Fatal reminder

The frequency of motorcycle fatalities in Virginia has decreased since a 2007 spike, but a fatal crash Sunday in West Augusta highlights the challenge of rural riding and an increase of fatalities for motorcyclists 50 and older.

Riding identical 2005 Harley Davidson motorcycles, Michael Keith Neve, 51, of Midlothian, and Delbert “Buzzy” Walton Redman Jr., 53, of Troy, died after their bikes smashed head on, Virginia State Police said.

Neve crossed his machine over the center line, causing the crash on a winding and mountainous stretch of Route 250, along the same span where last month a pickup truck slammed into three motorcycles, injuring five, none fatally.

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