EXTRA POLICE ON DUTY FOR A SAFER SCOOTER RALLY

Safe Scooter Rally

Extra police officers are on duty across the Isle of Wight to help maintain public safety during the world famous annual scooter rally.

More than 4,000 people from a number of scooter clubs around the UK are expected to attend the three-day event.

Isle of Wight District Acting Chief Inspector Paul Savill said: “There have been no major incidents or reports of serious disorder linked to the Scooter Rally in recent years. The vast majority of riders come to the island to enjoy and share their enthusiasm for scooters safely and responsibly.

“Extra officers are on patrol in Ryde town centre during the weekend to provide reassurance among what we anticipate will be larger groups of visitors and residents in and around pubs and clubs. We’re working closely alongside security staff and licensees as usual to identify any issues as early as possible to stop the risks of any crimes developing. These tactics have proved effective in preventing and reducing crime in Ryde over the past year.”

The traditional mass ride out of up to 2,000 scooters is expected to take place at approximately 1pm on Sunday afternoon from the Quay Road car park on Ryde Esplanade to the Hurricanes Rugby Club on Perowne Way, Sandown.

Extra officers from the Isle of Wight Roads Policing Unit (RPU) will be on duty on Sunday to direct traffic and maintain road safety while such a large number of scooters travel in a convoy on some of the island’s main roads.

Acting Chief Inspector Paul Savill added: “The scooter ride out presents a challenge for roads policing every year, but most enthusiasts ride with care and attention as scooters are their prized possessions. Officers from the Roads Policing Unit (RPU) would like to remind scooterists of the potential dangers of riding in large groups, and for the need to adhere to all road traffic regulations and signs, specifically during Sunday’s ride out. We welcome any opportunity to meet motorcyclists to build on good relations and reinforce awareness of road safety and responsible riding.”