Campaigner claims bikers use rural roads as racetracks

A spokesman for the Campaign to Protect Rural England (CPRE) has defended a statement that claims motorcyclists treat country roads like a racetrack, telling MCN his comments related to a specific road in Hampshire.

Paul Miner, planning campaigner for CPRE, was quoted in an article published by Countryfile magazine focussing on the dangers of rural roads and the growing number of signs, as saying, “Rural roads are a mess of unnecessary signs that look bland and can encourage irresponsible motoring.

“For instance, a sign giving ample notice of a bend ahead can allow motorcyclists to treat the road as their very own racetrack.”

When MCN challenged the statement, Paul Miner said he was referring specifically to the A32 in Hampshire, where he says a high number of motorcycle accidents occur.

“It does need clarifying that it relates to a particular area,” he conceded.

Despite the lack of clarity, Miner stood by his comment, telling MCN he thought it was fair.

“We’re not solely picking on motorcycles by any means, but motorcycles as very powerful machines have a role to play.”

Paul Miner says unnecessary signs include brown notices pointing to local tourist attractions, however he also advocates the removal of safety signs and features.

“The particular issue on the A32 is that junctions tend to be marked with huge amounts of white lines, and there are also fluorescent-backed signs highlighting bends,” he told MCN, stating that large numbers of signs can lead to information overload.