A PETITION is calling for the return of motorcycles at the oldest motoring event in the world.

The Brighton Speed Trials was without motorbikes this year after Madeira Drive failed a safety inspection.

The Auto-Cycle Union (ACU), which carries out safety inspections, said it was only recently made aware of a new two-way cycle lane and pedestrian crossing points.

Organisers say the ACU inspector said the grip on the new green cycle lane in Madeira Drive meant the track was no longer safe for motorcycles to take part in the event.

The event went ahead last weekend with cars.

Now, a petition to Brighton and Hove City Council is calling for motorcycles to return for the 2021 event.

It reads: "The Brighton Speed Trials, which started in 1905, celebrate the oldest historic event in the world of motor sports and motorcycles have been a key part of that legacy since the first event, securing their place in motorsport history.

"Banning powered two wheeled vehicles on the basis of safety and associating it with cycle lanes is absurd, illogical and discriminatory.

"PTW's (Powered Two-Wheelers) cause no more safety issues than cars or other vehicles and, as a cyclist, motorcyclist and driver of four wheeled vehicles, this is simply precluding motorcyclists enjoying this event.

"It is also ironic that changes made for unpowered vehicles is stopping (or being used as an excuse to ban) powered vehicles participating in an event specifically for powered vehicles.

"I call on the council and all those associated bodies that made this ludicrous decision to meet, discuss and reverse it immediately."

Speaking to The Argus ahead of this year's event, Gary Thompson from the ACU said the organisation will be working with the city council in a bid to bring motorcycles back for 2022.

He said: "While we appreciate the history of the Brighton Speed Trial event, there have been significant changes to Madeira Drive for which no consultation has taken place with the ACU who are responsible for inspecting the quarter mile used for the Sprint and were only recently made aware of those changes made.

"Having visited Madeira Drive, a full report has been compiled which considered Madeira Drive unsuitable for a high-speed Sprint event to take place this year.

"However, the ACU are willing to engage with Brighton and Hove Council and the race organiser to discuss control measures to be put in place to mitigate risk and hopefully allow next year’s event to take place."

The Brighton Speed Trials has been running on Madeira Drive after resident Sir Harry Preston convinced the town council to tarmac the road for motoring events. This was one of the first times tarmac had been used around the world.

Organisers of the Speed Trials believe the ACU made the wrong decision in refusing to give a licence for motorcycles for this year's event.

Chairman of the Brighton and Hove Motor Club, Len Wooller, said their absence is a "blow to the event".

The petition can be found here.