Hampshire and Isle of Wight Air Ambulance (HIOWAA) is asking local bikers to step up a gear to support the charity.

Ride4Life, two new Ride Out events, are planned to help raise vital funds for HIOWAA. Ride4Life Isle of Wight will take place on Sunday 10^th June and Ride4Life Hampshire is scheduled for later in the year, on Sunday 16^th September.

It is hoped bikers will come together to enjoy the Ride Outs, taking in the best scenery Hampshire and the Isle of Wight have to offer, with routes covering forest and coastal roads.

In 2017, 45% of incidents attended by HIOWAA were road traffic incidents. Motorcyclists make up just 1% of Britain’s total road traffic, but account for 19% of all road deaths.

This year alone, the HIOWAA Critical Care Team have attended 49 road traffic incidents.

Hampshire and Isle of Wight Air Ambulance Chief Executive and keen motorcyclist, Alex Lochrane said:

“Our Critical Care Teams attend road traffic incidents throughout the year, many involving bikers, and this is a fantastic way for bikers to do their bit to help keep the Air Ambulance flying and saving lives. Our Ride4Life events promise to be a great day out for bikers and their families, as well as an opportunity for us to raise awareness for our life-saving service amongst the biking community.”

Online registration is now open for both events at www.hiowaa.org. Entry is £10 per person, +£5 per pillion and each participant will receive an ‘iRide 4 HIOWAA’ wristband.

The participant to raise the most sponsorship will win a water bottle signed by British motorcycle road racer, James Hillier, pictured with the HIOWAA Critical Care Team.