The ninth annual Essex Motorcycle Show took place on 4 May and managed to raise more than £5,000 for the life-saving helicopter service operated by the Essex & Herts Air Ambulance Trust.

With ICE Patch as its sponsor, the event was held at Weald Aviation at North Weald Airfield. It was the first time the show had taken place at this location, which also marked the end point for the Herts Air Ambulance Motorcycle Run. Over 3,000 bikers gathered at the airfield and adding to the overall excitement was the fact that both events occurred on the same day.

This year’s event was the most successful in the history of the Essex Motorcycle Show. It also included live music, a bike gymkhana for riders wishing to test their skills and 45 trade stands run by leading bike manufacturers. Essex Police used the occasion to launch its “Bike Safe” campaign, with many bikers taking the opportunity to sign up for the workshops.

The show also featured the official launch of the 15th annual Essex Air Ambulance Motorcycle Run, which is scheduled to take place on 7 September. Volunteers at the Essex Air Ambulance stand were busy signing up enthusiasts, pre-registering more than 100 motorcyclists.

Meanwhile, the Essex County Council Road Safety Team have joined forces with the local police and fire and rescue services to promote the Hugger Essex initiative. which was also launched at the event. It aims to improve road safety for Essex motorcycle riders, ultimately reducing death and serious injury rates within this contingent. The decision to launch the campaign follows the publication of troubling statistics, among them the fact that bikers account for about 1% of Essex road traffic but 26% of deaths and serious injuries.

Image: Jack Lilley Triumph