RMV Offers Motorcycle Rider Safety Programs

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BOSTON — The Registry of Motor Vehicles has started the Massachusetts Rider Education Program's (MREP) spring motorcycle safety campaign, encouraging riders of all experience levels to enroll in professional training as the riding season gets underway across Massachusetts. 

This year's motorcycle safety and awareness season was kicked off with a proclamation from Gov. Maura Healey

The program's mission is to reduce motorcycle-related injuries and fatalities by expanding access to Motorcycle Safety Foundation (MSF) approved training along with increasing safety awareness among both riders and drivers. The program supports a statewide network of nine certified training schools across 22 locations, with over 110 Rider Coaches who are MSF-certified.  

Motorcyclists can choose from a wide range of courses designed for new, returning, and experienced riders. Options include introductory sessions, license-waiver courses, advanced skill development, and specialized training such as on-street instruction and track-day coaching. 

Courses may include a mix of online learning, classroom sessions, and on-motorcycle exercises, and students must complete all required components including knowledge tests or riding evaluations to receive credit. 

Key offerings include:

  • Introductory Motorcycle Experience 
  • Basic Rider Course (License Waiver) 
  • Basic Rider Course 2 (License Waiver) 
  • Three-Wheel Basic Rider Course (License Waiver) 
  • Advanced Rider Courses and Skills Practice 
  • Ride Like a Pro 
  • On-Street Motorcycle Training 
  • Advanced Parking Lot Course 
  • Individual Track Day Training 

Graduates of the Basic Rider Course, Basic Rider Course 2, or Three-Wheel Basic Rider Course, which are license waiver courses, may qualify for exemption from the RMV motorcycle road test and the associated $35 fee. Many insurance providers also offer a limited 10 percent discount on Massachusetts' motorcycle insurance for riders who complete an approved license waiver course. Students under 18 should contact their training school for details regarding course eligibility. 

In addition to the three license waiver courses, the certified motorcycle schools offer advanced training courses for motorcyclists to increase their knowledge and experience. Courses available include the Advanced Rider Course, First Ride (introductory course to see if motorcycling is for you), Sidecar and Trike Education Program, Ride Like a Pro, Riding In the Zone, Stayin Safe, and Dirt Bike Courses.  

Spring marks the return of many riders to the road and is one of the highest risk periods of the year. Drivers are adjusting to seeing motorcycles again, road surfaces may still be recovering from winter, and riders may be reacclimating to skills they haven't used for several months. 

To help reduce crashes, MREP encourages all drivers this season to: 

  • Look twice before turning or changing lanes. 
  • Check mirrors and blind spots carefully. 
  • Give motorcycles extra space. 
  • Avoid distractions and stay alert. 
  • Remember that motorcycles may be closer—and moving faster—than they appear. 

A full list of motorcycle rider schools and training locations is available on the RMV's Massachusetts Rider Education Program webpage

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Dalton to Hold Special Town Meeting Monday

By Sabrina DammsiBerkshires Staff
DALTON, Mass. — Voters will reconvene Monday for a special town meeting to decide on six articles, including an item to permit mobile accessory dwelling units. 
 
The meeting will take place on Monday, June 29, at 7 p.m., at Wahconah Regional High School. 
 
The first article requests voters authorize amending the vote taken on Article 3 at the May 4 annual town meeting allowing the town to increase or decrease funding for one or more departments for the fiscal year beginning July 1.
 
Article 2 requests voters establish a line item for the Clean Air Committee. Subsequently, Article 3, transfers the available funds, that were appropriated at previous town meetings, into the new account. 
 
Article 4 requests voters transfer a sum of money, not yet provided, from the Capital Stabilization Fund to cover costs to the Department of Public Work's roof repair project that exceed borrowing.
 
The most anticipated articles are on amending the town's current bylaws to allow mobile tiny homes, Articles 5 and 6. 
 
For more than two years, Amy Turnbull has been advocating to amend the bylaw but has met obstacles delaying the effort. 
 
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