THE MIGHTY thunder of 400 revving Harley Davidsons will roll all around Baildon over this Bank Holiday weekend.

Riders from across Britain and Europe are arriving for the annual rally for a three day festival in honour of classic and customised "Hogs," as the iconic bikes are known to their devoted fans.

And while the huge machines embody the freedom of the open road, a strict new rule introduced this year means people will be banned from watching tomorrow's grand ride-out from the town centre round-about.

Organised by the Shipley Harley Club, the 1pm ride-out when hundreds of bikes leave the closed-off streets has become a major tourist attraction and thousands come to see the thrilling spectacle.

Traditionally the raised, grassed roundabout has been the prime vantage spot and been crammed with bike fans keen to be at the heart of the Harley action.

Baildon town councillor and biker John Turner is also president of Baildon Vikings Harley club and explained the decision.

"Basically, these days we have to take every safety aspect very seriously," Cllr Turner said.

"People will want to get on, and I have some empathy with them.

"I've stood on the roundabout with my family in the past and it's a great spot.

"But then I've also seen one or two kids running across when the bikes are moving, and of course that's very dangerous.

"The other risk is if somebody slipped and fell onto the road while taking photos as he ride-out starts.

"These are very big bikes and there'll be 400 roaring round the place, so we'll have marshals to keep people off the roundabout.

"But we really want to get the word out to people in advance that everyone's welcome to come, but please watch from the pavements," Cllr Turner.

Last year Cllr Turner joined the ride-out on a Honda CB500X, as his old Harley was off the road.

"I felt so out of place and was determined to go out on the ride this year that I've just bought a Harley Soft Tail Standard this week.

"I thought I'd take the plunge!" Cllr Turner said.

Riders will be camping at the town's rugby club for three days of festivities including live bands and the event also brings a boost to local shops, bars and restaurants.

A West Yorkshire Police spokesman said that it was not their decision to close off the roundabout, but that they supported it on safety grounds.