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Motorcycle mentorship program revs up at JB MDL

  • Published
  • By 1st Lt. Kevin Skindell
  • 174th Infantry Brigade Public Affairs
JOINT BASE MCGUIRE-DIX-LAKEHURST, N.J. --  Joint Base McGuire-Dix-Lakehurst motorcycle enthusiasts came together to promote safe-riding habits here April 22.

Dozens of bikers gathered in the Exchange parking lot to set off on the season's first motorcycle mentorship ride. The monthly mentorship ride was a joint effort among rider coaches from the Army Support Activity-Dix Safety Office, 72nd Field Artillery Brigade, 174th Infantry Brigade and the Green Knights Military Motorcycle Club Chapter 1.

The April ride covered more than 100 miles in New Jersey, visiting Barbs Harley Davidson, Cycle World of Cherry Hill and Pic-A-Lilli Inn in Shamong, among other local sites.
"I planned the ride so new riders would be able to experience many advanced aspects of riding, such as highway riding, riding on country roads, tight turns and riding in a group," said Tom Steward, ASA-Dix safety manager, rider coach and event organizer.
Steward and top Army leadership believe experienced riders sharing lessons learned with new riders.

"Commanders must foster proactive mentorship programs providing riders the opportunity to work together, maximize their skills, reduce accidents and have fun," said Gen. Peter Chiarelli, vice chief of staff of the Army, in a memorandum released to senior leaders now listed on the Army's Safety website, listed below.

In January, Chiarelli stated the Army lost 40 Soldiers to motorcycle accidents in fiscal year 2010. He anticipated the Army would exceed that number in 2011 if it did not address the root causes of motorcycle mishaps - reckless behavior and poor risk management.

Chiarelli's goal is to build an informal Army-wide network of motorcycle associations focused on keeping Soldiers safe when they ride. This end-state may be accomplished by both an Army-implemented Progressive Motorcycle Program in 2012 and by conducting safety rides like this one here on base.

More than two dozen personnel completed the ride at JB MDL, equating to 2,600 total accident and incident free miles. Contact Thomas.J.Steward@conus.army.mil for more information on upcoming rides. Visit www.safety.army.mil/mmp for more information on the Army's motorcycle mentorship program.