A ROAD safety campaign launched in the wake of a Turton motorcyclist killed following a “simple error” has reached more than 70,000 people.

Grandfather Mike Mangan, aged 72, who was a senior observer for the Institute of Advanced Motorcyclists, suffered fatal injuries after crashing head-on into a van while overtaking a car on holiday in Wheddon Cross, Somerset.

Mr Mangan’s son, Insp Dave Mangan, also from Bolton, was riding ahead of his father when the crash happened.

Insp Mangan, a road policing inspector, has since opted to use his experience to educate other motorcyclists.

The campaign was launched in April following Mr Mangan’s death on September 11 last year.

The 43-year-old along with his mother, Helena Mangan, and Michelle Gozna, a family liaison officer, created Mike’s Last Ride, a film offering advice on how riders can stay safe and the impact Mr Mangan’s death had on them.

Insp Mangan said: “The campaign has gone above and beyond the recognition I expected.

“There’s more than 72,000 hits on Mike’s Last Ride on YouTube.

“I have had a lot of really positive feedback from people who respect what we have done and people saying they will take on the advice.

“I am sure my dad would have been pleased as he dedicated his retirement to motorcycle safety and making people better riders.

“But I am still seeing the same kind of accidents where riders are seriously hurting themselves.”

Insp Mangan has been taking the safety messages of the campaign to bike meets across Lancashire and showing people the film.

The short is now being shown at speed awareness courses in Lancashire.

He is keen for anyone else who wants to use the video to educate motorcyclists about riding while tired and other issues. The film is being shown in Cumbria, North Yorkshire, Avon, Somerset, Devon and Cornwall.

Insp Mangan’s plans for the future include speaking to riders about staying safe on the roads at the Isle of Man’s famous TT races.

He is also taking part in a ride to Germany during his holidays next year with officers from Avon and Somerset Constabulary who helped his father, hoping to extend the campaign overseas.

He is also hoping to continue awareness events at bike meets with Lancashire Constabulary for a further year.

Insp Mangan said: “Our primary role is to keep motorcyclists safe and make sure they don’t hurt themselves. I will go to awareness events on my bike.

“Riders coming off bikes is certainly not going to end. We need to do something to educate our bikes. Even experienced riders can make errors of judgment which can result in serious consequences.

“Please don’t make this mistake.”