Jonathan Rea tries to put young offenders on track at Hydebank

By Graeme Cousins
Published 13th Feb 2022, 16:32 BST
World Superbike Champion Jonathan Rea chats to young offenders at Hydebank Wood College who are taking part in a motorcycle awareness course to learn about the dangers associated with unskilled and illegal use of off-road motorcycles. Photo by Darren Kidd / Press Eye.World Superbike Champion Jonathan Rea chats to young offenders at Hydebank Wood College who are taking part in a motorcycle awareness course to learn about the dangers associated with unskilled and illegal use of off-road motorcycles. Photo by Darren Kidd / Press Eye.
World Superbike Champion Jonathan Rea chats to young offenders at Hydebank Wood College who are taking part in a motorcycle awareness course to learn about the dangers associated with unskilled and illegal use of off-road motorcycles. Photo by Darren Kidd / Press Eye.
The inside lane had quite a different meaning for six-times World Superbike Champion Jonathan Rea as he visited Hydebank Wood College as part of a motorcycle awareness campaign.

The 35-year-old motorcycle ace was there to help educate young people about the dangers associated with unskilled and illegal use of off-road motorcycles

The visit also gave Hydebank’s young offenders, who had taken part in a six-week Motorcycle Awareness Programme, an opportunity to chat with Rea about his success and knock-backs during his career when he joined them in a workshop and afterwards gave a demonstration of his motorcycling skills.

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Jonathan Rea said: “It was good to visit Hydebank and speak with the many young men who have ended up in these unfortunate circumstances. Motorcycling is fantastic and enjoyed by so many, but it is important to know about the dangers, especially around off-road biking, so that it can be enjoyed safely.

“To see such a commitment to motorcycling safety here in Hydebank is commendable. These young people have been provided with a safe environment where they can learn how to ride while being educated in motorcycle safety in a positive way.”

Governor Richard Taylor said: “The whole idea of this programme in Hydebank is to divert young men away from crime around motorcycles. And to have a world champion motorcyclist like Jonathan Rea help us bring that message to them is just massive.”

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