Marines to hold motorcycle safety ride

CHERRY POINT, N.C. (AP) - North Carolina Marines are taking a road trip to promote motorcycle safety.

Marine Corps Air Station Cherry Point's Headquarters and Headquarters Squadron will hold a unit wide motorcycle ride Friday to Cedar Island, N.C.

The 120 mile round trip ride is part of a safety program designed to improve the Marines' basic riding skills. Marines with motorcycles in the unit are required to participate.

Motorcycle safety has become a pressing issue in the Marine Corps. Since 2004, Marine Corps motorcycle-related deaths have risen every year.

During 2006-2008, there were more than 200 motorcycle crashes with 65 fatalities. The Marine Corps found more than 70 percent of the riders had not completed a certified safety course.