LOS ANGELES AIR FORCE BASE, Calif. -- The Space Base Delta 3 Safety Office, in a triumphant collaboration with Security Forces, orchestrated the revival of Motorcycle Safety Awareness Day after a hiatus of 14 years on Los Angeles Air Force Base, El Segundo, California, April 29, 2024.
The event began with a group ride from Hawthorne to the base in the morning, with a victory lap around the installation to make noise and attract visitors to the commissary parking lot where the event kicked off.
Tech. Sgt. Amari Gilmore, NCOIC, Occupational Safety, SBD 3, spearheaded the event, “We wanted to revitalize this important event especially before the summer months when the weather gets warmer and there are more riders on the road.”
The eagerly anticipated event featured an array of vendors and captivating guest speakers including Officer Andrew Sepulveda, California Highway Patrol, Brant WiWi, Professional Racing AMA/WERA Racer and Porcha Taylor, Black Girls Ride Magazine, who shared their stories of close calls and the importance of being aware of your surroundings when on the road.
Gilmore enthusiastically shared, “The highlight of my day was the invaluable opportunity to witness live demonstrations by local California Highway Patrol officers and engage in insightful discussions with experienced law enforcement, motorcycle club leaders, and shop owners.”
Over 15 LA AFB riders, motorcycle enthusiasts and prospective riders attended the event, reveling in the camaraderie and infectious atmosphere, forging connections while tapping into the wealth of expertise offered by seasoned riders.
When attesting to the success of the event Gilmore stated, “The overwhelmingly positive response ensures the event's status as an annual tradition, with plans for expansion in the future.”
They day culminated in annual motorcycle safety training in the Gordon Conference Center.
All riders on base, including civilian personnel, are urged to seize the opportunity for maximum participation in this growing celebration of motorcycle safety. Motorcycle safety training is an annual requirement for all uniformed personnel who ride.
Master Sgt. Anthony Little, Occupational Safety Manager, SBD 3, was delighted by the enthusiasm shown by the riders during the open panel discussion, “Compared to other bases I've been stationed at, our panel speakers are riders from Southern California, and they were able to provide their tips and perspectives on the challenges of being a motorcycle rider in the local area.”
For motorcycle riders, ensure that you always "Dress for the Crash" by utilizing proper PPE, such as helmets, gloves, sturdy over-the-ankle footwear, and long-sleeve pants and shirts. Since California is one of the few states where lane splitting is allowed, drivers of passenger vehicles can ensure that motorcyclists are safe by constantly looking at their mirrors, especially in areas prone to lane splitting. For further motorcycle safety tips, review the Air Force Safety Centers' motorcycle page.
https://www.safety.af.mil/Divisions/Occupational-Safety-Division/Air-Force-Rider/
Space Base Delta 3 is home to Space Systems Command (SSC) who is the U.S. Space Force field command responsible for acquiring and delivering resilient war fighting capabilities to protect our nation’s strategic advantage in, from and to space. We manage a $15.6 billion space acquisition budget for the Department of Defense and work in partnership with joint forces, industry, government agencies, academic, and allied organizations to accelerate innovation and outpace emerging threats. Our actions today are making the world a better space for tomorrow.