NAS Oceana Promotes Motorcycle Safety

By Mass Communications Specialist 3rd Class Indra Bosko, Naval Air Station Oceana Public Affairs

VIRGINIA BEACH, Va. (NNS) -- The 3rd annual Motorcycle Rodeo and Safety Fair was held aboard Naval Air Station (NAS) Oceana June 10, to encourage riders to be safe, wear the right gear and have fun when they ride their motorcycles.

The prevailing message to the attendees was, "Don't get picked on."

"Motorcyclists feel like they get picked on because they get inspected the most," said Donald Borkoski, from the Naval Safety Center, an organization that develops traffic safety policies for the U.S. Navy.

Compared to drivers, Sailors are constantly getting inspected on wearing the proper personal protective equipment (PPE) as they ride through the front gates of a military installation, Borkoski said.

"The reason why you get picked on is (because) about 10 percent of all the Sailors and Marines that own vehicles drive motorcycles," said Borkoski. "That is why we need to keep you safe."

The one-day event featured guest speakers and activities including riding contests, demonstrations from safety experts and a bike show. The rodeo also included booths from various motorcycle vendors, non-profit organizations and the local fire department.

"We are hosting the motorcycle rodeo to inform riders to stay safe, give the options for safety equipment and places to ride," said Dave Ruhl, NAS Oceana Safety department.

During the motorcycle rodeo Sailors were encouraged to sign up for motorcycle safety courses. Naval Safety Center offers various levels of motorcycle safety training classes for military members.

"Motorcyclists are expected to get trained," said Borkoski. "The Basic Rider Course (BRC) offers the fundamentals on how to ride a motorcycle. The rodeo educates Sailors so that they know what to do if someone else does something stupid. These kids don't have mom and dad around, so we have to help them out."

Taking the motorcycle safety training classes is part of the rodeo's safety campaign to help bikers prevent future fatalities.

"We can't afford to lose trained people," said Borkoski "Some of the most ambitious people are motorcycle riders."

NAS Oceana Commanding Officer Capt. Jim Webb noted the loss of two Sailors from Oceana during the past year due to motorcycle accidents.

"So what do those Sailors have in common?" asked Webb. "They weren't drinking and driving, they just weren't very experienced and in both cases, had not taken the Basic Rider Course."

Experts at the event said since the Motorcycle Rodeo and Safety Fair was first introduced three years ago, safety programs such as the motorcycle rodeo as well as other motorcycle training programs have significantly influenced the reduction in motorcycle accidents.

"Since we started getting more involved in the motorcycle program, in one year's time we have cut fatalities in half," said Borkoski. "We went from 36 fatalities per year to 13 or 14 per year," said Borkoski. "Over the last two years, all the motorcyclists who don't have training are part of the fatalities. So the training is working."

Aviation Structural Mechanic 1st Class Bruce Yates, Training Support Center Hampton Roads, praised the rider courses at the Naval Safety Center.

"I've been through all the courses," said Yates, 39. "I think the training is a good idea because they teach older motorcyclists like me how to ride."

Younger Sailors such as Aviation Boatswain's Mate (Handling) Airman Dustin Meeker from USS Harry S. Truman (CVN75), said the courses trained him to learn the proper techniques in bike riding.

"I learned a lot about control from stopping to slowing down," said Meeker. "The way the classes help Sailors is that they build you up from the basics, and by the time you leave, it is muscle memory."

Other factors of concern also include the fact that the rise in motorcycle sales in Hampton Roads comes more from military members than civilians, said Borkoski.

"When the gas prices go up, we find more Sailors riding motorcycles; even those returning from overseas," said Borkoski. "That's why we want them to get training."

Virginia State Police troopers entertained the audience with safety demonstrations and gave tips on proper bike riding and handling.

Quoting the Virginia State Police motto of "Ride Smart, Arrive Alive," Senior Trooper Ross Thompson said that out of all the reasons why Sailors get into a motorcycle accident, "riding too fast is the main reason."

In another effort to save lives, the chief operating officer of Richmond Ambulance Authority, Rob Lawrence, introduced the Rider Alert program which provides free identification cards and stickers for motorcyclists.

The cards are meant to inform and aid first responders to provide better treatment for bikers in case of an emergency or accident. Riders were also advised to put their command's contact information on the card and were given a demonstration on how to properly place the Rider Alert card inside their helmets.

"That way we can inform your next of kin or command," said Lawrence. "We hope there will be a military version of the card."