Motorcycle Strikes Pedestrians on Luce Road in Williamstown

WILLIAMSTOWN, Mass. — Two pedestrians were transported to Berkshire Medical Center in Pittsfield after a collision with a motorcycle on Wednesday afternoon, police said.

 

Police Chief Kyle Johnson said Friday that speed appeared to be a factor in the incident, which occurred at 3:30 p.m. Wednesday at a sharp curve on Luce Road near the top (south) end of the road.

 

"It appears he couldn't make the corner," Johnson said. "He laid the bike down, and the bike at some point collided with the pedestrians — the bike and or [rider]. He wasn't upright riding when they collided.

 

"It appears speed was a factor, and that in and of itself would have caused him to go down."

 

Both pedestrians were transported by Northern Berkshire EMS to Berkshire Medical Center, Johnson said.

 

The motorcycle operator was cited for negligent operation of a motor vehicle.

 

The accident is a reminder to all of the need for caution on the roads during the COVID-19 pandemic, when residents confined to their homes frequently are getting their exercise and fresh air by walks in neighborhoods that don't normally see as many pedestrians.

 

While not referring directly to the pedestrians in Wednesday's accident, Johnson agreed that caution is always required on the road.

 

"Everyone needs to be more aware at all times — pedestrians and motorists," he said. "We see all kinds of things out there. We see pedestrians in dark clothing at night in the rain, the joggers on Green River Road [Route 43].

 

"I certainly would agree there are far more pedestrians out now than usual. But I'm not faulting these pedestrians by any stretch.

 

"If people were more aware of their surroundings more often, it would be easier to keep themselves safe. But it was just an unfortunate situation for these pedestrians."