved in a collision whilst overtaking. His family believes that tiredness was a contributory factor in his death.

Following the accident his son, Insp Dave Mangan from Lancashire Constabulary, has made a film to raise awareness of the dangers of riding whilst tired. ‘Mike’s Last Ride’ tells the story of the day of the fatal collision and offers advice on how riders can stay safe on the roads. Watch the film ‘Mike’s Last Ride’.

Inspector Mangan is being joined by fellow police motorcyclists on a ride from Preston in Lancashire to Land’s End over the next three days to remember Mike. They left Preston this morning, Wednesday April 9th of April and reach Portishead this evening.

The riders will then leave Police HQ at 8.30am on Thursday 10th April, accompanied by officers from Avon and Somerset and Devon and Cornwall Police, as they ride south to Land’s End. A minute’s silence will take place in the village of Wheddon Cross, which is about half a mile from where Mike was killed, at around 12 noon on Friday 11 April

Many of the riders will then join Inspector Langan on Saturday 12th of April at the National BikeSafe show at Castle Combe, hosted by Avon and Somerset Police, where they will officially launch the film.

Insp Mangan said: “My Dad was a keen and experienced biker. He was a trained advanced motorcycle observer and used to teach other motorcyclists how they could stay safe on the roads. When bikers are making a long journey, towards the end they may start to feel tired and lose concentration. It is really important that riders recognise this and adjust their riding to the conditions

“We have decided to use this tragic incident to help educate other riders. If it reminds just one biker of the dangers faced by riding whilst tired, then it will be a success.”

Chief Supt Caroline Peters from Avon and Somerset Constabulary, who is a keen rider herself, said, “Motorbikes make up a relatively small percentage of the traffic on our roads but are involved in a disproportionately high percentage of accidents.

“I encourage all riders, experienced or new to the world of motorcycles, to watch this film. It doesn’t matter how much experience you have or how long you have been riding, you have to keep sharp. Being hungry and tired impacts on your ability to make good decisions, even the most experienced of riders.

“Inspector Mangan’s initiative, events such as BikeSafe and the post-test training aims to educate riders, help them develop their skills and ultimately save lives, which is why we give them our full support.”

For more information about “Mike’s Last Ride” and the “Last Ride? Your Choice!” campaign visit Lancashire Constabulary’s website at www.lancashire.police.uk and search for “Mike’s Last Ride”. 

You can also search for the hashtag #mikeslastride on Twitter.

This year’s Bike Safe event promises to be just as action packed as 2013. With star guest appearances by British Super Bike racer Michael Rutter and stunt rider Steve Colley, assessed road rides, track experience session (booking essential), demo bikes from Ducati, Kawasaki, KTM, Honda, Harley Davidsons and Triumph, race input from the California Superbike School and skills tests in the Moto Gymkhana.

Non-riders will be able to meet both two-legged and four-legged members of the police, find out what it’s like to be a CSI and the more adventurous can have a go at shield and baton training with Public Order officers. With trade stands, stalls and fairground rides there really will be something for everyone! Gates open to the general public at 10.00 and it is free to get in.

For more information about BikeSafe visit either: www.BikeSafe.co.uk or you can find us on Facebook.

You can also follow us on Twitter @ASPolice and #bikesafe2014. 

Motorcycle campaign tells of "Mike"s last ride"