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FARMINGTON – A motorcyclist was injured after his bike collided with a dump truck loaded with sand at the intersection of Maple Avenue and High Street today at 1:25 p.m.
The truck’s driver, Edward Pond, 51, of New Sharon, said he started to make a right turn onto Maple Avenue from High Street when he saw the motorcycle coming.
“He tried to pass me on the right. I couldn’t believe it,” Pond, who was visibly shaken, said at the scene. Officer Michael Adcock said Ronald Begin, 50, of New Sharon, was operating the late model Harley Davidson motorcycle. Begin was not wearing a helmet.
A witness, Shelby Bachelder of Farmington, said she saw the motorcycle following the truck north on High Street. Then as the truck and motorcycle approached the intersection, the rider suddenly swung to right side of the truck. The motorcycle passed the truck on the right but collided as it came around the front of the truck when it turned right too.
“I don’t know if he thought the truck was turning left instead of right or what happened,” Bachelder said.
A portion of High Street and Maple Avenue were closed for a short period of time as emergency crews worked to clear the scene. The injured rider was transported to Franklin Memorial Hospital by a NorthStar EMS ambulance. Adcock said Begin injured his ankle and suffered scraps and lacerations in the accident. He was being prepared for transfer to Central Maine Medical Center in Lewiston for his ankle injury.
“His injures were not life threatening,” Adcock said.
Members of the Farmington Fire Rescue Department assisted Adcock and Officer Darin Gilbert of the Farmington Police Department at the scene.
But remember, don’t pick on people who ride bikes………………….. We’re all being prejudiced if we do.
Jo, it’s not clear what you mean by that comment. Are you being sarcastic or irrelevant? You can’t “pick on” a bike rider who passes on the right, which is both stupid and illegal. I know, because I am a bike rider.
I have to agree with Michael I ride a bike myself, and passing on the right is not only stuppid but illegal. In this case the rider of this bike is a very good friend of mine and I will tell him it was very stupid of him when I see him. But I also agree one persons stupidity should not sterio type all riders. But first I will make sure my friend is doing OK. On the same token they should make sure the dump truck was using his blinkers. And was in use at that time. Because I know Ron very well and he would NEVER pass on the right if the right blinker was on and working.
Footnote…
Not only am I saying don’t judge all riders for one persons mistakes, but don’t judge Ron until all facts are known and proven.
i agree with you 100% Reggie.. we too are real good friends with Ron and this just doesn’t seem right.. we too wonder if there was a blinker and if working properly!!! wish you the best man Charlie S.
It shouldn’t matter if the blinker was in use at the time or not. Since it is illegal to pass on the right the bike rider is the one at fault. I know the driver of the truck and I am pretty sure that the blinkers were being used properly at the time.
You cant tell me that you have NEVER passed someone on the right if u see a blinker going left…..
Hmmmm….did I miss something? When did it become illegal to pass on the right? You all may want to review your laws…specifically MRSA Title 29-A section 2070
We know the truck driver well and we are confident that the blinker was in good working order and being used at the time. John has been driving these trucks for a long time and is an avid motorcyclist. Let’s not slander other people until all the facts are known. Keep in mind, it is illegal to pass on the right, whether we’ve all done it or not. Our thoughts are with both families at this time.
Mancini… I know you WORK at bars but didn’t know you were STUDYING for the bar exam! LOL
you say the bike is in the wrong for passing on the right… i agree i bet You’ve passed someone before on the RIGHT when there is a blinker going the opposite direction… and i’ve seen a number of times, cops doing it just as well, so i think they should really know the law…i am not saying there wasn’t a blinker Hey you ever heard of a blinker light being out??? IT Does happen!!!just saying it should be looked into more and it shouldn’t be all put on the bike….. as for Ron you get better man and get back on that bike and Ride…. PEACE!!!