Fuel prices force many US soldiers in Europe to motorcycles

According to one salesman at the Grafenwöhr exchange, the sales of Harley-Davidsons are up 200% over the last few months.

But more untrained motorcycles riders, means more accidents. 25 soldiers died on their motorcycles in Europe so far this year, compared to 13 the whole of last year. The military command are now worried. Senior officers are looking at imposing stricter controls and training. For example, they want to start a mandatory training course in spring for all, since motorcycles usually are stored during winters in Germany.

US Marines who buy a motorcycle (even privately) must register them with their commander according to a new regulation. If not, they face punishments. This way, the officers can see if all soldiers are obeying their rules that states that everyone must follow a basic training, have insurance and wear protective clothing. The Marines is currently the only unit in the US Military that requires mandatory registration of their motorcycles.

So on one hand, soldiers are being introducing to the pleasures of motorcycling, but on the other hand, many are facing deadly or crippling accidents.