New safety course for DoD sport bike riders

  • Published
  • By Troy Weaver
  • 90th Missile Wing Traffic Safety Manager
F. E. WARREN AIR FORCE BASE, Wyo. --  Air Force Global Strike Command has established a new mandate concerning motorcycle training in 2011. Warren currently offers the Motorcycle Safety Foundation's Beginner Rider Course, mandatory for all active and reserve motorcycle riders. In addition, Department of Defense employees who wish to ride on base must also take this course. The BRC, and the Experienced Rider Course, when available, will be fully funded by the command.

In addition to these courses, the command has mandated riders of sports bikes now attend further training. The Military Sport bike Riders Course, or an equivalent must be offered at all Air Force Global Strike Command bases. This training is the answer to the rising number of sport bike rider fatalities throughout the Air Force and DoD. A sport bike is a light weight, high horsepower motorcycle where the rider leans over the gas tank to drive. These bikes are designed with emphasis on acceleration, cornering and stopping power, have unique handling characteristics separating them from the more traditional motorcycles, often referred to as cruisers.

Warren has partnered with A Brotherhood Active Towards Education of Colorado to provide sport bike trained instructors to bring this important training to the base. Any military personnel who are sport bike riders or DoD civilians who will ride their sport bike on base must attend this additional training. The classes will last one day and will include both classroom and practical exercises with the riders training on their own motorcycles. There is no cost to attend this training.

This advance riders course is a mandatory course in addition to the BRC. Better training makes for safer riders. All military personnel must successfully complete either the MSF, BRC or ERC training prior to riding any motorcycle. The training is offered to dependents and retirees on an as available basis. Supervisors can support better motorcycle safety by affording their subordinates time to take this valuable training. It's a responsibility everyone at Warren shares.

Those wishing to learn more or sign up for classes can contact 90th MW Safety at 773-2430 or contact Troy Weaver at troy.weaver@warren.af.mil