FORT SAM HOUSTON, Texas -- The 264th Medical Battalion held its quarterly motorcycle safety class Oct. 8 and included a ride to the National Museum of the Pacific War in Fredericksburg, Texas.
"We try to have a quarterly motorcycle safety function or ride for experienced riders for the battalion. We had a mass safety class, regardless if they ride," said Cpt. Kenneth Rodriguez, safety officer for the battalion.
"The Army has a big problem with motorcycle accidents, motorcycle fatalities - they have risen and with the economy, a lot of folks are getting motorcycles. We want to make sure that our riders are riding safely, doing the right things, their vehicles are safe and it is an opportunity for us to get out, exercise and do a little bonding," said Lt. Col. Scott Fischer, commander, 264th Medical Battalion, who joined the ride too.
Before the ride each motorcycle was inspected using an inspection checklist called T-Clocs (tires, controls, lights, oil, chassis and stands), the official safety checklist for the Motorcycle Safety Foundation.
"We want to make sure the motorcycles are up to standards," said Rodriguez.
"Events like this bring unit cohesion and camaraderie. I am a new rider, even though I have taken the class, so it helps me out in the long run," said Sgt. 1st Class Elizabeth Escobar, who has been riding for eight months.
"This is also a good way to match our non-experienced riders with the more experienced riders. They can have someone to call when they want to go out and ride and have their battle buddy in their riding experiences," said 264th Medical Battalion Command Sgt. Maj. Anthony Ashford, who joined the ride to Fredericksburg.
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