Rain halves biker rally turnout

About 10,000 bikers were expected - half the usual number

Hazardous driving conditions have caused problems for thousands of bikers on their way to Hastings, in East Sussex, for the annual May Day run.

Up to 20,000 bikers have attended the event in the past, but organisers said between 10,000 and 12,000 were expected this year because of the weather.

Sussex Police said the rain would force riders to take more care on the roads.

Sgt Paul Masterson said: "The wet weather will certainly help us, simply because people are far more cautious."

Sometimes it's the first time they've got their bike out this year, so it's a great run Alan Foster, organiser

He said the bikers would give other people on the road bigger gaps, and avoid going between cars, because of the rain.

"They will just slow themselves down to a certain degree and that will actually help us in relation to the number of casualties we're likely to get," he said.

Organiser Alan Foster said: "After a month of sunshine we get this.

"We normally expect about 20,000 bikes and I think there will probably be about 10,000 to 12,000 today.

"It's an unofficial day - people come down here and enjoy the sights of Hastings.

"Sometimes it's the first time they've got their bike out this year, so it's a great run."

He said the annual event had been held now for 12 years.