Safety is key as Sportive event descends on Arran
Organisers say safety is their top priority ahead of a major cycling event on Arran this weekend.
The reassurance was offered after road traffic concerns were raised at a meeting of Arran Community Council.
Some 230 cyclists are expected for the new Arran Sportive today (September 3), a prospect that caused community councillors to voice safety worries.
The event, which will comprise a series of non-competitive timed sections around the island, is organised by youth development charity Ocean Youth Trust Scotland as a fundraiser.
The charity’s chief executive officer, Nick Fleming, said: ‘I absolutely understand these concerns,
and safety on the roads is something we’re taking very seriously. We have been working with North Ayrshire Council, the emergency services and Caledonian MacBrayne in putting together our safety plan for this event, and will have support from Arran police on the day.
‘We will brief the cyclists in advance of and at the event on the safety concerns specific to Arran roads – for example tight bends, steep descents, poor road surfaces and oncoming vehicles often in the middle of the road. Cyclists will also be reminded to be considerate to drivers by letting them overtake wherever possible and by travelling in single file, particularly on climbs where they’ll be moving more slowly.
‘We will have five motorbike marshals present on the route, who will all be equipped with first aid kits and will be in contact with our HQ in Brodick, where we will have a first aid car with highly skilled first-aiders ready to respond. We should not have to call out the ambulance unless absolutely necessary.’
Speaking at a meeting of Arran Community Council on Tuesday, police sergeant Alan Dodds said: ‘Fluorescent warning signs will be put up around the course. We will be meeting the event organisers on Friday afternoon, and they will be reminded that cyclists are
not exempt from the Road Traffic Act.’ Mr Fleming added: ‘We’re really excited to be holding this event in a location as gorgeous as Arran, and have been so grateful from all the support we’ve had from islanders for it.
‘It should be a great day, and we hope it will introduce many cyclists to the beautiful destinations on our doorstep in Scotland. Most of our participants are staying on the island for the full weekend, so this should give them a chance to enjoy the island’s attractions.’