JOINT BASE CHARLESTON S.C. –
Joint Base Charleston held their annual motorcycle rider’s safety briefing March 30 at the Air Base Theater.
The base holds this event each year at the beginning of the riding season to get service members back in the mind set of operating a motorcycle safely.
“This is what’s important, we care about you,” said Col. Jimmy Canlas 437th Airlift Wing commander. “That is the reason we have these briefings. We want to make sure you are armed with all the tools and equipment to be a safe rider.”
The briefing consisted of base leadership discussing motorcycle safety, the proper personal protective gear, safety hazards to look for while riding, a bike judging contest, a guest speaker from the local sheriff’s office and an optional 50-mile group ride.
During the briefing a nonprofit motorcycle rider club the 37th Chapter of Green Knights spoke of the importance of safe operations. They also recognized Canlas as their honorary member for his dedicated support to the safe operations of motorcycles.
“Colonel Canlas has been one of the biggest supporters of motorcycle safety,” said Staff Sgt. Adam Perry, 628th Air Base Wing Safety Office NCO in charge of education and training. “He is a rider himself and knows how dangerous it can be.”
This briefing also is an opportunity to make the local hazards known to those who may not be from the area.
“Every place you ride has different hazards and these briefings help you to understand which hazards are more pertinent to the area you are in,” said Perry. “Sand hazards may not be familiar to those who are from central United States.”
For those who may not ride a motorcycle every day, they could be complacent to the dangers of being on two wheels. They may be used to having more safety features and being in a bigger vehicle.
“Sometimes you’re not as visible on a motorcycle,” said Perry. “People driving cars are not looking for motorcycles, they are looking for cars. You can have someone look right at you but still pull out because they didn’t see you, they saw past you. That is why these briefings are beneficial. They remind everyone of these things before they get on a bike again.”