Maria Costello, fastest lady around the Isle of Man TT circuit and ambassador for the RideSafe BackSafe initiative is set to appear at this years RideSafe Rendezvous; although it’s not her racing prowess that will be called upon.

The free, one-day event will focus on the need for all bikers to develop their riding skills through training and a number of motorcycle stunt riders and free style mountain bike riders will be impressing thousands with there skills at slow speeds.

Maria, who set a Guinness world record for the fastest lap around the Isle of Man TT by a woman;-

“ When I’m racing I go for it, competition is all about controlled adrenaline and a desire to win. This definitely isn’t the right approach to riding on public highways, but there are some comparisons. Competence, good control of the bike and concentration are crucial on road and track, possibly more so on the road because there are so many variables and hazards over which you have no control. Before racing I was a CBT instructor, so I appreciate the need for slow riding control and a number of invited guests will be demonstrating there skills on a variety of motorcycles, scooters and mountain bikes. Anyone who is thinking of taking there Compulsory Basic Training (CBT) will find the show informative as well as entertaining ”.

The RideSafe Rendezvous is hoping to draw more than 6,000 bikers and other visitors to Fairhaven Lake, Lytham St Annes on Sunday 13th April.

The RideSafe BackSafe Initiative – run by bikers for bikers – is supported by Lancashire Partnership for Road Safety, the Greater Manchester Casualty Reduction Partnership (Drivesafe), KillSpills, IAM, BMF, MAG and Lancashire Constabulary.

Last year’s huge draw was the free stunt show in the main arena and this has been expanded for 2008 to include motorcycle stunt rider Dave Coates, the Xtreme Trials display team, Zero Gravity Freestyle Trials Team, the MPC Ural motorcycle display team and a demonstration by champions from the Straightliners Drag Racing Series.

More exhibitors, trade stands, live music and a dedicated entertainment and refreshment area will make for a great day out and many will want to meet the stunt riders and racing celebrities. But the underlying theme will be education and motivation for all bikers as RideSafe BackSafe team member and Road Safety Adviser Shelby Williams explains.

“ Fun is the draw, but we hope that in between the stunt shows and demonstrations, all bikers will take a moment to talk to the advanced riding instructors, police motorcyclists and representative bodies on hand. National casualty statistics tell us that about one in five of those killed or seriously injured on our roads are bikers and yet motorcycles, scooters and mopeds represent less than 2% of all road traffic. Even though a disproportionately high number of casualties are bikers, the blame is more evenly spread between all road users. This suggests that a lack of awareness in other road users and the vulnerability of riding a bike are both factors. By promoting skills training, defensive riding and the need for good protective clothing, RideSafe BackSafe hopes to make a difference for the biker “.

Everyone is welcome, particularly those new to biking and youngsters thinking about getting their first bike or scooter. The 2008 RideSafe Rendezvous will be held on Sunday 13th April at Fairhaven Lake, Lytham St Annes from 10.30am to 5.00pm and entry is free to all.

For more information about the show and the RideSafe BackSafe Initiative, visit www.ridesafebacksafe.co.uk

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