PSNI STATEMENT AHEAD OF 2026 BRIGGS EQUIPMENT NORTH WEST 200 RACE WEEK ON MAY 4-9

Police are urging road-users travelling to and from this week’s Briggs
Equipment North West 200 circuit to stay safe, as the largest sporting
event in Northern Ireland returns to the North Coast.

Speaking ahead of the hugely popular event, Chief Superintendent Mark
Roberts said: “With this year’s Briggs Equipment North West 200 race
week set to take place from 4th – 9th May, I am delighted to welcome
all of those involved to the North Coast for another great year of
motorcycle racing. A significant amount of planning goes into the
racing event every year and local officers and I have been working
very closely with the organisers and partner agencies, to ensure that
the races and all associated events are safe and successful.

“Thousands of visitors from all over the world are expected to
participate in the programme over the week, and the North Coast is
always a magnet for motorcyclists because of the amazing routes and
scenery. To ensure the safety of all involved, local officers and the
wider police family are keen to ensure that those driving to join us –
whether on two wheels or four – take extra care as the excitement
builds.

“Reducing casualties on our roads remains a service priority through
Operation Lifesaver and we will be focusing our road policing
operations specifically on speeding and careless driving, as well as
vehicles which fail to comply with the Construction and Use
legislation.

“If you are riding up to join us, please remember it’s not a race to
get here and that road conditions at this time of the year can change
very quickly. If you are driving, please take time to ‘Think Bike’ –
particularly when emerging from junctions and areas where it may be
harder to see oncoming traffic.
“Those of you who travel to the event on public transport will see
officers from our Safe Transport Team out and about, working in
partnership with Translink to maximise the safety of those using and
working on the network. This visibility will provide reassurance to
passengers and reduce the likelihood of anti-social behaviour and
associated offences.

“During the scheduled race days, please follow the directions of the
event marshals at all times. Do not put yourself, other spectators or
participating riders at risk by taking chances by entering the circuit
on foot or by vehicle before it is reopened at the direction of the
Clerk of the Course.

“We want everyone to enjoy the event and the socialising that
accompanies it in a safe space. Once again, officers will be focusing
on preventing Violence Against Women and Girls and anti-social
behaviour in general, and will continue to work closely with our
community partners to achieve this goal.

“The races take part in the heart of an active and vibrant community
and as you travel and socialise I would ask that you are respectful of
the residents and businesses who welcome you during race week. The
towns along the race route ‘triangle’ – Portstewart, Coleraine and
Portrush – are very much open for business and look forward to seeing
you come through their doors.

“Be mindful that journeys in this area are expected to take longer
than normal, so please consider this when planning your week.

“Finally, I wish everyone taking part the best of luck. Our officers
look forward to meeting attendees over the course of what promises to
be a really exciting week of racing.”

Briggs Equipment North West 200 Race Director Mervyn Whyte encouraged
everyone attending this year’s event to follow police advice and
travel safely to and from the north coast.
“The North West 200 brings tens of thousands of people to the north
coast each May and we want everyone to have a safe and enjoyable visit
to the races.

Please leave the racing to the racers and follow the advice of the
Police.  Have patience on the busy roads and show respect for your
fellow travellers and pedestrians.”

PSNI Chief Superintendent Mark Roberts with Briggs Equipment North West 200 Race Director, Mervyn Whyte.