SHAW AIR FORCE BASE, S.C. -- As the temperature begins to change and becomes more tolerable, more motorcycle riders are going to be occupying the road.
As military members, we are held to higher standards of compliance while riding motorcycles and in our everyday lives. To meet these standards, we will need to adhere to training requirements and personal protective equipment requirements mandated by Air Force instructions.
Military members riding motorcycles on and off-base, and Department of Defense civilians riding on base or in performance of their duties off-base will wear the PPE as outlined in AFI 91-207. Dependents, retirees and contractors riding motorcycles on base will also wear the PPE outlined in AFI 91-207:
- A helmet designed to meet or exceed Department of Transportation standards, shall be worn and properly fastened under the chin. The mandatory wear of helmets for motorcycle operation also applies to operators and passengers operating any two-wheeled motor vehicle (mopeds, motor-scooters, pocket-bikes, mini-bikes, electric-bikes, motorized bicycles, motorcycles, etc.) regardless of engine size.
- Goggles, wrap-around glasses, or a full-face shield that is designed to meet or exceed American National Standards Institute Standard Z87.1 .
- Sturdy over-the-ankle footwear that affords protection for the feet and ankles.
- A brightly colored outer-upper garment during the day and a reflective upper garment during the night. The outer-upper garment shall be visible and not covered. Wearing a backpack is authorized if it has brightly colored/reflective properties. Remember, PPE requirements also apply to passengers.
Because the military has a huge investment in all of us, we must be properly trained when we partake in activities such as riding motorcycles. Below is a list of training requirements that must be accomplished before riding a motorcycle:
- According to the Department of Defense and AFI 91-207, all motorcycle riders must complete a Motorcycle Safety Foundation approved motorcycle safety course prior to riding a motorcycle. This applies to both on and off base riding for military members and DOD civilians riding on-base.
- Air Combat Command squadron commanders must conduct one-on-one counseling with all motorcycle riders assigned to their unit, and sign a commanders briefing before the rider can be scheduled for a MSF Course. Commanders must also ensure their riders who have completed training get their ACC Form 15, which is a decal that identifies riders who have completed a MSF course. For most of us, our motorcycles have been in storage for several months. After the long wait for good weather, or if you ride infrequently, it is easy to forget the basics, which include conducting a thorough inspection of your bike before the first ride of the season and conducting pre-ride inspections before each ride.
Make these pre-ride inspections routine. It doesn't have to take more than a few minutes and should be done before every ride. Items to be inspected include, but are not limited to, tire pressure, wheels, brakes, controls, light check, oils and other fluids, chassis for cracks, and kick stand operability.
Riders are their own best defense when it comes to safe motorcycle operations. Remember, motorcycle safety starts with you!