EGLIN AIR FORCE BASE, Fla. -- More than 500 motorcyclists on bikes of all shapes, sizes and varieties met at the McKinley Climatic Lab April 20 for the 11th annual Motorcycle Safety Rally here.
An estimated 600 attendees participated, including non-riders. The rally, which began in 2004 with 50 riders, brought together motorcycle enthusiasts from throughout Northwest Florida.
In addition to Eglin units, military and civilians from Duke Field, Hurlburt Field, and Tyndall Air Force Base were part of the joint event.
In opening remarks, Brig. Gen. Evan Dertien, 96th Test Wing commander, said the number one cause of 50 percent of Eglin’s fatalities, over the past three years, are from motorcyclists aged 25 and under.
“Motorcycle safety is a top priority at Eglin,” he said. “Our target audience is our young riders. Our focus today is on mentorship and attention to safety.”
Chris Mitchell, Motorcycle Safety Foundation instructor and vice-president of the Eglin Green Knights, a local military bikers’ organization, encouraged young riders to choose the right mentor to guide them.
“I would ask them to make sure they find someone knowledgeable about motorcycles, and whose first priority is safety,” said Mitchell.
Mitchell added that critical skills like max braking, swerving and proper cornering are fundamentals a young rider should build on.
“They shouldn’t think their basic rider education course is their final education,” he said. “They should always strive to become more knowledgeable.”
Col. Shane Haughian, 96th TW chief of safety, ended the rally addressing the need for higher-level motorcycle training here.
Fifty percent of all Airmen fatalities here are from motorcycle accidents and 30 percent of them are age 25 and under, he said.
He said a National Highway Traffic Safety Administration study cited Interstate 10 and Highways 98 and 29 as three of the most dangerous roads in America. Other hazardous concerns include weather and reckless tourists, he added.
After the briefings, the riders departed for unit and individual group rides.
Haughian hoped the safety messages resonated with the young riders.
They’re our most at-risk riders,” he said. “This education, especially the mentorship rides, is the best thing we do for them. I hope they take full advantage of it.”