Motorcycle safety: high priority at Fairchild

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Capt. Ryan Petersen displays proper wear of protective motorcycle equipment at Fairchild Air Force Base, Wash., May 13, 2013. Riders on base are required to wear helmets, goggles and reflective and/or brightly colored clothing. Petersen is the 92nd Operations Group executive officer. (U.S. Air Force photo by Senior Airman Taylor Curry)

Motorcycle safety: high priority at Fairchild

Published May 14, 2013
By Senior Airman Taylor Curry
92nd Air Refueling Wing Public Affairs

FAIRCHILD AIR FORCE BASE, Wash. -- The snow is gone. The sun is shining. It is time to bring the motorcycles out again.

Motorcycle safety is a serious matter and should always be a top priority for all riders on base. There are specific requirements for all riders to wear safety equipment when riding on and off base, in and out of uniform.

Equipment requirements for riders of motorcycles, motor scooters and mopeds on base include:

Safety Helmet: A helmet must be worn properly by both the operator and passengers with the chinstrap fastened, both on and off base for active duty military. Always check and make sure the helmet meets the U.S. Department of Transportation standards; the helmet should be labeled inside and out.

Safety Goggles: Both the operator and any passenger must wear impact resistant goggles, wrap-around glasses or a full-face shield on their helmet. A motorcycle windshield alone does not meet the requirement for proper eye protection.

Safety Clothing: Drivers and passengers must wear long-sleeved shirts or jackets, full-fingered motorcycle gloves or mittens, knee and shin guards, long pants and sturdy footwear such as leather boots. Sandals should never be worn when operating a motorcycle. In addition, a brightly colored or contrasting vest or jacket worn as an outer-upper garment during the day and reflective material worn during night for both the operator and passenger must be visible. Uniforms are not considered brightly colored or reflective.

"The Air Force has experienced 23 motorcycle fatalities in the past year," said Tech. Sgt. Robert Ellender, 92nd Air Refueling Wing ground safety apprentice. "The motorcycle courses taught on-base give Airmen the tools they need to deal with the challenging environment they will likely face when they ride on the road."

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.