NEWCASTLE, Maine — A motorcyclist was taken to the hospital with minor injuries after a crash in Newcastle on Monday afternoon.
The juvenile motorcyclist was operating a Suzuki motorcycle northbound on Route 1, according to Lincoln County Sheriff’s Office Sgt. Jason Nein. Witnesses say the motorcyclist attempted to pass “two or three” other northbound vehicles, Nein said.
When the operator returned to the northbound lane, the operator applied the brake, at which point the bike started to skid, Nein said. The motorcycle slid to its side, at which point the operator was separated from the motorcycle.
Nein said the teen suffered minor injuries and was taken by the Central Lincoln County Ambulance Service to LincolnHealth-Miles Campus. The operator was wearing a helmet at the time of the accident, which Nein said may have saved the teen’s life.
“The injuries sustained were less than what we typically see with incidents like this,” Nein said.
Nein said he does not suspect alcohol or other impairments played a role in the crash.
Lincoln County Sheriff’s Deputy Ryan Chubbuck is investigating the crash.
Nein said speed and the operator’s experience might be factors in the accident.
“This type of bike is known as a ‘crotch rocket,’” Nein said. “It is fast and powerful, and the driver needs to be keenly aware of their surroundings at all times or else things could get messy.”
The Newcastle Fire Department also went to the scene and assisted with traffic control while Nein documented the scene.