Kitsap Sailors Key-In to Motorcycle Safety

By Mass Communication Specialist 3rd Class Lawrence Davis, Navy Public Affairs Support Element West, Det. Northwest

May 13, 2010 - KEYPORT, Wash. (NNS) -- Sailors, Marines and Department of Defense (DoD) personnel from Naval Base Kitsap (NBK) Bangor participated in a motorcycle safety standdown at the Naval Undersea Warfare Center in Keyport, Wash., May 12.

Service members engaged in interactive discussions about personal riding experience, executed fundamental riding and handling skills on a basic training course, and learned key-points of motorcycle safety.

"Today's event is a refresher course and a reminder to practice safety before the warm season when [riders] start getting back on their bikes," said Marty Goldenpenny, regional safety specialist and installation traffic coordinator.

The standdown consisted of three events designed to help riders practice basic fundamentals including a "cornering challenge", "box master" and a "slow-ride" competition.

More than 100 attendees participated in the NBK-sponsored, free event.

"It's great to see so many people supporting this event," said Lt. j.g. Dillan Masellas, reactor control assistant, USS Maine (SSBN 741) (Blue) and attendee. "I'm really impressed with the riding community up here."

Masellas, who has attended several rider's safety standdowns expressed his appreciation for the training.

"It makes you realize how much better of a rider the training has made you," said Masellas. "It's really made a difference in my riding ability."

The standdown is also scheduled to occur on other installations in the Northwest including Naval Air Station Whidbey Island and Naval Station Everett.

According to the Naval Safety Center website, eight Sailors or Marines died from motorcycle related accidents in 2009. The Navy continues to support motorcycle safety worldwide to ensure that its members practice safe and proper riding habits and remain fit for duty and are mission-capable.

"Training is an ongoing thing no matter how long you've been riding," said Goldenpenny. "If you don't use the training you've gained, you tend to forget it."