Poole is celebrating following winning a prestigious international safety award for its weekly motorcycle event Dream Machines, sponsored by Coles Miller. 
Presented by HRH Prince Michael of Kent at a glittering ceremony at The Savoy Hotel in London, the Prince Michael International Road Safety Award was given to Dorset Police, Poole Tourism and the Volunteer Marshals.
Coles Miller Dream Machines is the largest regular weekly motorcycle meet in the South and takes place every Tuesday evening from April to September on Poole Quay against the backdrop of Europe’s largest natural harbour. Celebrating its official 10th birthday this year, up to 2000 bikes regularly attend to socialise and compete for the bike of the night competition. The final Tuesday in September is the biggest night of the season where the 26 Bike of the Night winners compete for the prestigious Bike of the Year competition.
Working in partnership with event organisers Poole Tourism, Dorset Police’s Bike Safe Team use the event to work directly with bikers who attend over the 26 weeks of the Dream Machines season to spread road safety messages.
Chris Smith, Dorset Police, said: “Having been involved with the event for the past 7 years we have worked tirelessly in partnership with the event team and marshals to reduce the number of biking accidents linked to it. We have had significant success in changing the attitudes of riders attending the event and I believe this has resulted in the number of bike accidents falling year on year. I hope we can build on this major award and make this an event known for its excellent safety record.”
Anne Simpson, Poole Tourism Events Manager, said: “From a regular local meet, Dream Machines has grown in popularity each and every year. Bikers have really taken the event to their hearts, not only local riders but those from across the South who come to be part of the event each week. A huge part of this is down to the volunteer marshals, enthusiastic local bikers who help to make the event so successful.”
Chief Marshal Kerry Pope, said; “The biking community is a really strong network and the people involved take the time and trouble to help each other out. Coles Miller Dream Machines is owned by the Bikers and is a real part of that community. Bikers working with the Police have been really successful in getting across messages on driving carefully and not taking risks. The information is all the more powerful, particularly as many Bikers have been or know someone affected by an accident.”
Adrian Cormack, Partner at Coles Miller Solicitors LLP, said: “We are delighted that Coles Miller Dream Machines is proving to be an effective way to convey very important road safety messages directly to the riders and this is one of the reasons why we sponsor this fantastic event. Dream Machines is a great weekly summer attraction for hundreds of bike enthusiasts, visitors to the area and the local community and we are very pleased to be involved.”
