Whiteman rides for motorcycle safety day

Published June 1, 2011
By Heidi Hunt
509th Bomb Wing Public Affairs

WHITEMAN AIR FORCE BASE, Mo. -- The Air Force named 2011 the Year of Motorcycle Safety and this Air Force Global Strike Command base helping Airmen build a strong riding relationship and re-emphasize public safety to Team Whiteman members.

The 509th Bomb Wing Safety Office hosted the motorcycle safety day at the Army National Guard Armory May 26 and more than 50 individuals were in attendance to promote motorcycle safety and mentorship.

"This year, we are asking every commander, every rider, and the rest of our Air Force family to get focused and committed to motorcycle safety," said General Philip M. Breedlove, United States Air Force Vice Chief of Staff, in a letter to Airmen.

Staff Sgt. William Brady, 509th Maintenance Squadron hydraulics specialist and six-year instructor for motorcycle courses in Warrensburg, Mo., said the day was a success and everyone had a good time.

"The real success is achieved if participants learned new skills or took away valuable life saving information," Sergeant Brady said.

The day included many safety aspects and showed riders how to properly wear clothing and gear which Whiteman motorcycle riders must wear while driving on-base. Other safety aspects included motorcycle competitions, range exercises, a maintenance area and a cornering class where participants were taught and practiced proper turns.

"We let people practice at the range because a lot of people may forget how they are supposed to do it after the mandatory classes," Sergeant Brady said. "Instructors want to encourage all riders to develop good riding habits to foster a positive traffic safety culture."

After the course and burger burn lunch, many of the motorcyclists rode to the Veterans Cemetery in Higginsville, Mo., to clean veteran's graves and post flags for Memorial Day -something the riders do every year, according to Sergeant Brady.

"Our goal for Team Whiteman was to have fun and also remember that anything can happen while out on the open road," said Mr. Max Lafferty, 509th BW ground safety representative. "Motorcycle Safety Day is about refreshing and building on the skill-set riders have already acquired over the years."

Those who are new to riding motorcycles should plan to complete the basic rider course hosted by the 509th BW in Warrensburg, Mo. This course is offered twice a month, now through October and space is limited to 11 individuals. Those interested should contact their unit motorcycle safety representative for details.

Also offered is an experienced rider course at the same location. Twelve courses are offered during the year. The experienced rider course provides the rider skills in the braking and handling of their bikes, according to Lt. Col. Michael Jurries, 131st Bomb Wing chief of safety.

There are nine courses offered now through August.

Additionally, AFGSC has provided funds this year to sponsor a unique opportunity for 509th BW members offering an advanced rider course on a closed track at Rolling Wheels in Kansas City, Mo.

"This is a fantastic opportunity for our experienced sport bike riders to 'push the envelope' in a controlled environment and become more proficient with their high performance machines," Colonel Jurries said. "The Wing depends on these experienced riders to be mentors to our young Airmen and beginner riders."

"Motorcycles are not able to be seen as clearly as vehicles - they only have two-points of stability instead of four, so it's easier for them to fall over and injure themselves and their bikes," Sergeant Brady said. "There are safer ways to be seen by drivers and there are ways to make yourself more stable, so we have less accidents; therefore less losses for our military.

"We want Airmen to enjoy the activity, but to always keep safety in mind," Sergeant Brady said.

For questions regarding these safety requirements, course offerings and suggestions, contact ground safety shop at (660) 687-7233.