RMV Offers Motorcycle Rider Safety Programs

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BOSTON — The Registry of Motor Vehicles has started the Massachusetts Rider Education Program's (MREP) spring motorcycle safety campaign, encouraging riders of all experience levels to enroll in professional training as the riding season gets underway across Massachusetts. 

This year's motorcycle safety and awareness season was kicked off with a proclamation from Gov. Maura Healey

The program's mission is to reduce motorcycle-related injuries and fatalities by expanding access to Motorcycle Safety Foundation (MSF) approved training along with increasing safety awareness among both riders and drivers. The program supports a statewide network of nine certified training schools across 22 locations, with over 110 Rider Coaches who are MSF-certified.  

Motorcyclists can choose from a wide range of courses designed for new, returning, and experienced riders. Options include introductory sessions, license-waiver courses, advanced skill development, and specialized training such as on-street instruction and track-day coaching. 

Courses may include a mix of online learning, classroom sessions, and on-motorcycle exercises, and students must complete all required components including knowledge tests or riding evaluations to receive credit. 

Key offerings include:

  • Introductory Motorcycle Experience 
  • Basic Rider Course (License Waiver) 
  • Basic Rider Course 2 (License Waiver) 
  • Three-Wheel Basic Rider Course (License Waiver) 
  • Advanced Rider Courses and Skills Practice 
  • Ride Like a Pro 
  • On-Street Motorcycle Training 
  • Advanced Parking Lot Course 
  • Individual Track Day Training 

Graduates of the Basic Rider Course, Basic Rider Course 2, or Three-Wheel Basic Rider Course, which are license waiver courses, may qualify for exemption from the RMV motorcycle road test and the associated $35 fee. Many insurance providers also offer a limited 10 percent discount on Massachusetts' motorcycle insurance for riders who complete an approved license waiver course. Students under 18 should contact their training school for details regarding course eligibility. 

In addition to the three license waiver courses, the certified motorcycle schools offer advanced training courses for motorcyclists to increase their knowledge and experience. Courses available include the Advanced Rider Course, First Ride (introductory course to see if motorcycling is for you), Sidecar and Trike Education Program, Ride Like a Pro, Riding In the Zone, Stayin Safe, and Dirt Bike Courses.  

Spring marks the return of many riders to the road and is one of the highest risk periods of the year. Drivers are adjusting to seeing motorcycles again, road surfaces may still be recovering from winter, and riders may be reacclimating to skills they haven't used for several months. 

To help reduce crashes, MREP encourages all drivers this season to: 

  • Look twice before turning or changing lanes. 
  • Check mirrors and blind spots carefully. 
  • Give motorcycles extra space. 
  • Avoid distractions and stay alert. 
  • Remember that motorcycles may be closer—and moving faster—than they appear. 

A full list of motorcycle rider schools and training locations is available on the RMV's Massachusetts Rider Education Program webpage

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Pittsfield Reviews Financial Condition Before FY27 Budget

By Brittany PolitoiBerkshires Staff

PITTSFIELD, Mass. — The average single-family home in Pittsfield has increased by more than 40 percent since 2022. 

This was reported during a joint meeting of the City Council and School Committee on March 19, when the city's financial condition was reviewed ahead of the fiscal year 2027 budget process.

Mayor Peter Marchetti said the administration is getting "granular" with line items to find cost savings in the budget.  At the time, they had spoken to a handful of departments, asking tough questions and identifying vacancies and retirements. 

Last fiscal year’s $226,246,942 spending plan was a nearly 4.8 percent increase from FY24. 

In the last five years, the average single-family home in Pittsfield has increased 42 percent, from $222,073 in 2022 to $315,335 in 2026. 

"Your tax bill is your property value times the tax rate," the mayor explained. 

"When the tax rate goes up, it's usually because property values have gone down. When the property values go up, the tax rate comes down." 

Tax bills have increased on average by $280 per year over the last five years; the average home costs $5,518 annually in 2026. In 2022, the residential tax rate was $18.56 per thousand dollars of valuation, and the tax rate is $17.50 in 2026. 

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