WRIGHT-PATTERSON AIR FORCE BASE, Ohio -- As spring time approaches, so does the fever. This is not the fever associated with the flu, but the thrill of the ride. That’s right, it is motorcycle season and many will be taking to their bikes this spring. Those 445th Airlift Wing military riders wishing to replace the four wheels with two or three must adhere to certain rules and regulations.
Motorcycle safety training, available through off-base sources, is required for all military personnel prior to riding a motorcycle. The course must be paid for initially by the military member and then the cost of the course is reimbursed through a process with the 88th Air Base Wing Safety Office. While the state of Ohio makes helmet use optional, military riders are required to follow Air Force Instruction 91-207, which prescribes the following personal protective equipment be used: helmet (DOT), eye protection, long sleeved shirt or jacket, long trousers, full fingered gloves, sturdy over the ankle footwear. High visible or retro-reflective outer garments are encouraged.
Riders should perform a detailed inspection of their motorcycle after taking it out of winter storage. This inspection should include fluid levels, belt/chain condition, battery, tires, etc. The inspection process should not end with this preliminary inspection; riders should be conducting a pre-ride inspection before getting on the motorcycle every time. A good guide for use during inspections is the T-CLOCK (T; Tires; C: Controls; L: Lights; O: Oil; C: Chassis; K: Kickstand) system developed by Motorcycle Safety Foundation.
Military members new to the 445th Airlift Wing should see Master Sgt. Rick Little, 445th Airlift Wing occupational safety manager, Tech. Sgt. James Lide, 445th Airlift Wing motorcycle safety program manager, or their unit level motorcycle safety representative to ensure they are entered into the Air Force Motorcycle Unit Safety Tracking Tool (MUSTT). Civilian riders are not required to be tracked in this system unless motorcycle operation is listed in their job description.
Operators of cars and trucks play a vital role in motorcycle safety. As the weather continues to improve, the number of motorcycles will increase. Do your part and look twice before pulling out. Be aware of the motorcyclist.
Wright Patterson Air Force Base will conduct a base Motorcycle Safety Day on May 20, 2016, beginning at 9 a.m. at the National Museum of the U.S. Air Force. This will include the mandatory pre-season brief. Please contact the safety office at 937-656-3972 for more information.