Motorcycle safety 'Critical'

Published June 14, 2013
By Staff Sgt. Abigail Klein
931st Air Refueling Group Public Affairs

MCCONNELL AIR FORCE BASE, Kan. -- In addition to an increase in temperatures, Airmen will also notice an increase in the number of motorcyclists sharing the road at McConnell.

This seasonal trend is one topic that is analyzed as part of the Critical Days of Summer Program by the safety offices here.

"With more than 46 riders at McConnell, it's important for them to utilize basic safety measures on and off base," said MSgt. Felicia Sanders, 931st Air Refueling Squadron manager.

Motorcyclists are 25 times more likely to experience a deadly accident on the road than those riding in cars, according to the U.S. Department of Transportation's National Highway Traffic Safety Administration. Since the Critical Days of Summer began May 31, the Air Force has documented at least three motorcycle fatalities.

To help prevent motorcycle incidents, McConnell Airmen are required to complete a series of approved motorcycle rider courses taught by the safety office here. These free classes are required for all Airmen who ride on the installation. This means Reservists on active duty orders are required to complete these courses, said Sanders.

There are currently three classes available including the Beginner Rider Course, the Experienced Rider Course and the Sports Bike Course.

In addition to riding, the classes educate riders about the correct combination of motorcycle personal protective equipment, said Sanders.

A list of these items is detailed in Air Force Instruction 91-207, Airmen riders must wear the following protective items while riding on the installation:

· Department Of Transportation approved helmet
· Long sleeved shirt or jacked
· Long trousers
· Full-fingered groves or mittens
· Foot and ankle protection
· Riding apparel must be high visibility colors

The list of required equipment is extensive, but experienced riders, like Master Sgt. John Fitzpatrick, 931st Maintenance Squadron Structural Maintenance supervisor, wouldn't ride without it.

"For one thing, it's the law, and it's also just common sense," Fitzpatrick said.

In addition to detailing PPE, these classes can provide new insight for experienced riders, like Fitzpatrick, who has been an active rider for more than 35 years.

"I learned stuff that I didn't know before, like proper braking and cornering," he said. "It teaches you a lot of aspects a normal rider wouldn't know."

To help reinforce this safe riding culture at McConnell, the 344th Air Refueling Squadron will host a Motorcycle safety ride June 21, 2013, starting at Building 1183 at 9 a.m. The ride will include the distribution base route maps, discuss group riding techniques and proper rules of engagement.

For more information, Airmen should reference Air Force Instruction 91-207, The U.S. Air Force Traffic Safety Program or call the safety office at (316) 759-3216 or contact your unit motorcycle safety representative.