Riding motorcycles since he was 9, Marty Menichiello celebrated his 58th birthday last week and his 40th year without a motorcycle crash.
With summer weather in full swing and higher numbers of motorcycles out on the road, Mr. Menichiello, a motorcycle safety course instructor, urges both new and veteran riders to brush up with a class and ride in full protective gear before taking to the streets.
"You can't be complacent, you really have to be on the ball every minute," he said.
State police at Dunmore have responded to an average of 12 motorcycle crashes a year over the past five years and have handled seven fatalities over the past five years.
The most recent fatality was June 3 when Jeffrey M. Dunn Jr., 24, of Thornhurst Twp., died from head trauma after his bike skidded into a guard rail on Bear Lake Road. Mr. Dunn was wearing a helmet.
To help prevent crashes, the state Department of Transportation offers the free Pennsylvania Motorcycle Safety Program, where Mr. Menichiello serves as a riding instructor.
There are four courses offered for novice to experienced riders, and even a class for three-wheel riders - the only requirement to participate is a $10 motorcycle permit from the DMV.
Through five classroom hours and 10 riding hours, riders learn both the skills and execution techniques to stay safe on the road with one goal in mind - "To learn properly and learn the right way," Mr. Menichiello said. "And when you learn the skills, every time you go out and get better and better."
Mr. Menichiello suggests wearing a full-coverage helmet, gloves, long-sleeved shirts, long pants and sturdy boots that cover the rider's ankles and, for night-time rides, reflective gear so motorists can easily spot riders.
Although helmets are not required in Pennsylvania, Mr. Menichiello urges all riders, experienced or not, to wear one while riding, no matter how far or how fast.
PennDOT safety spokesman Michael Taluto agreed.
"It saves lives, it prevents injury."
For more information on the Pennsylvania Motorcycle Safety Program visit www.pamsp.com.
Contact the writer: ksullivan@timesshamrock.com, @ksullivanTT on Twitter