Base holds first locally run motorcycle safety course

  • Published
  • By Airman 1st Class Jessica Keith
  • 17th Training Wing Public Affairs
GOODFELLOW AIR FORCE BASE, Texas --  Goodfellow hosted the first ever locally run motorcycle safety course Oct. 6-7 at the recently certified training course on Kickapoo Trail.

Before, all the motorcycle safety courses were taught by a contractor from San Antonio.
The base now has six certified motorcycle safety course instructors who are able to teach both the beginner and experienced rider courses. The instructors are all experienced riders from the base and received their rider coach certifications in June.

The riding course, which was certified in March, is located behind Kickapoo Trail, close to the Fire Academy.

"One of the big changes between having a contractor as an instructor and local riders teaching the course is availability," said Neil Townley, 17th Training Wing ground safety specialist. "This way, our riders know their coaches; they see them around base and know they can always find one of the coaches if they have a question or concern about their motorcycle."

Samuel Spooner, 17th Training Wing Safety Chief said vehicle mishaps and fatalities are the single greatest cause of service member's loss of life and of those, motorcycle mishaps are statistically more fatal so the importance of educating the Wing's 244 motorcycle riders on motorcycle safety cannot be overstated.

"The whole purpose behind the training here is to teach our riders how to drive in a safe, controlled manner," Spooner said. "Even experienced riders need to continually refresh themselves on their skills. These two courses give our riders that opportunity as well as a place to share their experiences and knowledge with newer riders."

Kevin Groff, Motorcycle Safety Foundation RiderCoach, led the course over the weekend and said having local instructors will allow for more motorcycle safety courses to take place throughout the year.

"Since we don't have to worry about getting someone from San Antonio, we can make the classes more regular," he added. "We want to set up a schedule where a class is offered every month, alternating between the beginner and experienced rider courses."

The new course schedule is slated to begin with the new year. For more information contact your Unit Motorcycle Safety representative or the 17th Wing Safety Office.