The Isle of Man Steam Packet Company is supporting a UK campaign to raise awareness of motorcyclists on the road and have bike-related questions made a compulsory part of the driving test.
Launched by Bennetts, a specialist motorcycle insurance company, the campaign has the backing of the Motorcycle Industry Association, the Motorcycle Action Group and the British Motorcyclists Federation. High profile supporters include Darren Gough, Suzi Perry and James Toseland.
Bennetts promotional staff will be at Liverpool port ahead of the 20.00 sailing to the Isle of Man on Friday June 1 and again for the 21.00 sailing on Saturday June 2.
Hannah Squirrell, Bennetts Associate Director, explained: ‘The campaign is a UK Government-approved e-petition which aims to reach 100,000 signatures. If it achieves that number, Parliament will agree to debate motorbike-related questions being made a compulsory part of the UK driving test. Currently there is no such guarantee and while motorcyclists account for just 1% of road traffic, they unfortunately make up 20% of fatalities.
‘The TT is the premier road-racing event in the world and attracts many thousands of fans each year. We’re delighted that the Steam Packet Company has agreed to support this important campaign and raise awareness, both among TT visitors and Isle of Man residents alike.
‘We will be handing out cards with details of the e-petition, and also flyers, which can be completed for us to auto-complete the e-petition on behalf of bikers. The cards and flyers will be unbranded – we’re keen to ensure that while it was Bennetts who initiated the campaign, it’s really on behalf of all motorcyclists, their friends, family and colleagues.’
Steam Packet Company Chief Executive Mark Woodward said: ‘The e-petition is such a worthwhile campaign and, given that our Company has such a strong link to the TT, the Manx Grand Prix, the Southern 100 and motorcyclists in general, we are more than happy to do what we can to assist.’
To further enhance awareness, the petition has been confirmed as the title sponsor of the Isle of Man TT Lightweight Race which will therefore be known as the ‘BikerPetition.co.uk Lightweight Race’.
More details about the e-petition are available at http://epetitions.direct.gov.uk/petitions/26272 or www.BikerPetition.co.uk
