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Team Fairchild implements motorcycle safety

  • Published
  • By Staff Sgt. Veronica Montes
  • 92nd Air Refueling Wing Public Affairs
FAIRCHILD AIR FORCE BASE, Wash. --  It's that time of year again when motorcyclists are back on the roads, and Team Fairchild safety officials want to remind everyone to be safe this season and inform bikers on the newest policy changes.

In the Air Force there were 79 fatalities from fiscal year 2009 to 2013, and 63 percent involved willful non-compliance with guidance, according to Fairchild safety officials.
According to Bryan Bailey, 92nd Air Refueling Wing ground safety specialist and motorcycle rider, riders are required to operate in a safe, responsible manner. Riders must be aware of the consequences of their decisions and employ risk reduction techniques such as riding within legal limits and not extending past personal abilities and vehicle capabilities.

Currently, Fairchild has a riding population between 250 and 280 riders, and everyone is required to follow the same guidelines and wear the proper equipment when riding on base, and military motorcyclists must follow the same rules off base as well.

Required personal protection equipment for military motorcyclists on or off base and all riders on base includes head protection such as a helmet; eye protection such as goggles, wrap around glasses, or a full-face shield; foot protection includes sturdy over-the-ankle footwear that affords protection for the feet and ankles; and protective clothing, which consists of wearing of long sleeved shirt or jacket, long trousers and full-fingered gloves or mittens is required. Wearing of a motorcycle jacket and pants constructed of abrasion resistant materials is strongly encouraged. Riders should select PPE that incorporates fluorescent colors and retro-reflective material.

Bailey said there are also motorcycle mentorship programs and are available for use on the 92nd Air Refueling Wing Safety SharePoint.

Lt. Col. Jeffrey Wallace, 92nd Air Refueling Wing safety chief, also said there are a lot of local hazards including gravel on the roads, high traffic areas, ruts in the roads from snow tires and the sun setting in certain directions. He also recommended people ride cautiously and abide by the new policy.

According to the new policy, all title 10 military motorcycle riders must register with pass and ID in order to have their license endorsement and have their motorcycle safety foundation training dates entered in the Defense Biometric Identification System Database. Every rider must also register with the Air Force's Motorcycle Unit Safety Tracking Tool.

The 92nd and 141st Wing Safety Offices host the Motorcycle Safety Foundation Basic Rider Course and the Experienced Rider Course for base riders. For sports bike riders, the Wing Safety Offices also hosts the required Air Mobility Command Sports Bike Course. If you are motorcycle owner who requires any of these courses or would like a refresher, please contact your unit motorcycle safety representative to sign up.