The United Bikers of Maine (UBM) always has had at it’s core the safety of motorcycle riders as it’s basis for existence. With this in mind the Executive Board for the United Bikers of Maine is changing the format for the annual Toy Run during September held each year. 

 In light of the unfortunate accident, and the report released by the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) [2017 ride when two people were killed and seven injured on I-95 in Augusta], we are eliminating the annual parade of bikes from the Augusta Civic Center to the Windsor Fairgrounds. All toy run activities will be held at the Augusta Civic Center in September 2019. There will not be any UBM/toy run activities held at the Windsor Fair grounds in September 2019. There will not be any organized ride to or from the Augusta Civic Center.  Riders who do ride to the event as individuals or as a group, are urged ride safely and observe all traffic laws as well as be observant to traffic around you.

This was a very hard decision for the UBM board to make. Given the past positive history of the toy run, and the safety record for this event prior to this incident, we have been very fortunate. The growing number of participants, the increased distracted drivers on the road as well as the inexperience on the part of some riders as to the proper way to ride with a large group, has played a big part in this decision.

For the 2018 toy run, working with the Augusta Police department, we were proactive by making a route change that kept us off the interstate as well as having on going safety discussions with the police department on how we could ensure a safer event. 

Our aim is now as it always has been. The safety of the rider is paramount.  We feel that this is in the best interest of all and is the next logical step. 

Sandy Lyle handles public relations for United Bikers of Maine