YONGSAN GARRISON, South Korea — Motorists entering some Area II installation gates Tuesday morning were met with poster-board signs featuring a motorcyclist decked out in full safety gear.

The signs, which were distributed Monday afternoon, are part of a safety campaign designed to ensure riders are wearing the required gear, according to an Area II news release.

Col. Ron Stephens, Area II commander, announced a policy earlier this summer that denies installation access to anyone failing to follow the safety guidelines.

Gate guards easily can point to the sign to highlight deficiencies, according to the release.

The required gear includes:

A properly fastened approved helmet that meets Department of Transportation standards.Eye protection (clear goggles or a face shield attached to the helmet).Full-fingered gloves.Long pants.A long-sleeved shirt or jacket.Leather boots or over-the- ankle shoes.A high-visibility retro-reflective vest (one that reflects oncoming lights).“The policy is generally the same, with the exception of the power to enforce the proper wear of personal protective equipment,” Area II Safety Officer Jeff Hyska stated in the release. “I hope the signs will help people to understand the policy.”

And now that the signs are posted, the contracted security guards will start denying access to those not following regulations, according to the release.

“Basically, this well help ensure a rider’s safety while on post,” Hyska stated in the release.

Local motorcyclist Bob Soska thinks any sort of move to enforce compliance helps curb the sandal-wearing bandits — both on and off base.

He also believes the base could enforce even stricter guidelines.

“Personally, I think the older bicycle vest is outdated and obsolete — as well as riding with a long-sleeve shirt to cover the arms,” he stated in an e-mail to Stars and Stripes on Tuesday. Riders should wear leather protection — and over-the- ankle boots at all times — or face “failure,” he said.

“That is a personal choice all of us must make when we mount our scoots,” he said. “I support safe, and responsible riding at all times.”

The rules, he said, are a positive move in the right direction that are “long overdue.”

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