Ride-out and Zoo collection to pay tribute to young motorcyclist

Friday 21 July 2023

A memorial ride featuring motorcycles and rally cars and a collection for Durrell is taking place this weekend in tribute to a young biker with a passion for animals who died in a fatal accident last month.

Kieran Le Bail (23), who died on the Five Mile Road in St. Brelade on 24 June, will be remembered by friends and family members during a circuit around Jersey’s western parishes this Sunday.

Floods of tributes were paid to Mr Le Bail, a motorcycle enthusiast and former Air Cadet who worked for the Customs and Immigration Service, in the aftermath of his death during a sprint event organised by the Jersey Motorcycle and Light Car Club.

Mr Le Bail's family and friends remembered him as "caring, thoughtful and loyal", while his colleagues said they were "heartbroken" and that his loss would leave a "huge void" in Customs and Immigration. Flags were flown at half-mast at Maritime House and the Airport in tribute.

At the weekend, we received the sad news that Kieran Le Bail had died suddenly. Kieran was a Customs Officer and was very popular and well-respected amongst his colleagues.

As a mark of respect, our flags at the airport and harbour will be flying at half mast until his funeral. pic.twitter.com/dfYzV8YbK6

— Ports of Jersey (@PortsofJersey) June 26, 2023

Participants in the memorial ride will be gathering at the car park at Le Braye from 09:15, with a briefing at 09:50, followed by a minute's silence ahead of the 10:00 start.

Bikes and cars taking part in the ride will head north along the Five Mile Road and then east to St. Ouen's Parish Hall, before continuing to Beaumont Hill and St. Aubin.

The ride will then continue to St. Brelade, Red Houses and Corbière, before returning to Le Braye via La Pulente at around 10:45. Organisers have asked everyone taking part to ride or drive sensibly and avoid any unnecessary noise or recklessness. A collection will be made in aid of Jersey Zoo, reflecting Mr Le Bail's love of animals.

Organiser Mark Baker said that commemorative stickers have also been created for the ride-out. He also gave thanks to Chef de Police Michel Bougourd and the Constables of St. Brelade and St. Ouen for organising police escorts.

Mr Le Bail's funeral is due to take place this afternoon at the St. Helier Methodist Centre. Relatives and friends wishing to attend have been asked to wear bright colours, and a donations in lieu of flowers are being taken for Holidays for Heroes.