Arlington, Virginia - (April 27, 2010) – On Friday, May 7th and Saturday, May 8th 2010, the Army Secretariat will host the fourth annual Pentagon Motorcycle Safety Event. The event, which will be held in the North Parking Lot of the Pentagon, is the only Joint Services motorcycle event focused exclusively on safety.
Acting as a launch pad for Motorcycle Safety Month, the event serves as an example for similar efforts to be conducted Department of Defense (DoD) wide at installations and commands throughout the month of May. “This is an important event on many levels,” said Mark Atkins, Assistant for Safety at US Army Headquarters, “It not only launches Motorcycle Safety Month but also demonstrates the DoD’s commitment to motorcycle safety and is a significant reminder to all branches of the military that motorcycle safety, and on a larger level, Operational Risk Management, is to be taken seriously.”
The event, and the activities surrounding it, provide a unique opportunity to showcase a variety of motorcycle related safety messages while creating an atmosphere where military motorcyclists can enjoy themselves and reinforce riding skills that may save their life.
Headlining the event will be the United States Marine Corps’ Semper Ride; an ongoing motorcycle safety campaign that includes a High Definition film, professional rider appearances, live freestyle demonstrations, Personal Protection Equipment displays, public service announcements and a website with rider forums. “We are proud to be part of the Pentagon Motorcycle Safety Event. It is a great opportunity to showcase the Semper Ride message to an audience outside of the Marine Corps,” stated Semper Ride Executive Producer Jim Conway. “The Marines have been leading the way when it comes to motorcycle safety and their efforts will be on full display at this event.” As part of Semper Ride, professional riders Red Bull athlete Tommy Clowers, Myles Richmond, and Destin Cantrell will be performing in the Red Bull TNT Freestyle Motocross demonstrations. In addition, stunt rider and Semper Ride spokesman Chris “Teach” McNeil will be on location and performing several street freestyle shows over the two-day event. Following each demonstration the riders will be signing autographs and interacting with attendees.
The Department of Defense has identified privately owned vehicle accidents and fatalities as the number one accidental loss area. Additionally, the Joint Service Safety Council has identified motorcycle safety and training as the number one non-combat safety concern in the Armed Forces. Events like this coupled with initiatives like Semper Ride have had a significant impact on driving down the fatality numbers over the past few years. Through this event, the DoD seeks to raise awareness of the need to ride safely; showcase Defense Department, federal, state, local and industry safety initiatives; and be an active citizen within our National Capital Region community.
In addition to Semper Ride, the two-day expo style event will feature professional riders including Keith Code and riders from the California Superbike School, motorcycle inspections, simulators, clinics and a bike rally from the Pentagon to Mount Vernon. Both military personnel and the general public are encouraged to attend.
For more information about the event please visit http://militarysaferide.com/index.html
About Semper Ride:
In an effort to save lives at home, the Marines Corp Executive Safety Board focused on motorcycle safety with a variety of efforts including an action packed film, Semper Ride. The 60-minute film produced by action sports' top filmmakers features a responsible riding theme, instructional material and mentoring from the motorcycle industry's most talented riders.
Semper Ride educates riders on a wide variety of motorcycle riding disciplines, including motocross, sport bikes, street bikes and dual sport machines. Different riding styles and terrain are reviewed with an emphasis on those who pursue riding motorcycles for sport and thrills; the "high risk population." Renowned instructors, pro riders and other experts explain in detail what each individual bike is intended to do, and how to ultimately become a better rider.
The use of cutting-edge HD cinematography including the Cineflex gyro-stabilized camera mounted to trucks and helicopters offers a "rider's eye view" of the action from the all-star cast. The branded campaign combines the film with events, live motorcycle demonstrations, a website (http://www.semperride.com) public service announcements, and other ongoing programs.
About Strategic Action Solutions
Strategic Action Solutions (SAS) is a general risk management consulting firm specializing in action sports and dynamic risk environments. SAS provides turnkey risk management solutions for companies and organizations looking for a more energetic and entertaining method of delivery than traditional safety messaging. Using today’s successful entertainment and media techniques, SAS has been able to present what were traditionally dry and uninspired safety messages in a new vibrant format that is intended to motivate viewers towards positive behavior changes.
About One Eyed Bird
One Eyed Bird is a lifestyle based marketing and entertainment agency. The company provides brand and campaign management focused on integrating high quality film, events and social media. One Eyed Bird specializes in creating authentic, personal experiences within action sports, outdoor adventure and cause related missions. With credibility among core influencers the company helps build long-term relationships between brands and their audience.