31st TES hosts motorcycle safety day

  • Published
  • By Tech. Sgt. Jay Fury
  • 95th Air Base Wing Public Affairs
EDWARDS AIR FORCE BASE, Calif. --  The 31st Test and Evaluation Squadron hosted a motorcycle safety day at the Base Exchange July 18. 

The event was designed to bring awareness to various safety issues that arise while riding motorcycles on and off base.

The lunchtime event served up briefings from the California Highway Patrol and the Muroc Green Knights, a motorcycle club based here. 

Officer Steve Hunsaker, the CHP training coordinator for the Mojave area, brought out two motorcycle officers from the San Fernando Valley to give base riders an opportunity to receive information on safety issues and to get up-close and personal with officers in a friendly environment.

"Everybody has always had a question to ask a law enforcement officer, and now they can get their question answered," Officer Hunsaker said. "It's an educational thing for us too. If we can go out there and educate motorcycle riders, then it makes our job that much easier."

The various briefings gave riders a chance to discuss the rules and regulations for riding on base and how they differ from state regulations. 

Tech. Sgt. Jon Camplin, kennel master for the 95th Security Forces Squadron and president of the Muroc Green Knights, says military motorcycle safety regulations apply at all times for military riders, whether they're riding on or off base.

"If someone gets killed off base, it will become a line-of-duty issue," he said.

The member's military benefits may be in jeopardy if they weren't following the proper protocols, Sergeant Camplin said. 

Sergeant Camplin also emphasized that civilians must adhere to the military safety regulations as well.

"On base, it's the same as for the military," he said. "Civilians are required to wear over-the-heel sturdy boots or shoes, gloves, a long-sleeve shirt, a reflective vest at night or contrasting colors during the day."

Staff Sgt. Jordan Martinell, an Airborne Laser technician with the 31st TES and coordinator of the event, said riding motorcycles brings a different perspective to travel than driving a car.

"It's more of a recreation than just getting you from point A to point B," he said. "A lot of people don't like to drive long distances, but on a motorcycle, it can be pretty fun if there's good scenery."

While there are certain risks involved with riding motorcycles, proper training and protective equipment significantly reduce those risks, Sergeant Martinell said.

"When you ride outside your limits, and you forget that you're not in a car, that's when things can go wrong," he said. "But if you remember that you're on the bike, that you're vulnerable, and you practice all the safety steps, it can be safe."