Marine Corps Base Hawaii -- Marines with 2nd Battalion, 3rd Marine Regiment’s Motorcycle Mentor Program worked together with the Honolulu Police Department Solo Riders to discuss the importance of safety regarding their mutual interest in two wheels at the Marine Corps Base Hawaii airfield, Aug. 2, 2013.
The HPD Solo Riders, 25 bikes strong, is the motorcycle force of the department’s traffi c division. They are responsible for facilitating the flow of traffic, mainly during peak morning and afternoon hours. The motorcycle officers also escort dignitaries in large events like parades.
Police Officer Joel Warkentin Jr., a motorcycle police officer with HPD who has been riding for approximately 25 years, said the officers in his force conduct a one-month initial training to become a rider, but their training is continuous.
“The learning never stops on our motorcycles,” Warkentin said. “And the more seat time a person has, the more comfortable they will get with riding.”
The motorcycle enthusiasts at the event were treated to perfect riding weather.
Lance Cpl. Ryan Harrison, a rifleman with 2nd Bn., 3rd Marines, and owner of a Yamaha R6 sport bike, said the brief with the officers was informative.
“I learned that these officers don’t take speeding lightly,” said Harrison, a native of Orlando, Fla. “It was good to find out what is legal in this state for motorcycles as far as modifi cations.”
Warkentin told the Marines the worst time to ride is rush hour traffic because more cars on the road means less safe conditions for motorcyclists. The officers showed the Marines some tricks like weaving through cones and how to pick up a fallen motorcycle, which can be difficult considering the weight.
Police Officer Robert Phillips, a sergeant of traffic division, Solo Bike Detail, said the Marines should utilize tools they have learned and apply it to everyday riding.
“If riders use training in situations and increase their awareness, they will lessen the chances of something happening while riding,” Phillips said. “Automatic responses come with training, which puts the percentages in your favor.”
Both officers discussed the importance of paying attention to other vehicles and how motorcyclists should always have an escape route. Riders shouldn’t let themselves get boxed in by other cars or ride behind trucks, since truck drivers can’t see you.
The Marines learned what is legal, like riding without a helmet, and what is illegal in Hawaii.
“It may be legal to split lanes in California, but here it’s illegal,” Warkentin said.
The laws of riding might vary from state to state, but Marines are held to a universal standard of wearing proper protective equipment at all times when operating a motorcycle. Motorcyclists also need to learn how to deal with any type of weather condition, since Hawaii weather can change so quickly.
“Don’t ride in the middle of the road, especially when it’s raining,” Phillips said. “The oil in the road becomes dangerous, causing slick conditions. Riders should increase following speed and awareness.”
The officers told the Marines to utilize the airfield to train since it’s a great area to practice skills.
“You guys have a great opportunity with this area to work on anything, like turning,” Warkentin said. “One way is setting up cones in a tight circle and practice counter steering. Maybe you’ll never need to turn that tightly, but being able to can possibly get you out of a dangerous situation.”