Langley Air Force Base, Va. –
Editor's Note: Some last names withheld for security reasons.
The 480th Intelligence, Surveillance and Reconnaissance Wing, together with members of the 497th Operations Support Squadron, sponsored their second annual Sentinel Motorcycle Safety Show April 3 as a way of coming together for recreational purposes while preparing for a safe riding season.
During a time of year when many Airmen ride their motorcycles more frequently, the potential for motor vehicle accidents, and specifically fatalities related to motorcycle mishaps, increases.
U.S. Air Force Tech. Sgt. Jason Scott, 480th ISRW chief of safety, who oversaw the event, is an experienced rider himself.
"It's important for people to understand that motorcycle safety events aren't just about having a good time," said Scott. "These events are the most effective way to show how Air Force leadership takes motorcycle safety extremely seriously."
Air Force Instruction 91-207, the U.S. Air Force Traffic Safety Program, is an Air Force instruction that dictates the necessity for conducting annual motorcycle safety briefings.
"People need to exercise good judgment while operating private motor vehicles, which is where a significant portion of off-duty deaths occur each year. With motorcycles, the risk of injury or death is even greater," said Scott. "These annual motorcycle shows help riders brush up on their skills."
Master Sgt. Galen, 497th OSS flight chief, was the event coordinator and master of ceremonies for the show. As a veteran rider, he sees the importance of bringing experienced riders and new riders together to learn about various aspects of motorcycles.
"A major mistake I see with young Airmen is when they get some money saved up, they buy a high-powered bike that they can't even handle," said Andrews. "That's why I want bikers to come to these shows; experienced riders can teach new or interested riders what bike they should get to suit their experience and size."
While risks exist for motorcycle riders, Andrews encourages everyone to be safe, even if they don't ride.
"Even people who don't ride can learn something about motorcycle safety," said Andrews. "Everyone just needs to remember that bikers are back on the road, and to please watch out for us."
Col. Patrick Shortsleeve, 497th ISR Group commander, presented two trophies based on a voting system of the crowd's favorite in two separate categories. The recipients were Staff Sgt. Patrick from the 497th Operations Support Squadron, who won in the "cruiser class" category, and Staff Sgt. Rick from the 10th Intelligence Squadron, who won in the "sport class" category.
Throughout the event, motorcycle safety continued to be the main focus. Even so, the motorcycle enthusiasts seemed to enjoy their time bonding over a common interest.