Bikers converge on Peterson for safety lessons, fun Published July 17, 2007 By Corey Dahl 21st Space Wing Public Affairs PETERSON AFB, Colo. -- Hogs. Choppers. Crotch rockets. Harleys. Sport bikes. Whatever you want to call them, dozens of motorcycles converged on Peterson for Motorcycle Safety Day and the Club's Hog Wild celebration July 13. Bikers from all of the town's military installations gathered to barbecue, ogle each others' rides and - most importantly - learn some tips on safe riding. Safety organizations from Peterson, Schriever and the Air Force Academy handed out vehicle inspection checklists and talked to servicemembers about safety precautions motorcyclists can take. Several local businesses set up booths with information about where to buy safety gear, get their bikes tuned up or take safe driving classes. "We have a lot of motorcyclists on the base and in the area, so we wanted to bring safety issues to their attention," said Tom Quinn, a member of the 21st Space Wing's Safety Office, which helped organize the event. "It's important to create that awareness so riders can protect themselves." According to Mr. Quinn, Air Force Space Command loses an average of two Airmen every year in motorcycle accidents. And last year alone, the Department of Defense counted 261 traffic-accident fatalities among servicemembers, 94 of which involved motorcycle riders. But, organizers said, their safety message wasn't limited to members of the military. Keith Valenzuela with Wheels in Motion, a driving school that exhibited at the event, said his goal was to encourage safe driving among all bikers and drivers, whatever their profession. "We just wanted to come out to promote safety across the board," he said. "We want everybody who rides to be safe." Tech. Sgt. Chris Clark, an avid motorcyclist, said he's already taken the message to heart. The Airman has participated in safe rider courses through Wheels in Motion, and he credits the knowledge with saving his life on more than one occasion. "I've had a couple close calls, where, if I hadn't taken that class, I probably would have spent a week in the hospital," Sergeant Clark said. "Anybody who rides needs to be careful." Comment on this story.