MassDOT Reminds All Motorists Roadway Safety Is a Shared Responsibility

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.

Dalton Board Signs Off on Land Sale Over Residents' Objections

By Sabrina DammsiBerkshires Staff
05:50AM / Tuesday, December 23, 2025

Residents demanded the right to speak but the agenda did not include public comment. Amy Musante holds a sign saying the town now as '$20,000 less for a police station.'

DALTON, Mass. — The Select Board signed the sale on the last of what had been known as the Bardin property Monday even as a handful of residents demanded the right to speak against the action. 

 

The quitclaim deed transfers the nine acres to Thomas and Esther Balardini, who purchased the two other parcels in Dalton. They were the third-highest bidders at $31,500. Despite this, the board awarded them the land in an effort to keep the property intact.

 

"It's going to be an ongoing battle but one I think that has to be fought [because of] the disregard for the taxpayers," said Dicken Crane, the high bidder at $51,510.

 

"If it was personal I would let it go, but this affects everyone and backing down is not in my nature." 

 

Crane had appealed to the board to accept his bid during two previous meetings. He and others opposed to accepting the lower bid say it cost the town $20,000. After the meeting, Crane said he will be filing a lawsuit and has a citizen's petition for the next town meeting with over 100 signatures. 

 

Three members of the board — Chair Robert Bishop Jr., John Boyle, and Marc Strout — attended the 10-minute meeting. Members Anthony Pagliarulo and Daniel Esko previously expressed their disapproval of the sale to the Balardinis. 

 

Pagliarulo voted against the sale but did sign the purchase-and-sale agreement earlier this month. His reasoning was the explanation by the town attorney during an executive session that, unlike procurement, where the board is required to accept the lowest bid for services, it does have some discretion when it comes to accepting bids in this instance.