Nearly 100 people have died on Portuguese roads in motorcycle accidents since January, GNR police revealed this Friday, just as thousands of bikers head south for the MotoGP Portugal in Portimão.
In total, GNR have recorded 6,616 motorcycle accidents so far this year, leaving 98 dead, 547 seriously injured, and 4,822 with minor injuries.
To prevent more tragedies, the military police force launched Operation “Moto V” this morning, a large-scale traffic and safety campaign that will ramp up patrols and inspections across the country throughout the race weekend.
The operation will target key access routes to the Algarve and will focus especially on speeding, drunk driving, drug use, and riders without proper helmets or protective gear.
Police are expecting a massive influx of motorcycles heading to the Algarve International Circuit, with increased surveillance and road checks planned in districts including Aveiro, Beja, Castelo Branco, Coimbra, Évora, Leiria, Lisboa, Porto, Santarém, Setúbal and Faro.
Authorities have also closed airspace over the Portimão circuit during the Grand Prix, and on Sunday from 2pm to 5pm, traffic will be cut on the A22 motorway between Alvor and Mexilhoeira, as well as on the main southern access road to the racetrack.
