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05/31/2012 08:54 PM

Officials urge motorcycle safety

By: Lori Chung

The weather's getting warmer and bikers are heading out for the highways, but some way faster than others. Our Lori Chung has more on the summer safety message that officials want people to take to heart.

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ALBANY, N.Y. -- "You feel the freedom and you also feel more connected to the environment around you," said Bar, ABATE Albany Chapter President.

As president of the Albany Chapter of American Bikers Aimed Toward Education, Bar, as he's called, says he understands as well as anyone the lure of the road, which, at times, is difficult to navigate with drivers who don't share the road responsibly.

"They'll try and swerve into my lane,” Bar said. “I've had people reach out and try to push me."

Bikers are more vulnerable than drivers and face more dangers on the roads. And as the weather gets warmer, there are more motorcyclists are on the road, with some taking more risks.

"Some of these bikes go 180, 200 miles an hour. Obviously, the kid on the Northway 170 then there was 150," Albany County Sheriff Craig Apple said.

Police have arrested three motorcyclists for speeds well into the three digits, including Anthony Anderson, 28, allegedly clocked at 193 miles an hour on the Thruway on Wednesday. Apple says it's up to riders and drivers to keep the roads safe.

Apple said, "A pebble, a rabbit, a bird, anything, you lose control. You'll not only take your life, but someone else. We're just asking everybody, please slow down, don't use your cell phone, don't be a distracted driver."

Bar say just like drivers, there'll always be bikers who break the speed limit.

"I ride with the knowledge that I have to see everybody before they see me," Bar said.

He believes most motorcycle accidents aren't caused by reckless bikers, but drivers who don't see their two wheeled counterparts. All the more reason to take precautions before you head out on that highway.

Bar said, "At the least take the motorcycle safety course, but if you're serious about riding, find someone who's really experienced, find out what that experience is."