MassDOT Reminds All Motorists Roadway Safety Is a Shared Responsibility

03:32PM / Saturday, March 22, 2025Print Story | Email Story

BOSTON —The Massachusetts Department of Transportation (MassDOT) and the Registry of Motor Vehicles (RMV) have announced a Motorcycle Safety Awareness Period from March 23 to April 30, 2025.

The announcement emphasizes the shared responsibility of roadway safety for all motorists. MassDOT urges vehicle drivers to exercise caution, particularly when changing lanes and making turns, by "looking twice" for motorcycles. Motorcycle operators are advised to wear visible clothing and adhere to speed limits.

Data from MassDOT's IMPACT crash data portal indicates 71 motorcycle operator fatalities in Massachusetts in 2024, a 22% increase from 58 fatalities in 2023. One motorcycle passenger fatality was also recorded in 2024.

The RMV promotes the Massachusetts Rider Education Program (MREP), which offers training courses for motorcycle riders of varying experience levels. The program includes waiver courses such as the Basic Rider Course, Basic Rider Course 2, Returning Rider - Basic Rider Course, and 3 Wheel - Basic Rider Course, as well as non-licensing courses.

MassDOT has also released a series of public service announcement (PSA) videos featuring MassDOT employees who are licensed motorcyclists. These videos address common safety concerns and provide riding tips, including the importance of visibility, cautious riding, and anticipating potential hazards. The videos are available on MassDOT’s YouTube channel.

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Halloween-Themed Travel Softball Tournament Set for This Weekend

Community submission12:42PM / Friday, October 16, 2026

PITTSFIELD, Mass. – Fastpitch softball returns to the Berkshires this weekend as Pittsfield Girls Softball hosts the “Nightmare on the Dirt” tournament on Saturday and Sunday.

The two-day, Halloween-themed competition will take place at Gerald S. Doyle Memorial Park, located at 561 Benedict Road in Pittsfield. The event features 15 youth travel softball teams from across New England competing in the 10-and-under and 12-and-under divisions, bringing more than 200 fastpitch players and over 300 total attendees -- including coaches, families, and supporters -- into the Berkshires.

Action begins Saturday morning with competitive pool play matchups to determine division seeding, followed by single-elimination championship rounds on Sunday. In the spirit of the season, players and teams will also take part in Halloween festivities and costume celebrations alongside the games on the dirt.

“We are thrilled to welcome 15 outstanding programs from all over New England to Pittsfield,” Tournament Director David Demary said in a news release. “Nightmare on the Dirt combines high-energy fastpitch competition with a fun, festive atmosphere for the kids. Doyle Field is ready to roll, and we’re looking forward to hosting great games for all of our visiting athletes and families.”

Full tournament game schedules, pool play results, and live championship brackets will be hosted through Fastpitch Nation. Spectators and members of the local community are welcome and encouraged to attend.

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