(The Leader-Herald/Richard Nilsen) Service technician David Heise, right, does a safety inspection on a motorcycle at Adirondack Harley-Davidson in Gloversville, formerly Van’s, Thursday. Service adviser Tom Toohey, left, looks on.

Bob Rice of Schenectady was injured in a motorcycle accident in 2003.

He’s in a wheelchair today because of an upper spinal bruising that caused nerve damage.

Rice was injured while trying out a high-performance sport bike riding with a group of other bikers.

He has advice for other motorcycle riders.

“Drive defensively,” he said. “At every intersection, even if you have the green light, assume the other guy won’t heed your right of way.”

Warm spring weather brings out motorcycles after a winter hibernation. With news of motorcycle fatalities this month, local riders and support groups are expressing concerns about safety.

Rice warns against riding at high speed on an unfamiliar motorcycle or with a group.

Motorcycle speed and other motorists’ failure to yield the right of way often are factors in motorcycle crashes.