Semper Ride Teaches Marines Motorcycle Safety

Going away to fight battles overseas is not the only thing that can kill service members. Accidents at home are often the most preventable, yet they still pose a threat and many people are not equipped with the knowledge to take control of their safety at home.

This is why on Friday, 1st Marine Division hosted a safety event to educate military personnel with motorcycles about safety on the road.

"It's like giving the enemy a free kill," said Sgt. Maj. Mike Kufchak. "I cannot lose my Marines due to senselessness. You have to understand the power you harness. ... There is no shame in a smaller engine or practicing on slower roads. We all have to start somewhere."

The idea of the program was to arm the men and women with the tools they need to preserve themselves on the road and to help them practice defensive and offensive driving. 

Staff Sgt. Jeff Townson of 1st Combat Engineer Battalion thought that one of the more important parts of safety is "awareness and staying inside the realms of your ability and capabilities," he said.

Townsend also thinks that cars need to be aware of motorcyclists' limitations, and they need to watch out for them on the road.

Tommy Clowers, a freestyle motocross rider featured in the film Semper Ride, which was screened at the event, was on hand to demonstrate motorcycle safety for the Marines.

"The more you practice, the more respect you will gain for your machine. In-depth training is important for both new and old riders. Mostly be safe, relax and have fun."

Marines and civilians alike like to push the limits, but many of the Marines out Friday expressed a gratitude toward their machines for how they feel when they're riding.

"When you get on the road, you feel free," said Lance Cpl. Joseph Mitchell of 1st Light Armored Reconnaissance Battalion from Alabama. "If something's bothering you, you can get on your bike and forget about it."

The first part of the day was specifically catered to the 1st Marine Division and was required for all motorcyclists. The second part of the day was open to everyone on base.

"It's easy for people to write it off simply as a safety event, but we're hoping it goes to the next level and makes people pumped about riding safely," said professional rider Ronnie Renner.

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