Motorcyclists hit road to promote safety

  • Published
  • By Marine Cpl. James Weatherly
  • Det. 11, Air Force News Agency
KADENA AIR BASE, Japan (AFPN) --  Seeing a convoy of motorcycles may conjure visions of lawless biker gangs cruising the open roads. However, when Kadena Air Base held the first Kadena Motorcycle Ride, a procession of more than 70 participating bikes and riders presented a different image.

"We're promoting safety among the riders, and also showing non-bikers that these guys are on the road and they're part of the traffic flow. We need to look out for them, and they need to look out for us," said Tech. Sgt. Jose Parra, NCO in charge of 18th Wing Ground Safety.

The bike ride was one facet of a larger campaign to curb an increase in motorcycle-related accidents on Kadena AB.

Some participants were initially uncertain about the event, but once it started, their enthusiasm grew.

"They were a little hesitant, but after the bike ride they got into it after seeing how organized it was. They gave some really positive feedback," said Tech. Sgt. Mark Hazelbaker, Ground Safety NCO.

With better-than-expected participation and overwhelming approval from the bikers, sponsors were encouraged to make the ride an annual fixture on Kadena.

"We know how it went, we learned a couple of lessons, and I think it will be an even bigger success next year," Sergeant Hazelbaker said.

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