ITS a situation that is devastatingly familiar to those who have lost loved ones in motorcycle accidents. 

The seasons change, Spring gives way to Summer, and with it, brighter weather arrives. 

Less rain, some sun, and dry conditions. This means only one thing for those with a passion for biking; hitting the open road, and seeing where it takes them. 

Sadly, some never return home from their trips.

Instead, their families receive that dreaded knock on the door. They open it to find police officers instead of their loved ones. They receive news that will leave their lives forever changed.

Staggeringly, Motorcyclists are 125 times more likely to be killed or seriously injured, when involved in an road traffic collision, than a car driver. 

This is just one sobering statistic from the PSNI, who are again reminding motorcyclists and motorists alike to take care on the roads as we head into the summer. 

This safety call has been echoed by numerous local families from Fermanagh, who know first-hand the devastation of losing a loved one in a motorcycle accident. 

Statistically, motorcyclists are among the most vulnerable groups on Northern Ireland’s roads - and the statistics speak for this. 

According to the most recent figures, in the period 2022/23, a total of 10 motorcyclists lost their lives in Northern Ireland. 

One of these deaths was a local biker from the Fermanagh and Omagh District, who was killed in 2022. In the year 2023, no motorcyclists were killed on Fermanagh roads. 

However, in the period 2022/23, a further 107 bikers were seriously injured in Northern Ireland; an increase of 10.3 per cent (10 serious injuries) on the same period the previous year. 

Overall, in Northern Ireland last year, motorcycle accidents accounted for 293 - or 3.7 per cent of all casualties. 

'Concerning'

Meanwhile, a comprehensive report from the Department of Infrastructure (DfI) on motorcycle casualties paints an equally concerning picture. 

From 2015 to 2019, 27 motorcycle fatalities were recorded across Northern Ireland, along with 458 incidents of serious injury. 

Almost four per cent (18) of these serious injuries happened to bikers from the Fermanagh and Omagh area.  

Statistics also show that from 2015 to 2019, 71 per cent injuries involving motorcyclists occurred in the 'summer months' - between April and September

According to PSNI Superintendent, Gary Busch, high incidence of accidents in times of increased daylight is a cause for concern.  

"The arrival of better weather traditionally means we see an increase in motorcycles on our roads," said PSNI Superintendent Busch. 

"We know that motorcyclists are 125 times more likely to be killed or seriously injured when involved in an road traffic collision than a car driver for the same distance travelled.

"Unlike the occupants of motor vehicles, motorcyclists have very little protection when they crash. This makes motorcyclists especially vulnerable to death or serious injury if they come off their bike or are struck by another vehicle. 

"Junction points are a key area so please remember to take another look before emerging onto a road."

He added: "Motorcyclists also need to be cognisant of their speed, the weather conditions and other road users. 

"If you are taking the bike out for the first time in a while please ensure your motorcycle and safety equipment are in good working order.

"Other road users need to be alert for motorcycles on the road, careless driving is one of the most significant causes of collisions. Just a moment of inattention can result in a serious crash."

'Memorial'

Those bereaved as a result of motorcycle accidents know all-too-well the devastating impacts it can have on every aspect of their lives. But one local initiative - that this year celebrated its 20th anniversary - has helped the victims of motorbike accidents mark the memory of their loved ones. 

Since being founded in 2004, the yearly Bikers’ Memorial at Sacred Heart Church, Clones, has gone from strength to strength. 

This month, hundreds of bikers descended on Clones to honour motorcyclists who have lost their lives on roads in the island of Ireland since the early 1980s.

On the day, candles bearing the names of deceased bikers were carried to the altar by family members, which featured a display of six bikes.

One attendee of the yearly event says it "brings tears to eyes."

"It brings lumps to the throat and makes hairs stand on the back of your neck," she said. "It really is something else, and I feel it is an event that everyone should attend regardless of their association with bikes.

"It is a credit to the families who, despite their grief, turn up year in, year out, knowing that it's going to be hard. 

"But it is always something that we walk away from knowing that our (relative) died doing something they loved, and that everyone in the church is praying not only for their soul, but all the sould of loved ones lost to the roads. 

"There's a power in that prayer. It's so important."