More soldiers in Europe riding motorcycles to save on gas

[unhappycamper]

More soldiers in Europe riding motorcycles to save on gas
By Seth Robson, Stars and Stripes
European edition, Saturday, May 17, 2008

GRAFENWÖHR, Germany — A spike in gas prices has led to a hike in young soldiers riding motorcycles in Europe, say Army officials who want to boost motorcycle safety programs.

"Riders have increased rapidly lately," U.S. Army Garrison Grafenwöhr safety specialist Bob McGaffin said Tuesday at Camp Kasserine.

Throughout Europe, the number of motorcycles registered by U.S. Army Europe has remained relatively steady in the past three years despite a drop in the number of soldiers in Germany. In 2006, 3,184 motorcycles were registered.

Today, there are 3,125 motorcycles registered, even though there are some 15,000 fewer soldiers.

McGaffin said he believes the higher gas prices are a factor in the increase in military motorcyclists.


Rest of article at: http://www.stripes.com/article.asp?section=104&article=54865