2 weekend accidents remind it's motorcycling weather

A Berlin motorcyclist was hospitalized after a motorcycle crash Sunday afternoon in Belmont. Police are reminding motorcycle operators that wearing proper protective gear while riding can be a lifesaver.

“He was not wearing a helmet,” said Lt. Evan Boulanger. “He had a head abrasion. We would also like to take the time to remind riders that helmets save lives.”

Belmont Police received a 911 call just after 1 p.m. on April 26, for a reported motorcycle crash in the 400 block of Union Road.

Boulanger said the 59-year-old operator from Berlin appeared to have come around a turn and lost control of the motorcycle. The 911 caller was driving behind the motorcycle when the crash happened, and immediately stopped to help. Boulanger said the operator was hurt and taken by ambulance to a nearby hospital.

“I wouldn’t call them serious injuries,” Boulanger said. “He was up and communicating with us.”

Boulanger said the good Samaritan told police the motorcycle started to wobble before the crash. This wouldn't be caused by speeding, Boulanger said, but the cause is under investigation.

“We are investigating the cause, but it is the beginning of the season, so a couple of things could have gone wrong,” Boulanger said.

Boulanger said it is important for riders to remember many of the roadways haven’t been totally cleared and swept yet, and there could be unexpected hazards.

“There could be road debris from the winter and residual sand,” Boulanger said.

Boulanger added it has been months without motorcycles on the road, and urges drivers to be vigilant now that more will be out, as the weather warms up.

“The rest of us need to be aware, because they have less of a visual impact than a motor vehicle does."

Sandwich Police responded to an accident where a vehicle hit a pair of motorcycles at about noon on Saturday. Chief Karl Koch said the accident, which took place at the intersection of Squam Lake Road and Main Street on April 25, was likely caused by one vehicle failing to yield. No charges were filed.

One motorcycle operator was injured, and taken to Huggins Hospital, in Wolfeboro. Koch said the patient was “conscious, breathing and alert,” but taken by ambulance to be evaluated at the hospital.

The operator of the other motorcycle was not injured. One motorcycle was towed from the scene, and the other was driven away. Each of the motorcyclists were wearing full face-covering helmets.

The driver of the car was uninjured.

Koch said there were actually three motorcyclists riding together, but one avoided being hit. He wants the public to be cautious as more motorcyclists take to the roads.

“If you stop at a stop sign, I recommend taking two looks, instead of just one, this time of year.”