The leaves may be starting to fall, but there is still some time for motorcycle riders to tack on a few last-minute miles before temperatures plunge. It’s a popular time for riders, so it’s important to be aware of their presence on roadways.

What You Need To Know

  •  Preliminary data from the state shows there have been at least 66 fatal motorcycle crashes this year

  •  Motorcycles account for about 15% of all traffic-related fatalities, according to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration

  • Motorcycles made up only 3.5% of all registered vehicles in the United States

Preliminary data from the state shows 66 fatal motorcycle crashes so far this year.

“Brock understood the freedom of the open road, the wind in your hair and the thrill of a well-timed rev,” Kelsey Bevins said of his late brother-in-law, Brock Pynes.

A motorcycle was more than something that got Pynes around. It was his way of life.

“Beyond the jokes and laughter, Brock had a serious side,” Bevins said. “He was passionate about motorcycles.”

It’s a passion that dates to Brock’s time growing up in Florida. Upon relocating to upstate New York last year to join his brother-in-law at the Essex County Sheriff’s Office, he bought a new bike.

“His excitement was palpable, and the look on his face as he rode it off the lot was unforgettable,” Bevins recalled.

The 19-year-old put on about 3,000 miles in the first few weeks of owning the motorcycle. Sadly, the odometer would soon come to a screeching halt.

“The road sometimes can be unforgiving,” Bevins said. “This August, while merging onto I-87 southbound, Brock lost control of his motorcycle, and he was stuck by a vehicle traveling along the highway. And just like that, we lost him.”

It’s a painful story the family want all drivers to learn from, and a message state leaders are latching onto ahead of the fall season.

“We all share the road,” said the state’s Department of Motor Vehicles Commissioner Mark Schroeder.

The Governor’s Traffic Safety Committee are reminding drivers to yield to motorcycles, give riders space, look twice and to never drive distracted or impaired.

“There is no such thing as a fender bender for a motorcycle,” said the state’s Motorcycle Safety Program Manager Brandi Behling. “It could be fatal to them.”

Riders are reminded to know their bikes, wear high-quality, visible gear, be weather-aware and to ride defensively.

So, as the fall tourism season picks up, Brock’s family made a request.

“I urge each of you to embrace motorcycle safety with the same passion that Brock embraced life,” Bevins said. “He would want us to laugh, remember the good times and to keep riding. But safely.”

A complete list of safety information, along with safety courses, can be found here.