John Painter, the AMA State Chapter coordinator for Maine, hopes that his new role will make the AMA more visible to motorcyclists in Maine and promote collaboration between the AMA and Maine’s motorcycling institutions.

“The AMA is national in scope, so it’s important that people know there’s a local resource and point of advocacy in their home state,” he said. “I also would like to work toward having more AMA-sanctioned events in Maine and possibly a collaboration with the Owls Head Transportation Museum’s annual antique motorcycle show.”

One of Painter’s first priorities is to advocate for Maine motorcyclists’ safety when it comes to automated vehicles and distracted driving.

“Technology and automation are a growing concern of mine, from self-driving vehicles and whether they have the ability to recognize a motorcyclist in different environments to distracted drivers on smart phones,” he said.

He also plans to address the decreasing number of off-highway motorcycle riders in his home state.

“It’s something I’m chipping away at as a Maine Inland Fisheries & Wildlife-trained volunteer ATV/dirt bike instructor,” he said. “The training is required for all children ages 10 to 16 who ride on trails in Maine.”

Painter first joined the AMA in 2014 to help protect and promote the sport that has had a positive impact on his life.

“With more than 6,000 miles of state-maintained trails, 46,000 miles of state roads and 3,478 miles of coastline there are a lot of places to ride for every type of motorcyclist.”

“My self-confidence, liberty, and problem-solving skills are all things I associate with motorcycling,” he said. “I want to do my small part to make sure it is available to others.”

Painter began riding on dirt at age 14 aboard an Indian MT100. He has expanded his riding repertoire to include dual sport and street riding. He owns a 1985 Honda VF500 Interceptor and a mostly disassembled 1984 Honda XR200.

Painter also hopes more AMA members will travel to his state to enjoy the many on-highway and off-highway riding opportunities there.

“Maine is a bit of a hidden gem when it comes to motorcycling,” he said. “With more than 6,000 miles of state-maintained trails, 46,000 miles of state roads and 3,478 miles of coastline, there are a lot of places to ride for every type of motorcyclist.”

AMA State Chapter coordinators are volunteers who have completed the AMA EAGLES training program and wish to contribute to riders in their states.

Each letter of the EAGLES acronym stands for an important element of advocacy: Education, Activism, Growth, Leadership, Expertise, Skills. To learn more about AMA EAGLES, visit www.americanmotorcyclist.com/For-Members/AMA-EAGLES

Anyone interested in becoming an AMA State Chapter coordinator or volunteering for AMA service should contact AMA State Chapters and Volunteer Manager Marie Wuelleh at [email protected].

For information about your AMA State Chapter, see www.americanmotorcyclist.com/
AMA-State-Chapters.