Safety enforced by motorcycle club

  • Published
  • By Senior Airman Tonnette Thompson
  • 90th Space Wing Public Affairs
F.E. WARREN AIR FORCE BASE, Wyo. (AFPN) --  Motorcyclists here know there is safety in numbers, which is one reason they created a motorcycle club.

Missileers on Bikes is a private organization dedicated to offering motorcyclists here an opportunity to meet fellow riders, ride in a group, learn from more experienced riders and participate in community events.

“We’re all concerned about being safe when (we) ride; that is why the (club) exists,” said Tech. Sgt. Sean Cope of the 90th Operations Group. “When you’re with a bunch of other bikers, and you feel like you’re a part of something instead of getting on your bike because you’re alone and bored, you’re less likely to do something reckless.”

The group currently has 20 members, and they are looking to expand.

“We’re thinking of changing our name to ‘Military on Bikes’ so people will know that everyone is welcome. And by ‘everyone,’ we also mean civilians working on base,” Sergeant Cope said.

Though several of the bikers have decades of experience, some are new to riding. Staff Sgt. Chad Quin, a weather forecaster with the 90th Operations Support Squadron, can attest to the benefits of joining the group.

“I became a member of (the group) back in late April,” Sergeant Quin said. “I joined as a new motorcycle rider and needed some additional help from the more experienced riders. I had recently finished the Motorcycle Safety Foundation course and was still a bit uneasy, so (the group) was a great outlet for me to learn more.”

Whether riders are old or new, Sergeants Quin and Cope recommend riding in groups.

“First and foremost, drivers tend to see 20 bikes together rather than one by itself,” Sergeant Quin said. “But riding in groups is (also) a great way to learn and have fun.”

The group has logged more than 1,000 miles with zero incidents. Their future plans include having the organization recognized on base as an official group and helping with a toy drive in October for underprivileged children.