COMMUTERS face chaos in Greater Manchester this morning as 600 bikers joined a rush hour fuel protest on some of the region's busiest roads.
Police closed all three lanes of the westbound M62 around 8am to allow the convoy to join the motorway from Birch service station near Middleton.
The bikers plan to drive slowly around the M60 and along the M602 into Manchester city centre in a move which will cause massive congestion on the roads.
Protestors began gathering as early as 6.00am, with some coming from Yorkshire and other parts of Lancashire to join the protests.
Prior to departing, the convoy received support from truck drivers parked at the station who honked their horns in encouragement.
A small number of police were at the scene with a number of police motorbike outriders due to lead the convoy.
Genial
However the mood remained relatively genial with a number of bikers chatting amongst themselves and speaking with journalists.
Biker Eric Curren, 56, a lifelong enthusiast said that recent price hikes had meant he was costing him twice as much to fill his vehicle twice.
He said: "I've been biking for the last 40 years and it's never been this bad. I don't have any other means of transport so it's essential for me to get about."
Machine operator, Kevin Hyde, a dad of two from Ashton said his family had been hit hard by the growing fuel prices.
He said: "Most bikers have got a car as well and my wife will drive the kids to school and back. I need my bike to get to work every day and we're having to keep one or other in the garage these days."
One biker who gave his name as Bobcat, 42, had travelled from Bradford for the protests on a modified Triumph tricycle.
He said: "It used to cost me just £7 to fill up the bike. Now it costs £15. It doesn't sound like much to pay but it really cuts down on where I can go and where I can go. Biking is my hobby. It's a great hobby and I don't see why I should be penalised."
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Tonya786, Saddleworth (05/06/2008 at 09:24)
Karney for head of GMPTA(formerly MC Spanner) (05/06/2008 at 09:25)
Now it appears that fuel prices have doubled. So that would mean unleaded used to be at half of £1.14 = 57p. Funnily enough when fuel was 57p I bet said driver wasn't earning what he was, his house wasn't worth what it was.
"Biker Eric Curren, 56, a lifelong enthusiast said that recent price hikes had meant he was costing him twice as much to fill his vehicle twice"
Where was this garage that was charging 57p a litre? I want to go there
alvinlwh (05/06/2008 at 09:28)
Eveningstar, Withington Manchester (05/06/2008 at 10:39)
Damaging the economy further is asking for disaster for everyone whether they own a car or not?
It is this incompetent Government who are taxing everyone until the cows come home that are to blame.
However we cannot ignore the fact that this is a global problem.
It is time to find alternatives to peoples dependence on motor cars.
Motor car manufacturers should abandon petrol driven vehicles and adopt new technologies.
Grief Tourist, Tameside (05/06/2008 at 10:48)
Regular foreign holidays.
Regular meals in nice restaurants.
A season ticket at Manchester City.
A top class mountain bike.
I don't bleat or penalise other people because I can't have them.
alvinlwh (05/06/2008 at 11:21)
Tecnos, Greater Manchester (05/06/2008 at 11:39)
He must be the brains of the operation.....
Karney for head of GMPTA(formerly MC Spanner) (05/06/2008 at 13:16)
But the cost of Laptops and 42" flatscreens have come right down but you don't get the staff from PC WOrld protesting!!!!
Alwin - you really don't understand that a few sweaty bikers with a gripe holding up traffic is not what the whole population want.
Were you dropped on your head as a child?
Chris, Irlam (05/06/2008 at 14:20)
He must be the brains of the operation.....
Tecnos, Greater Manchester
5/06/2008 at 11:39"
Or perhaps an MEN typo is to blame?
Rob (05/06/2008 at 14:31)
Maybe not the whole population, but I think the majority were in support.
Why else would most of the commuters on the opposite side of the road be out of their cars, cheering and clapping?
Nell B, Manchester (05/06/2008 at 15:11)
Karney for head of GMPTA(formerly MC Spanner) (05/06/2008 at 18:57)
Why else would most of the commuters on the opposite side of the road be out of their cars, cheering and clapping? "
Maybe the majority but you can'y gauge it on a few people cheering. What about those who left their families earlier than they would like to get to work? They are not represented in your straw poll?
What about those stuck in all the roads round the motorway trying to get to work or school or college?
What about those that don't drive? Those that will pay more tax elsewhere when the government has to make up the shortfall.
What about the nurses who will only be offered twopence for their payrise because we are bust as a country?
If you asked the question do want want prices lowered you will always get support. Ask if people supported your demo the numbers would be lower.