Tasman District Police have condemned the organisers of the TT2000 South Island motorcycle rally being held this weekend saying the event promotes dangerous riding.
Tasman District Road Policing Manager Inspector Jenni Richardson said the rally challenged riders to visit 150 locations across the entire South Island in just 48 hours. In doing so they were expected to cover at least 2000 kms.
Inspector Richardson said, while the event's organisers had covered their own liability by insisting on licensed riders and legal bikes, and by giving advice on speed and fatigue, there was no hiding the fact that the event was essentially a race.
"This event promotes everything we're against in Road Policing. Riders are encouraged to cover extreme distances on winding and remote roads over one weekend. I have no doubt that there will be extremely fatigued riders travelling at excessive speeds all over the South Island."
Inspector Richardson said a rider taking part in the event two years ago was killed in Golden Downs, near Nelson.
"It's really disappointing to me that there are people actively promoting extremely unsafe behaviour on public roads.
"My message to all those taking part is when they enter Tasman District, which covers all of Marlborough, Nelson Bays and the West Coast, they are highly likely to meet my staff."
Inspector Richardson said she had mobilised all available staff to patrol the roads over the weekend.
"Make no mistake, we will be targeting riders taking part in this race. The underlying motivation behind this event is in my view a recipe for disaster."
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