Motorcycle safety training still available

  • Published
  • By Mark Wyatt
  • 66th Air Base Group Public Affairs
HANSCOM AIR FORCE BASE, Mass. --  The Air Force has had 10 motorcycle related fatalities since the beginning of this fiscal year. Two of those fatalities have occurred since the start of the Critical Days of Summer campaign.

In an attempt to prevent others, the 66th Air Base Group Safety officials encourage Airmen to factor risk management in everything they do on and off duty. "We're halfway through the critical days of summer campaign which is an important milestone since we've historically seen an upsurge in fatalities in the second half of the season," said Shelly Kelley, 66th Air Base Group Safety specialist. "Whether riding a motorcycle, competing in a triathlon, water skiing or relaxing at the pool, have the right gear and the right mindset."

With motorcycle riding in full swing, Airmen should know that operating a motorcycle is among the most dangerous activities to participate in.

"The Air Force requires training for all motorcyclists, as stated in AFI 91-207, and risk management techniques provide a rider the means to ensure all safety precautions are taken to include proper personal protective equipment," said Galen Williams, 66th Air Base Group Safety director.

Williams would like all members of the Hanscom community to play a part in motorcyclists remaining safe while riding.

A "Basic Rider Course," "Basic Rider Course 2" and an "Advanced Rider Course" are now available free to active duty Air Force personnel assigned to Hanscom, active duty military personnel at tenant units as well as active duty personnel assigned to local colleges who are administered by Hanscom.

The three training sessions are mandatory for all military motorcycle riders assigned to Hanscom, Kelley said.

The Air Force requires riders who purchase a motorcycle to attend the "Basic Rider Course 1" before riding on or off base.

"After completing the 'Basic Rider Course 1' to receive their license, then 60 days to one year after that initial course, they are required to complete the intermediate training, and there are two courses we offer for intermediate training," Kelley said. "For sport bike riders, they must attend the 'Advanced Rider Course,' while non-sport bike riders must attend the 'Basic Rider Course 2' or the 'Advanced Rider Course.'"

She went on to say that riders then must attend a refresher training session every five years. For those interested in attending the "Advanced Rider Course," Kelley said only one session remains this riding season, scheduled Aug. 26 at Pease Air National Guard Base in New Hampshire.

The "Basic Rider Course 2" will be offered twice more this season. Classes are offered in Massachusetts through the end of September.

To register for a course, active duty Airmen must first speak with their unit motorcycle coordinator to be entered into the tracking tool. Members then must have a documented briefing with their commander, and an annual safety briefing, before registering with the Safety Office.

In addition, Air Force Instruction 91-207 and Department of Defense Instruction 6055.04 require that motorcycle operators and their passengers wear proper protective clothing while operating on a military installation; this applies to both military and civilians. The protective clothing requirement is the same for military personnel off the installation.

Kelley reminds motor vehicle operators that a motorcyclist is much more vulnerable than a passenger vehicle occupant in the event of a crash. Research from Department of Transportation's National Highway Traffic Safety Administration shows that, per vehicle mile traveled, motorcyclists are more likely to die in traffic crashes than occupants in an automobile.

For further information about motorcycle safety or to register for a motorcycle safety course, contact the safety office at 781-225-5584.

Base motorcycle operators are encouraged to visit the Air Force Rider website or Department of Defense Rider website for additional safety-related information.