There are a number of different options that could be brought in that might help reduce not just the number of deaths, but also the number of life changing incidents and RTC’s in general. All of the ideas below would I am sure never work or be accepted for a wide variety of reasons, but I thought I would share them anyway. Some of them I am sure would have unintended consequences such as reducing the number of RTC’s on the mountain, but increasing them elsewhere.
- Shut the mountain to all vehicles for the whole fortnight with the exception of very large HGV’s and authorised buses and minibuses. For these vehicles it would be 2 way. Public transport to be made free to all for the whole fortnight. The rationale behind this is it would probably be quicker and cheaper to take the bus over the mountain then drive your own car to Douglas for work etc, thus reducing the number of cars and bikes on the road. By removing large HGV’s from the Laxey route you will help to avoid jams in the centre of Laxey where the road is narrow.
- Shut the Mountain to all motor bikes (local and visitors) and non IOM registered vehicles, i.e. it is only open to local cars, vans etc. Keep it 2 way.
Shut the mountain to all vehicles apart from bikes. Run it as a proper ‘TT Experience’, charging people to ride it, with paid Marshalls, safety briefings etc.
Keep the Mountain as it is, but also make the section from Ballacraine to Kirk Michael and Sulby Bridge to Milntown 1 way. Rationale - Do we have more RTC’s on the mountain as riders are desperate to get their 5 mins of unrestricted fun. If we make more of it, will they be a little more careful, and take less risks as the experience lasts longer?
Ban all visiting vehicles from the IOM for the fortnight. I.e. if it is not Manx registered it can’t go on the road. Make public transport free to all for the fortnight and bring in extra buses. (Yes that will cost lots, but how much is spent on setting up and policing the mountain for the fortnight, plus the cost of each RTC.)
As I said at the start I doubt any of this is possible or will ever happen , but it is food for thought