Bikers urge safety, public awareness with start of motorcycle season

Photos by Tom Rivers

ALBION – About 75 bikers gathered by the Orleans County Courthouse this afternoon and then left on a 50-mile motorcycle safety and awareness ride. The event was orgranized by the Orleans County chapter of American Bikers Aimed Toward Education.

Chuck Persons, president of ABATE in Orleans County, urges bikers to be safe on the roadways. He is speaking from the top of the courthouse steps.

Murray Highway Superintendent Ed Morgan, one of the speakers at the rally, said local roads are in “deplorable shape” after a brutal winter. Morgan was representing State Assemblyman Steve Hawley at the rally. Morgan credited Hawley and State Sen. George Maziarz for a state funding boost to help fill potholes.

Chuck Persons addresses a crowd of about 75 bikers before their 50-mile ride through the county today. The ride ends at the VFW in Medina.

Adam Tabelski, a representative for State Sen. George Maziarz, spoke at the rally and praised the ABATE chapter for its push for safety. Tabelski urged other motorists to take extra care for the motorcycles on the highway. “Look twice, save a life,” Tabelski said, quoting a popular ABATE sign.

Motorcyclists listen to speakers in front of the courthouse.