MARINE CORPS AIR STATION MIRAMAR, Calif. -- With thousands of Marines and sailors returning home from Iraq, motorcycles are becoming a more frequent sight on the air station — a fact that has not gone unnoticed by MCAS Miramar’s higher command.

To help combat the safety issues inherent among motorcyclists, Col. Christopher O’Connor, commanding officer, MCAS Miramar, has directed the establishment of a motorcycle club comprised of motorcycle and all terrain vehicle riders; Marine, sailor and civilian alike.

According to Lt. Col. Keith M. Cutler, the commanding officer of Headquarters and Headquarters Squadron, MCAS Miramar, the motorcycle club events will include classes provided by the California Highway Patrol and San Diego County Sheriffs, regarding motorcycle safety and laws.

Additionally, club members will organize group rides and learn general maintenance tips.

According to Dan Jaquez, the occupational safety and health specialist here, Marines purchase motorcycles because they are perceived to be cheaper on gas and maintenance. Plus, San Diego’s weather is ideal for motorcyclists.

Jaquez cautions there’s more to consider than economics when purchasing a motorcycle. Riders should take into consideration the intended use of the motorcycle, the physical capabilities of the rider and the rider’s general driving habits, according to Jaquez.

“If you are prone to near-misses when you drive a car, you probably shouldn’t even consider buying a bike,” added Jaquez. “The majority of injuries we see are motorcyclists riding too fast into corners, and then laying off the throttle when they get startled and the bike straightens out throwing them off the road.”

Another common practice  among motorcyclists in California is lane splitting or white lining — riding the motorcycle between lanes of traffic. This practice is neither legal or illegal in California, but is tolerated.

“The problem with white lining is you leave yourself with no way out,” said Jaquez. “People white line at high speeds and don’t give themselves enough time to react to other motorists.”
Hopefully through the club meetings, more experienced riders can educate newer riders, and camaraderie and safety will increase amongst the riders who belong to the air station, said Cutler.

In order to decrease injury among riders, MCAS Miramar requires Marines and sailors to have a Department of Transportation approved helmet; wear a long-sleeve shirt or jacket, and retro-reflective vest that is orange, yellow or lime-green with two vertical or horizontal strips at least one and a half inches wide; wear full fingered gloves and eye protection (safety glasses or a helmet with a visor); long pants and over-the-ankle boots.

Though the station takes measures to prevent injury and promote responsible driving behaviors, it is up to the individual Marine to know and understand the rules, laws and risks of operating motorcycles.

“I would like for riders to understand, when you’re on your motorcycle, you are in control of your own destiny,” said Jaquez. “Know your limits, learn how to ride yourself before your buddies teach you bad habits and always practice your operational risk management.”