Spring into motorcycle safety Published March 25, 2010 By Senior Airman Tong Duong 17th Training Wing Public Affairs GOODFELLOW AIR FORCE BASE, Texas -- With spring around the corner and the weather warming up, some may feel the urge to polish up their chrome and wipe down their tins for a quick spin down the block or around town. This may seem like a good idea for those who have operated a motorcycle on a constant basis, but the 17th Training Wing safety office advises new riders, or those who've taken a couple months hiatus, to heed caution before jumping on their bikes. "Experienced cyclists may have learned from experience that they too can forget basic riding skills even after taking a short time off, let alone a beginning rider," said Tech. Sgt. James Fountain, 17 TRW safety office specialist. "Last year alone, there were 55 motorcycle related fatalities in the Air Force and just recently we lost a Soldier not far from the base." Operating a motorcycle is a choice some military members take and the safety office is working with organizations on base to spread the word. "Sergeant Fountain attended the Green Knights, Military Motorcycle Club meeting at the Events Center to try and spread the word regarding safety on and off base," said Army Capt. David Mathew, 344th Military Intelligence Battalion, Bravo Company commander. "I think he is doing a good job, but we may not be reaching some of our target audience. Just recently we lost a Soldier, Pfc. Jeremey Whitfield, who's death is still under investigation, we must work with other agencies to help spread the word and quite possibly save a life." Captain Mathew is a motorcyclist and member of the Green Knights here. The organization works with wing safety and security forces to advocate safe riding on and off base. According to studies, it requires approximately 2,500 individual skills to operate a motorcycle, Sergeant Fountain noted. "I think for beginning riders and those who've not ridden in a while, it is advisable to take advantage of the $160 beginners rider course or $75 experienced rider course; all courses are free for military. Topics and hands-on instructions covered in the two-day course can one day literally help save your skin one day," he said. 344th MIB and Green Knights MMC members will honor Private first class Whitfield's memory with a motorcycle ride and luncheon tomorrow at 9:45 a.m., and kickstands up at 10 a.m. Riders will meet at the Town and Country gas station on the corner of Sherwood Way and Sunset Drive. Riders who wish to participate are welcome to join. Arrive early for a safety brief. For more information, visit the web site http://texasgreenknights.org/gk64/event_2.html or contact gk64@suddenlink.net. To legally operate a motorcycle, riders must first attend a basic motorcycle rider's course (which is free for military) have a current license, insurance and registration for the bike. All military personnel (operators and passengers) must also wear the following on and off the installation, and civilians must wear while on the installation: · An approved helmet (DOT, Snell) with impact resistant · Goggles, eye protection or a helmet with a full face shield · A brightly colored upper garment as an outer garment during the day and must be reflective at night (outer garment will be clearly visible and not covered) · Long Pants · Long-sleeved shirt or jacket · Full-fingered gloves or mittens · Sturdy over-the-ankle footwear (durable athletic shoes that cover the ankles may be worn.) Sandals, low quarters sneakers and similar footwear are not acceptable when operating a motorcycle or riding as a passenger. · Wearing a backpack is authorized as long as it has brightly colored properties during the day, reflective properties at night. For more information on the beginners or experienced riders course, contact your unit motorcycle representative or call (325) 644-3895.
