Motorcyclists braved rain for safety training by Lore Motorcycle Education, emphasizing control and awareness ahead of a busy riding season.
WELLS, Maine — Riders spent a rainy Easter Sunday weaving through cones in a motorcycle safety course, practicing skills they hope will carry them safely onto the open road.
At a basic riding class run by Lore Motorcycle Education, participants maneuvered through a parking lot course designed to sharpen control and awareness ahead of the busy riding season.
For Greyson Bronkema the goal is to renew his permit and eventually ride solo.
“It’s a blast, I’ve been dreaming about it since I was a kid,” he said.
But Bronkema is also aware of the risks. He said seeing a crash involving a family member reinforced the importance of training.
“I just don’t want to have to be on the other end of that,” he said.
According to data from the Maine Bureau of Highway Safety, there were 118 fatal motorcycle crashes in the state between 2019 and 2023. With more riders on the road in warmer months, data shows most of those crashes occur during the spring and summer.
John Reeves, owner and instructor at Lore Motorcycle Education, said riding a bike can be just as safe as driving a car when done properly.
“It’s the interaction with other traffic that oftentimes creates those crashes or crash deaths,” Reeves said.
Reeves said courses like this one aim to reduce that risk by reinforcing basic habits and rebuilding skills that may have faded over the winter.
He emphasized fundamentals like keeping headlights on, wearing bright or reflective clothing and using full protective gear.
Riders in Wells said the goal is to keep the obstacles confined to the training course and avoid far more serious consequences once they take to the road.
