United States Department of Defense United States Department of Defense

DEPARTMENT OF DEFENSE: Military Rider 2012

Published May 03, 2012

The Defense Department marks the start of prime motorcycle riding weather by designating each May as Motorcycle Safety Month. This special report highlights DOD and service-related efforts to enhance the safety and overall riding experience for service members and veterans through training, mentorship and education.

Top Stories

Colonel Encourages Drivers to Watch Out for Bikers

Air Force Col. Dana Morel knows the dangers of motorcycle riding as well as anyone. A biker herself, Morel was a lieutenant at Mather Air Force Base, Calif., in 1986 when a young airman she knew with the base honor guard took off speeding one night. Distraught over the end of a romance, he missed a turn and crashed his motorcycle into a telephone pole, and died at the scene. Story

Skills, Training, Attitude Keep Motorcycling Safe

Have you ever wondered why a terrible event, such as a motorcycle mishap, could end well in one situation, but in tragedy in another? Sometimes it’s just sheer luck. Most often, what influences the outcome is whether or not the motorcycle rider had the right skills, training and attitude. Story

Motorcycle Tragedy Offers Life Lessons

As Air Force supervisors and mentors, we have enormous responsibilities and a strong sense of dedication when it comes to duty, honor and country. We hear all the time how airmen are really doing some remarkable things, and how airmen are making a difference all around the world. We also hear about protecting our loved ones and fellow airmen. Story

Semper Ride Helps Keep Marines Safe

Three years ago, the Marine Corps faced a bump in a road: record high 25 Marines died due to motorcycle accidents. The Marine Corps outlined its solution in the Marine Corps Order 5100.19F. The required safety training was put in place by the order for beginner and advanced riders. Two years into the training, a 64 percent drop in deaths was seen by the Corps. Story

Semper Ride Takes to Runway

The sound of screaming motorcycles, the smell of burnt rubber, and the sight of dozens of motorcycles cornering sharp turns filled the runway here as service members and civilians participated in the Semper Ride Fun Day on the Runway. Story

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Rider Experiences

Whisper in the Wind

Cruising from coast to coast on a Harley in the summer of 2006 was a dream come true for 46-year-old Scott Johnson and his son, Michael. While traveling with fellow bikers from the Lighthouse H.O.G. Harley-Davidson group out of Huntington Station, N.Y., the pair saw America firsthand in a way others rarely get to do. Story

Pedal to the Medal

Lying there in the road with the cold bite of winter making him shiver, Staff Sgt. Kevin Barton couldn’t understand why this lady didn’t want him to get up. He knew he’d been in an accident, but he wanted to stand and do a quick inventory of his Sportster 1200. Story

One Mistake Away

I love motorcycles, sport bikes in particular. I’m attracted to the sense of freedom and adventure they provide. When I put on my riding gear to go for a spin, I can actually feel myself becoming more centered, more focused. Story

I'm Worth it

How fun is it to be in your bed, injured, on your 21st birthday? Well that’s what happened to me when I had a dirt bike accident on June 22, 2010. My injuries consisted of a concussion, shattered collarbone, road rash and leg laceration. Story


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