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AFGLSC sponsors motorcycle safety day

  • Published
  • By Burt Foutz
  • Air Force Global Logistics Support Center
SCOTT AIR FORCE BASE, Ill. --  With the weather turning warmer, many members of the Scott Air Force Base community look to an alternative means of transportation--the motorcycle. To some a motorcycle is a dangerous and menacing means to get around. To others it gives a sense of freedom you cannot experience any other way while also providing a way to minimize the rising cost of fuel. The reality is, a motorcycle does require a certain set of skills to operate, and they are dangerous if you don't acquire those skills through training and experience.

Each spring the road is filled with riders of all skill levels and knowledge. Though a new motorcyclist is at an elevated level of danger on the road, the seasoned rider places their life in peril by jumping on their machine and expecting to ride at a high speed without a tune up ride or two to get them and their motorcycle ready for the new season. This causes a rise in fatalities within the motorcycle community. In just the last two years, the Air Force has suffered 236 motorcycle mishaps.

To combat this "spring spike," the Air Force has placed an emphasis on motorcycle safety. To do its part, the Air Force Global Logistics Support Center hosted its first Motorcycle Safety Day April 30. Even though the weather was cool and windy, the rain stayed away allowing riders from the AFGLSC, Headquarters Air Mobility Command, the 15th Operational Weather Squadron, the Air Force Network Integration Center and the 375th Air Mobility Wing to participate in the festivities.

The event was organized to provide riders with safety briefings, safety material and a 7-mile mentor ride. Safety briefings and mentor ride instructions were provided by T.J. Miles, 375th Air Mobility Wing Ground Safety Office deputy superintendent and Base Motorcycle Safety Program coordinator. The local Harley-Davidson dealership, Frieze Harley-Davidson, displayed one of their latest models, along with a full riding suit and full face helmet to demonstrate the necessary safety equipment.

A major draw for the day was a "Show and Shine" competition where riders entered their motorcycles in a bike show sponsored by the AFGLSC Booster Club. There were two categories, cruiser and sport bike. The winners were Joel Scheppler with his 2007 Ultra Classic Harley-Davidson in the cruiser category and Tech. Sgt. Pedro Achaval with his 2005 Suzuki GSXR1000 in the sport bike category.

The AFGLSC plans to make this an annual event with the goal of providing seasoned riders with a refresher course each year, and give novice riders an opportunity to get valuable safety tips, participate in a group ride and receive mentoring from more experienced bikers.

No federal endorsement intended.