Warren Airmen prepare for safe motorcycle riding Published May 12, 2011 By Senior Airman Daryl Knee 90th Missile Wing Public Affairs F. E. WARREN AIR FORCE BASE, Wyo. -- Air Force Global Strike Command recognizes May as motorcycle safety month. As such, awareness efforts have increased to educate F. E. Warren motorcyclists on techniques for sharing the roadway with larger vehicles. The 90th Missile Wing Safety Office offers tips and classes for new and experienced riders alike. "You always hear, 'It's not if, but when' while talking about motorcycle accidents," said 90th MW Traffic Safety Manager Troy Weaver about the state of the world's safety mentality. "Hopefully, we can change this thought process." Basic Rider Course AFSGC Airmen are not authorized to operate a motorcycle until they have completed a Department of Transportation basic rider course, Mr. Weaver said. According to Wyoming's Transportation Department, the basic rider course is designed for those who have little or no riding experience. It contains nearly 20 hours of instruction, both in the classroom and a practical examination. The three-day course takes place Friday from 6 to 10 p.m., and Saturday and Sunday from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. When signed up through the Warren safety office, there is no cost, Mr. Weaver said. WYDOT furnishes the motorcycles and helmets for the course. However, the participant must bring all of the other required safety gear: face shield or eye protection, full-fingered gloves, long-sleeve shirt, pants and over-the-ankle shoes. When available, Warren's safety office does hold its own version of the basic rider course, he continued. If that happens, the course would take place during the week. To register for a course, the participant must complete a registration form and a motorcycle training letter of agreement. Both can be obtained by contacting the 90th MW safety office at 773-2430 or 90mw.se@warren.af.mil. Experienced Rider Course The experienced rider course is designed for those who have three months or more of motorcycling experience or for those who have completed the basic rider course. The course contains about six hours of on-cycle instruction and teaches advanced riding techniques. The motorcycles for this particular course are not furnished by WYDOT, Mr. Weaver said. Students must also possess a valid driver's license with a motorcycle endorsement, and the motorcycle used must be insured and pass all safety inspections. Preparing to Ride Before driving a motorcycle after an extended storage period, owners should check the operating essentials, Mr. Weaver said. Just like any other vehicle - if not driven for an entire winter, some systems can become faulty or damaged. The most important item to check is the tire pressure, he continued. "Riding a motorcycle comes down to you, the road and rubber," he said. "Good tire pressure is a must. If you pop a tire due to low tire pressure, it's going to be a bad day." Other items to check include oil pressure, clutch and brake fluid, chain or belt tension, the gear shifter, and headlights and taillights. "Don't just hop on your bike and ride off," he cautioned. For an all-inclusive checklist for motorcycle preparation, e-mail troy.weaver@warren.af.mil. Off base For service members, the same protective equipment is required both on and off a military installation. While all are encouraged to maintain safety standards on and off duty, on-the-spot corrections or anonymous phone calls to the safety office may help increase motorcycle safety awareness as a whole. "If you notice someone without the proper protection, correct them," Mr. Weaver said. "Be a good wingman -- these common-sense rules add to the safety of our people." Wyoming Weather The Wyoming weather does affect motorcycle use, Mr. Weaver said. The state's high average wind speed can push motorcyclists off of the road. "Depending on the model of the motorcycle you're driving, wind can make a huge difference," he said. "Some have spaces between the frame and the engine -- allowing wind to easily travel through the motorcycle. Others, like sportsbikes, have no place for the wind to go through. "It will push or move you," he said. Wyoming's summer rainstorms can make riding a motorcycle difficult as well. "Helmets don't have windshield wipers," he said with a laugh. "If you notice a rainstorm approaching, go ahead and wait it out. If you do have to drive in the rain, remember that hydroplaning on a motorcycle is different than in a vehicle -- you don't slide sideways in a motorcycle [you crash]." Statistics According to the National Safety Council, fatalities involving motorists and motorcyclists increased 131 percent between 1998 and 2008. The mileage death rate for motorcyclists in 2007 was 37 times greater than for passenger car occupants. "Throughout spring and summer, the number of motorcyclists on the road will increase," said David Teater, NSC senior director of Transportation Initiatives. "It is important for both motorists and motorcyclists to be aware of one another. To better defend themselves, motorcyclists should follow the rules of the roadway and wear protective gear." Mr. Weaver said there are 308 total motorcyclists at Warren. With gas prices increasing and the weather cooperating, motorists should expect more motorcyclists on the road. End Result "Don't let someone else make up your mind," Mr. Weaver said about choosing whether or not to ride a motorcycle. "Even if you have just a slight urge to ride, go ahead and go to the basic driver course. "What do you have to lose?" he asked. "By going, you'll get to experience a motorcycle and find out if riding is really for you." For more information on motorcycle use or motorcycle safety, call the 90th MW safety office at 773-2430. Approved Outerwear The approved outerwear for motorcycle use on F. E. Warren is bright clothing during the daytime and a reflective material at nighttime. If wearing a uniform, a brightly colored or reflective vest or belt must be worn. A uniform by itself does not fulfill the required safety equipment. Leather jackets or vests are approved, as long as they include brightly colored designs or reflective material.