What's new for the ACC motorcyclist?

Combat Edge, May-June, 2008 by Percy Adams

Keeping up with changes is probably the hardest thing to do. For years everything has been the same and then all of a sudden it seems all of these changes came out of nowhere or at least it seems that way. The recent changes in the Department of Defense (DoD) and the Air Force has driven changes within ACC.

It all started with the elimination of the DoD vehicle decal that had been around for years, decades even, and then it was gone overnight. The elimination of the DoD decal did not cause a problem except for commander's needing to ensure only qualified motorcyclists ride on base. ACC has devised a base sticker that will recover this check and balance. The base safety office will obtain ACC Form 15 (motorcycle sticker) and notify unit safety monitors once they have them. Procedures for distributing the form to the motorcyclist through the unit safety/motorcycle representative or to the motorcyclist will be established.

DoD and Air Force policy states personnel must receive motorcycle training before they can ride a motorcycle. ACC allows for an individual to ride their motorcycle back and forth to motorcycle training if it will be used in the class.

Motorcycle Safety Foundation (MSF) training is not required when a motorcycle has three wheels either as a trike or with a side car. However, once the sidecar is removed, training is required. Personal protective clothing has been spelled out in AFI 91-207. The ACC supplement to AFI 91-207 has identified the requirement for one-on-one briefing from the unit commander as being mandatory before military motorcyclists can ride on or off base. All motorcycle and rider information is required to be maintained by the unit safety or motorcycle representative for each unit.

It is never too early to think about getting ready for spring on your motorcycle. As you repair or replace batteries, lights, tires, spark plugs, or trim parts don't forget about you the rider tune-up:

* Look at your personal riding gear, is it in good repair?

* Does it meet current Air Force requirements?

* Do you know the rules for riding on and off-base?

* Do you have a safe area where you can practice basic motorcycle maneuvers?

I would never tell you not to look out for the other guy, but I will tell you that in most cases, the other guy is you! Air Force and ACC mishap facts are all about the rider ... exceeding safe speeds to include maximum posted speed limits; ignoring posted traffic signs/road markings all cost them their life!

Wearing all required safety gear does not mean you are immune when it comes to hitting another vehicle or the ground.

* Too fast is too fast when you cannot stop in time

* Too fast is too fast when you cannot stay in your own lane

* Too fast is too fast when you cannot make the turn or curve

* Don't live your life too fast. Slow down and you might enjoy your life longer

by Mr. Percy Adams, Barksdale AFB, La.