Safety, training crucial to riding motorcycles

  • Published
  • By Senior Airman Leah Young
  • 62nd Airlift Wing Public Affairs
JOINT BASE LEWIS-MCCHORD, Wash. --  As McChord Field eases into motorcycle season, the safety office urges the 187 motorcycle riders throughout the 62nd Airlift Wing to remember that safety is the number one priority.

"A motorcycle does not afford the same physical protection as an automobile," said Lt. Col. Jason King, 62nd AW chief of safety. "Even at slow speeds, a motorcycle mishap can permanently disable or kill a rider in the blink of an eye."

Prior to riding a motorcycle, servicemembers must attend and complete required motorcycle training. In accordance with Department of Defense Instruction 6055.04, "DOD Traffic Safety Program," an appropriate Motorcycle Safety Foundation course must be taken.

Another option to fulfill the requirement is taking a course endorsed by the Deputy Under Secretary of Defense for Installations and Environment and has a state-approved curriculum for motorcycle operator's safety training.

"Airmen need to remember it's required for them to inform their supervisor if they're riding a motorcycle," said Barry Jones, 62nd AW safety office assistant chief of ground safety. "Also, they're required to take a mandatory basic rider's course."

Joint Base Lewis-McChord basic rider's courses are conducted free of charge approximately six times per month. Members of JBLM can sign up for the class through their unit motorcycle safety representatives.

"Motorcycles are provided during the basic course," said Jones. "So, even if you're just thinking about buying a motorcycle, it would be wise to try out the basic course first. There's also an additional mandatory course for Airmen owning sport bikes."

Active duty military members who ride motorcycles are required to wear a long sleeve upper outer garment, long pants, full fingered gloves, sturdy footwear and eye protection; a windshield on the motorcycle does not constitute proper eye protection. These requirements are outlined in Air Force Instruction 91-207, "Air Force Traffic Safety Program."

"We just want everyone to remember their training and use common sense," said Jones. "Don't let speed get the best of you."

For more information, Airmen should contact the 62nd AW safety office at 253-982-5325.