PSNI BikeSafe team returns to 2026 North West 200
The PSNI BikeSafe team once again returned to our usual location at the 2026 North West 200 in May for what is one of the world’s most prestigious motorcycle road racing events.
Held on the famous 8.97-mile street circuit linking Portstewart, Coleraine and Portrush, the NW200 remains Northern Ireland’s largest annual outdoor sporting event, attracting more than 150,000 visitors from across the globe.
This year, we were delighted to be joined by colleagues from An Garda Síochána, Derbyshire Constabulary and Police Scotland. The teamwork, dedication and good humour shared throughout the week made for a fantastic atmosphere and played a huge part in the success of our BikeSafe presence at the event.
Our BikeSafe stand featured a selection of display motorcycles, which proved to be a real attraction for visitors. The bikes provided the perfect conversation starter, encouraging riders and non-riders alike to stop by, chat with the team and learn more about the benefits of participating in a BikeSafe workshop.
Friday was particularly busy. Part of the team headed to the race paddock, where they engaged with several hundred schoolchildren, discussing road safety and grabbing some photo opportunities. Meanwhile, the rest of the team delivered a BikeSafe workshop at Portrush Town Hall before we all came together and set off on an engagement ride through some of the North Coast’s most popular motorcycling routes and gathering points.
Wherever the Ducati and BMW police motorcycles stopped, they quickly drew a crowd of motorcycle enthusiasts of all ages. However, a clear favourite emerged throughout the day. While the police bikes attracted plenty of attention, the most sought-after photo opportunity was not with the machines themselves, but with a certain member of the team who quickly became something of a recognised celebrity among visitors. Perhaps you will recognise him in the accompanying photographs!
Throughout the week, we had the opportunity to engage with countless riders and visitors, with every interaction proving positive and worthwhile. Events such as the North West 200 provide a valuable platform for BikeSafe teams from across the UK and Ireland to work together, connect with the motorcycling community and promote safer riding in a relaxed and approachable environment.
The North West 200 continues to showcase everything that is great about motorcycling, and we are proud to play a small part in such an iconic event. We are already looking forward to returning next year and hope to see many of you there—whether as part of the BikeSafe team or enjoying the event as a spectator.
