A campaign has been launched by a Bolton Traffic Police Officer to warn motorbike riders from riding when tired, after his father tragically died in a motorcycling accident.
Mike Mangan, 72, was travelling with his son from Lands End to Minehead when he collided with a van while overtaking in the last 10 miles of a 320 mile journey, killing him instantly.
His son, Inspector Dave Mangan, 43, from the Lancashire Constabulary, believes fatigue played a major role in the accident, and has created a video about his father’s last ride, warning bikers against driving whilst tired.
The fatal crash occurred on September 11 last year, in Wheddon Cross, Somerset, when Mike, a retired electrical engineer, tried to follow his son in overtaking three cars.
After overtaking two, Mike pulled out while trying to pass the third and smashed into an oncoming van.
Speaking about his loss, he said: “My family and I are still trying to come to terms with what happened, we miss him every day.
“My dad was a keen and experienced biker. He was a trained advanced motorcycle observer and used to teach other motorcyclists how they could stay safe on the roads.”
Dave’s video will be shown to bikers in Avon, Cornwall, Cumbria, Devon, Somerset and North Yorkshire.
Dave said: “When bikers are making a long journey, towards the end they may start to feel tired and lose concentration. It is really important that riders recognise this and adjust their riding to the conditions.
“Even experienced riders can make errors of judgment which can result in serious consequences. Please don’t make this mistake.”
Dave was first introduced to bikes by his dad when he was just ten years old and rode on the back of his Motorcycle to watch the bike racing a Alton Park.
Over the years they had had been touring Europe on Bikes.
A ride to Land’s End from Preston in memory of Mike Mangan will start April 9, with a minute’s silence held in Wheddon Cross on April 11.
