Motorcycle safety keeps you on the road to success Published June 4, 2008 By 509th Bomb Wing Public Affairs WHITEMAN AIR FORCE BASE, Mo. -- With the temperature rising, many members of Team Whiteman will start to shed some of their heavier clothing, and their cars, and take to the streets on motorcycles and all-terrain vehicles. In 2006, more than 4,900 motorcycle accidents occurred within the United States, making up 8.5 percent of the total number of vehicle accidents that year. According to the Fatality Analysis Reporting System, motorcycle accidents have been on a continual increase since 1994. These high statistics are all the more reason why motorcycle safety is crucial to everyone. There several ways that members of Team Whiteman can help in reducing the above number and keep not only themselves safe, but also others on the road as well. Qualification All military members who want to ride on base must first be interviewed by their commander and supervisor to determine they are riding in accordance with the wing commander's policy. In addition to obtaining a motorcycle endorsement on their license, motorcycle safety foundation training is required for all military members riding street bikes on or off base and on or off duty and all Air Force civilians riding street bikes on base and off base as part of their duties. MSF training is optional but highly encouraged for off duty Air Force civilians, dependents over 18 years old, contractors and retirees. The first course to take before purchasing a bike or riding one is the motorcycle safety foundation basic rider's course. The 509th Bomb Wing ground safety office will pay for military, civilian employees and dependents to attend BRC training. The base contracts with the state of Missouri to train our riders. Missouri Department of Transportation provides motorcycles and helmets to those without bikes. Personal Protective Equipment Riders and passengers riding on base and servicemembers riding off base are required to wear the appropriate personal protective equipment. As the weather starts to turn warmer, all military members need to be aware of the mandatory training and personal protective requirements for motorcycles including all-terrain vehicles, dirt bikes and street cycles. PPE requirements for motorcycles, motor scooters and moped operations on Air Force installations and operation by military personnel off Air Force installations include the following: - Both the operator and any passenger must wear a protective helmet. Helmets must meet, at a minimum, U.S. Department of Transportation standards and be properly worn and fastened. - 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 this requirement. - A brightly colored or contrasting vest or jacket worn as an outer-upper garment during the day and reflective material worn during night riding for both the operator and passenger. BDUs and flight suits alone do not meet this requirement. The upper-outer garment will be clearly visible and not covered. A clearly visible reflective belt is the minimum acceptable reflective material for nighttime riding. - Long-sleeved shirts or jackets, full-fingered motorcycle gloves or mittens and long trousers for both riders should be worn. - Sturdy footwear, such as leather boots or over-the-ankle shoes, is strongly encouraged. Sandals, low quarter sneakers and similar footwear should not be worn. - All riders of off-road motorcycles and ATVs should also wear knee and shin guards and padded full-fingered gloves. Preparation After the long winter, it is important to conduct maintenance checks on the motorcycle. The Motorcycle Safety Foundation recommends the T-CLOCS method. Tires and wheels Tires condition and air pressure Wheels spokes, cast, rims, bearings and seals Brakes function Controls Levers and pedal condition and pivots Cables condition and routing Hoses condition and rouiting Throttle operation Lights Battery condition and vent tube Headlamp condition and aim Tail lamp condition and operation Turn signals operation Mirrors condition and aim Lenses and reflectors condition Wiring condition and routing Oil Levels of engine oil, hypoid gear oil, hydraulic fluid, coolant and fuel Leaks from engine oil, hypoid gear oil, hydraulic fluid, coolant and fuel Chassis Frame condition, steering-head bearings, swingarm bushings Suspension front forks and rear shocks Chain tension, lubrication and sprockets Fasteners threaded, clips and cotter pins Stands Center stand condition and retention Side stand condition and retention For more information or to schedule for a BRC class call the 509th Bomb Wing Safety Office at 687-6929.