OUTLAW MOTORCYCLES? Published Sept. 29, 2009 By Terry Green Cleveland, OH Via e-mail -- I read the article "Run Over by Car ... Twice!" (May/June 2009 issue of Torch, page 4) and had to shake my head. It's great that the Airman used his protective gear and miraculously survived the accident. And it's also nice that he claims he's going to take a break from motorcycle riding "to let his body heal and give his family a break from the worry." But a larger issue has to be addressed. Why does the military allow its members to ride motorcycles in the first place? I don't know how many stories I've seen over the years on the different services "bragging" about how they invest millions of dollars to train individuals in various professions to become the best military in the world. Why not protect that investment? Make military members sign an agreement that in exchange for all that expensive training, they can't get on a motorcycle. I realize that this will sound like an extreme measure to many people, but organizations like the National Basketball Association make many of their professional athletes sign such agreements. And the players stand to lose pay and benefits if they break the terms of their contract. Yes, I realize this suggestion will probably never grow roots in the military, but it pains me to see so many young troops getting hurt or killed on motorcycles.