Motorcyclists join for annual safety and awareness rally
Photos by Tom Rivers
ALBION – About 150 motorcyclists joined at the Orleans County Courthouse today for a safety and awareness rally. After speeches from the Courthouse steps, the bikers rode about 50 miles throughout the county, ending at the Vets Club in Medina.
The rally began with the pledge of allegiance. Pictured, from left, include Matt Tracy, vice president of the Orleans County chapter of American Bikers Aimed Toward Education; Chuck Persons, president of the local ABATE; and Stefan Worthington, a member of the Barnabas Bikers, a Christian motorcycle group in Genesee County. Worthington shared a prayer, asking for a safe riding season for the motorcyclists.
Fran Abrams listens to Orleans County Legislator Fred Miller read a proclamation, declaring May to be “Motorcycle Safety and Awareness Month.”
The First Presbyterian Church of Albion can be seen in this reflection on one of the motorcycles.
State Assemblyman Steve Hawley said the recently approved state budget keeps $438 million in CHIPS funding for local road work. The budget also added $10 million to help municipalities pay for extra work with potholes and road deterioration from the harsh winter.
Hawley said he wants to see state resources directed to help keep roads safe for motorists, cyclists, runners and motorcyclists.
Tim Seibert and his son Pom, 9, of Albion attended the rally and then went on the 50-mile ride.
The Presbyterian Church can be seen in this mirror.
Tim Lindsay, left, listens at the rally. He is pastor of Harvest Christian Fellowship in Albion.
Dale Graff, front, gets ready to lead the group of motorcyclists on a ride through the county. They are pictured on East State Street in front of the courthouse.
These bikers get ready to ride.
The local ABATE chapter uses the rally and ride through the county to remind the public bikers are back on the roads with the return of warmer weather.
Motorcycles are some of the smallest vehicles on the road so drivers in other vehicles should take extra care to look out for them and to safely ‘Share the Road,’ ABATE officials said.
