Soldiers scoot down the highway to participate in Capital Region Safety Event.

The Army Motorcycle Mentorship Program is alive and thriving within the 21st Signal Brigade. Soldiers and DA Civilians are participating in events across the United States from Brigade elements and riders in Miami, Florida; Fort Bragg, North Carolina; Fort Sam Houston, Texas; Camp Roberts, California; Fort Meade, Maryland; Fort Gordon, Georgia; and Fort Detrick, Maryland. ‘‘The type of events we have been attending are primarily motorcycle awareness and safety training such as the Annual National Capital Region Joint Service Motorcycle Event at the Pentagon,” commented Mr. Mike Williams, the 21st Signal Brigade Safety Officer. ‘‘This event has energized some of the Brigade riders to participate in group rides and further build the mentorship program working with the less experienced riders.” Brigade units at Ft Gordon, Ft Meade and ASA Miami have been conducting additional training to include group rides.

On 01 May 2009, the Annual National Capital Region Joint Service Motorcycle Safety Event was held at the Pentagon to open both the Motorcycle Awareness Month of May and the motorcycle riding season for 2009. This event, and many others like it, continue to refocus the public and military communities’ attention on the safety concerns that are involved in riding a motorcycle. Fifteen veteran and novice riders from the 21st Signal Brigade participated in the event. ‘‘I think that this was a great event. It touched on various subjects and the importance of motorcycle safety, from riding gear to basic precautions,” said Sergeant Adrian Tellez from the 114th Signal Battalion. ‘‘All the information put out by the guest speakers also made you realize that many accidents can be prevented by reducing speed, and taking precautions. They had videos for us to keep and bring to our units and share information with other soldiers and civilians that can serve as training resources to improve our riding knowledge. They also had various safety gear and even simulators that helped out in the whole experience.”

With activities like motorcycle skills demonstrations, rodeos, a rally and a ride through Washington, D.C., this has been called the premier event of the riding season. Dozens of information booths are set up with displays for safety equipment, designer helmets, available riding courses, the newest model bikes and the department of motor vehicle rules for a variety of states. SFC Calvin Blythe from HHC, 21st Signal Brigade said, ‘‘I really enjoyed the Pentagon Motorcycle Safety Event. I was amazed at the riding tips and techniques that were demonstrated. I had fun while learning at the same time.”

Guest speakers in the past have included Former Secretary of Transportation, Mary E. Peters, an avid motorcyclist; Ms. Catherine Bell, star of the hit TV shows JAG and Army Wives and motorcycle rider; and most recently Miss America 2009, Ms. Katie Stam, an avid motorcycle enthusiast.

Fort Detrick has conducted seasonal safety awareness training with motorcycling regularly appearing at the top of the safety training requirements. In fact, motorcycle safety concerns spurred the Army Chief of Staff to create the Motorcycle Mentorship Program in 2005. The focus of mentorship is for veteran riders to help new riders get safety oriented on the Army, post and unit rider safety policies and regulations as well as how to best maintain the mandated personal protective equipment.

Motorcycle safety has grown since the initiation of the mentorship program. The Army has mandated and will pay for Motorcycle Safety Foundation (MSF) Basic Rider Courses (BRC) safety training that many insurance companies will provide a discount for completing. Units like the 21st Signal Brigade are now willing to pay for additional safety training. Local community colleges, Frederick Community College included, offer an Experienced Rider Course (ERC) and Total Control Course that provide further emergency reactionary training and practical methods for controlled turning. ‘‘The 21st Signal Brigade Commander has engaged motorcycle safety at the leadership level by approving payment for an advanced training course,” Mr. Williams said. ‘‘This has paid dividends through the Brigade as the Brigade has not experienced a recordable motorcycle incident in nearly two years.”

With an increased interest in sport bikes, generally lighter and much faster than the traditional cruising bike, the Department of Defense has begun reimbursement for a Sport Bike Rider Education Program. ‘‘I believe that Fort Detrick should follow suit with many other installations in offering advanced rider training,” Mr. Williams stated. ‘‘A lot of installations are now offering and mandating the Sport Bike Riders Course for those folks owning a sport bike. I would have to say that nearly 90 percent of the accidents we see on Primary Loss Reports are from sport bikes. The Army has taken the lead in getting this program started and if Fort Detrick followed it would increase riders’ knowledge and safety across the community.”