Thousands of motorcycle riders from across Lancashire, Merseyside, Greater Manchester and Cumbria converged on Blackpool last Sunday (25th April) for an entertaining road safety event that continues to grow every year.
An estimated 7,000 visitors attended the fifth annual RideSafe Rendezvous for a blend of entertainment, demonstrations and easy access to advice about road safety issues, rider training options and protective clothing.
Event organizers RideSafe BackSafe brought together motorcycle instructors, assessors, BikeSafe officers and other road safety professionals, Lancashire Police and motorcycle dealerships from across the region.
The event also hosted a spectacular stunt show including extreme motorcycle stunt rider Craig Jones and precision stunt driver Paul Swift, as well as live bands to add to the appeal.
Linda Sanderson, communications manager at RideSafe BackSafe, said: “Bikers turned out in huge numbers and everybody seemed to enjoy the show immensely.
“The RideSafe BackSafe team were busy all day providing advice and information and it was great to see the willingness of bikers from all walks of life to seek guidance about safer motorcycling.
“The mix of attractions, retailers and industry support for the motorcycling community has yet again proved very effective.”
RideSafe BackSafe is run ‘by bikers, for bikers’ and draws on the skills, resources and enthusiasm of four regional road safety partnerships, motorcycling representative bodies and dealerships and four police forces.
I had an good couple of hours at the show and I noticed that the Ridesafe stand was always busy. Good to see involvement from disabled riders with regard to bikes and trikes and promoting themselves.
Would like to see this increase and improve as the venue is a good one. One biker spoken to wanted it more visible to general members of the public but I argued that it was for the direct benefit of bikers themselves, there is perhaps an argument supporting both sides.
Would like to see it expand not only in size but also time and become a replacement for Rawtenstall (or someone should consider doing something like that on this location later on in the year, perhaps Sept).
First aid seemed out on a limb with little passing footfall and would like to see more done to promote first aid amongst the motorcycling fraternity.
bob craven
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Fantastic event. Road safety partnerships and other professionals can promote their message to riders in an atmosphere of fun and mutual respect.
This kind of event creates a positive ripple that will go a long way to influencing riders perception of the message that road safety professionals are trying to get across.
Mark – Wiltshire
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