Motorists have been urged to 'allow extra time' for journeys this weekend as thousands of motorcyclists are expected to hit the roads for the annual Bike4Life Ride Out and Festival.
The event takes place on Sunday, May 17, and will see around 3,500 motorcyclists complete a 25-mile route to raise cash for the Midlands Air Ambulance Charity. Several road closures will be in place in Shropshire starting from 10am to ensure the ride runs as smoothly as possible, with restrictions being lifted as soon as it is safe to do so.
Bikers will set off from Meole Brace in Shrewsbury at 10.30am, then travel along the A5, M54, and A41. The ride out ends at Weston Park, where the festival will take place, with the first bikes due to arrive at around 11.05am.
Traffic restrictions during the ride out include restricted movements at Meole Brace Island if travelling from Sainsbury's. All eastbound movements will be stopped at A5 Dobbies, A5 Emstrey, and A5 Preston Boats roundabouts, while eastbound entry slip roads on the M54 at junctions 7, 6, 5, and 4 will also be closed. Until the ride out clears, there will be no traffic movements other than the motorcycles at junction 3 and the A41 northbound as far as the junction with Offoxey Road.
David Patmore, senior network planner at National Highways, said: 'So many bikes leaving Meole Brace and heading down the motorway and then into the festival is a fantastic sight and one we are very happy to support as we see the vital work Midlands Air Ambulance Charity does at close hand.'
'As always, we'll be making sure the Ride Out runs as smoothly as possible and will reopen roads and junctions as soon as it is safe to do so. We advise anyone due to travel through this area on Sunday to plan ahead and avoid the times of the ride out if possible. If that's not possible, set off early and allow extra time for your journey.'
A National Highways traffic officer vehicle will be part of the convoy leading the ride out, while additional traffic officers will patrol the route. Another vehicle will bring up the rear, sounding its bullhorn as it passes each junction to signal to traffic management crews that roads can be reopened.
Famous faces attending this year's Bike4Life include motorsport legend and I'm A Celebrity winner Carl Fogarty MBE, former professional motorcycle trials and endurocross rider Dougie Lampkin MBE, former professional motorcyclist and TV commentator Steve Parrish, and Benjamin Pearson from Channel 5's Police Interceptor.
The festival will feature a range of live bands, food traders, and entertainment. Visit bike4lifefest.com to find out more.
