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Sports bike season around the corner

  • Published
  • By Staff Sgt. JT May III
  • 92nd Air Refueling Wing Public Affairs
FAIRCHILD AIR FORCE BASE, Wash. --  In 2006 a young, experienced dirt bike rider decided to follow his friends and purchase a brand-new sports bike equipped with a 998cc, liquid-cooled, inline four-cylinder engine. He had the bike for roughly four months without incident, but after a tiresome 64-hour work week at a fire equipment store, he planned a relaxing bike-riding weekend with friends that ended abruptly and tragically.

Just as he had done many times before, he jumped on his 368-pound bike, donned his safety gear and began to ride. About thirty minutes into the ride, he hit a pebble and lost control. Swerving at more than sixty miles per hour, the rider crashed into a telephone pole. The impact killed the rider instantly. The young man's life likely could have been saved if he had the proper training prior to buying and opening the vehicle.

This scenario is becoming a prevalent reality among members throughout the Air Force today. In fiscal year 2005, six Air Mobility Command members died in motorcycle accidents, while thirty-five were injured while riding.

Last year AMC witnessed eighteen fatalities due to motorcycle accidents -- a three-fold increase in casualties over 2005. As a result, AMC took the bull by the horns and instituted mandatory sports bike training for their bases.

"The majority of all motorcycles deaths and injuries occur on sports bikes," said Mark Rupert, 92nd Air Refueling Wing grounds safety manager.

The AMC sports bike training is designed to familiarize riders with their bikes, while enhancing the competence and judgment of operators.

Furthermore, all motorcycle operators must comply with the requirements of AFI 91-207, the U.S. Air Force Traffic Safety Program, prior to registering a motorcycle as required by AFI 31-204, Air Force Motor Vehicle Traffic Supervision.

The goal of the sports bike training program is to provide riders with the opportunity to further refine their riding strategy and skills, thereby reducing the risks associated with operating a sport bike.

"We're teaching our members the limits of their motorcycle, environment and their own skills while teaching life-saving techniques that they can utilize on and off duty," said Tech. Sgt. Faith Fix, 92nd Air Refueling Wing grounds safety apprentice.

Riding a motorcycle is an activity that many Air Force members will pursue here in the upcoming months as the weather improves. Just remember, sports bikes are de-tuned race bikes and many are capable of going two hundred miles an hour. In the hands of properly trained bike riders, motorcycle riding can be an exciting pastime; however, in untrained hands, motorcycles can be a volatile weapon.

This week, four sports bike instructor candidates are learning how to teach the new eight hour sports bike training class. Once certified, sports bike training should be available once or twice a month. Please contact your unit safety representative or the wing safety office at 247-2141 for further details.