"The rider is the only nut that connects the control of the handlebars with the power of the engine," according to an expression people might hear from safety-conscious motorcycle enthusiasts.

Sailors in the Motorcycle Safety Program aboard aircraft carrier USS George Washington (CNV 73) have organized numerous resources for crew members to have a safe riding season.

George Washington's Motorcycle Safety Coordinator Chief Hull Maintenance Technician Zachary Whisenant has about 20 years of experience on a wide range of bikes to share with Sailors prepping to ride.

"When you get ready to ride for the season, you have to make sure you do your T-CLOCS," said Whisenant. "T-CLOCS is an inspection list that tells you what to look for with a motorcycle to find out if it's in good condition and safe to operate. The list is organized by tires and wheels, controls, lights and electrics, oil and other fluids, chassis, and stands. You need to go through and verify each one, and the list has everything you need on it."

T-CLOCS is a list produced by the Motorcycle Safety Foundation (MSF) to promote a safe ride by making riders more aware of their motorcycle's condition.

"Riders have to do maintenance," said Whisenant. "They have to do T-CLOCS. That's the best way to do it. If they don't know how to do T-CLOCS, we have it available; any of the local representatives should be able to pull this up. It is also on the MSF website. If they need someone to help them do it because they don't understand how to work on it, that's what our representatives are for. I am a firm believer that anyone who rides should have cognizant knowledge of how to check their vehicle to make sure it is safe. And if they don't, that's part of the reason we have this program."

The ship's departmental representatives manage riders' accountability through documentation, and are a resource for less-experienced riders.

"The role of the departmental motorcycle safety representative is to keep track of all the people who are riding and make sure they are training," said Kristin Givens, motorcycle safety representative for George Washington's aircraft intermediate maintenance department. "We make sure their license, insurance, and registration is up-to-date, and they are being safe while they are out there. I have been riding for four years now. It always helps to be able to understand them on that personal level of 'I have been there.'"

For any Sailor interested in owning and riding a motorcycle, the program provides easy access to information.

"The first step is talk to your departmental representative," said Whisenant. "If you don't know who that is, ask or talk to me. Start the conversation. Once you contact your representative, the first thing we are going to ask is 'Have you gone through the MSF Basic Rider Course?'"

The course, designed for beginner riders, covers how to be a safe rider with classroom time and hands-on riding. New riders learn about the T-CLOCS inspection, target fixation, and other road safety concerns; as well as starting, shifting, and riding.

"I recommend to everyone even remotely interested in motorcycles to take the course," added Whisenant. "They provide the motorcycle. It's three days off work to ride motorcycles, and you are getting paid for it. Take the safety course to see if you actually like riding motorcycles. You are in a controlled environment; give it a shot."

Sailors must make a special request through their chain of command to attend the course, which is only held on weekdays.

"Most accidents happen because people are not paying attention, not riding to road conditions, or they are making unsafe choices," said Whisenant. "If you are riding and there are cars in the other lane, you don't want to be in their blind spot. A lot of times you will have drivers come over into your lane because you are sitting in their blind spot. So, get ahead of them or get behind them. Try to make yourself as visual as possible. Unfortunately, motorcycles are dangerous because drivers aren't looking for them or people are riding beyond their ability."

According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration website, motorcyclists are 27 times more likely to die and six times more likely to be injured while riding than those in motor vehicles. A safe ride takes balance, coordination, and good judgment.

A lot of people think motorcycles are dangerous. Whisenant said he agrees to a point, and emphasized riders who choose not to follow the rules or who drive at excessive speeds are increasing their chances of a mishap.

"If you choose to use good operation risk management, and you are wearing the right gear and you are paying attention to what's going on with your bike, yourself, and the road conditions, it's a very fun sport to get into," said Whisenant.

Whisenant added one more benefit, too.

"It's fun to commute and parking is great," he said.

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