Naval Base Coronado hosted its first Motorcycle Safety Event Nov. 15, aboard Naval Air Station North Island, Calif.
The event was designed to increase safety awareness throughout Navy Region Southwest, as well as assist military and civilian motorcyclists, and non-motorcycle riders in recognizing the risks associated with motorcycle riding in Southern California’s deserts.
“The more we can get people to understand that motorcycles are safe if you treat it as a machine and you understand the safety requirements of the machine, riding motorcycles can be a great, fun thing to do,” said Chief Construction Mechanic Christopher Ayers , safety officer of Naval Special Warfare Group One Logistics and Support Unit.
The safety fair focused on motorcycle training courses, safety gear and even proper tires for each type of motorcycle.
The event also featured several motorcycle vendors who who provided Sailors with details about a wide range of motorcycle types ranging from street bikes and sports bikes, to motocross and supercross bikes.
“We brought in Yoshimura Suzuki with their off road rider and their super bike rider to basically get together with Sailors and talk to them in a casual environment about how to be safe riding bikes,” said Andrew Kenefick , motorcycle instructor and event coordinator.
Many Sailors who hope to one day purchase a motorcycle found this event very helpful.
“I’m thinking about getting a bike soon,” said Aerographer’s Mate Airman Jared Dayoub . “I may as well take advantage of all the free programs that teach me how to properly ride a bike.”
The Naval Region Southwest Safety Program was at the event to promote the basic riders course, advance riders course, military sport bike course and dirt bike training.
Even though this is the first time this event was held, many hope it will become an annual event.
“I think this event was a great idea and hope for more participation over the years,” said Ayers.
[mappress] Naval Today Staff, November 17, 2011