The Virginia Biker Network » navy

Bikers: Take training … or else

Hersey — Wed, 16 Jul 2008 12:09:26 +0000

NORFOLK, Va. — Blowing off safety training can land motorcycle-borne sailors and Marines in serious trouble, from administrative action to separation.

The crackdown on motorcycle safety comes as the fleet’s motorcycle fatalities for the current fiscal year, 21, already have exceeded last year’s total by three.

Recent updates to the Navy Traffic Safety Program emphasize fleet leaders’ concern over accidents on the road. Under the program, the Navy requires increased safety training and will hold commands responsible for ensuring its sailors know how to stay accident-free.

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Navy program stresses safety for motorcyclists

Hersey — Thu, 12 Jun 2008 12:43:43 +0000

At the signal, the 11 riders started their sport-style motorcycles with a chirp of their ignitions. Engines rumbling and ready, they stood by for instructions.

The first exercise Wednesday had them making their way around a large ellipse to warm up their tires, then easing into a weaving pattern to practice working their handlebars and looking through their turns.

The riders’ immediate plan: to get better at riding the high-powered bikes, which originally were built for racing but are appearing increasingly on streets.

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New Sport Bike Training Unveiled

Hersey — Thu, 05 Jun 2008 13:35:57 +0000

NORFOLK – A new course designed for sport bike motorcycle riders in the Navy and Marine Corps kicked off at Naval Station Norfolk June 4 and at other fleet concentration areas. Every sport bike rider in the Navy and Marine Corps will be required to take the course.

There has been a rise in the number of sport bike riders in the fleet, and the reason seems simple. They are sleek and colorful and built for speed. For Sailors and Marines, many of whom are naturally attracted to an adrenaline rush, this is a huge selling point. However, these same features make riding sport bikes much different than handling cruisers or touring bikes. Mishap statistics show it’s important to take these differences into account.

The Naval Safety Center (NSC) partnered with the Motorcycle Safety Foundation to create the Military Sport Bike Rider Course (MSRC) specifically for sport bike riders.

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