Safety requirements for motorcycles Published April 8, 2013 By Airman 1st Class Katrina Heikkinen 341st Missile Wing Public Affairs MALMSTROM AIR FORCE BASE, Mont. -- After more than two weeks of spring and temperatures reaching 70 degrees, motorcycle enthusiasts are ready to take full advantage of the 2013 riding season. By taking proper safety precautions, remaining alert for hazards and maintaining motorcycle training, Airmen can lower their risk of mishaps and have a fun and safe motorcycle season. "Any Airmen who wants to ride a motorcycle must, at the minimum, attend the basic rider course, sanctioned by either the Motorcycle Safety Foundation or a state accredited course," said Kelly Nathe, 341st Missile Wing traffic safety manager. "From there, they must get an endorsement on a valid state driver's license." In addition to attending the basic rider course, Airmen are now required to do additional training within three to five years of initial training. Air Force Global Strike Command takes it a step further by requiring Airmen to attend the advanced rider course as well. Motorcycle safety courses on Malmstrom are free for all active-duty Airmen. "We hold all three disciplines: the basic rider course, the experienced rider course and the advanced rider course," Nathe said. "The only course we provide all the equipment - personal protective equipment and a motorcycle - is at the basic rider course." Airmen are reminded that the ramifications for failing to complete required motorcycle safety courses can fall under the punitive articles [91 through 134] of the Uniform Code of Military Justice. "If the individual was a military member and was riding a motorcycle off base and were involved in a mishap, the individual can be found liable as well as discharged from the U.S. Armed Forces," he said. The following are required PPE items for Airmen - both on- and off-base: · A DOT- or SNELL-approved helmet · Proper eye protection - windshield does not count · Full-fingered gloves · Over-the-ankle boots or shoes · Brightly-colored outer, upper garments during the day and reflective upper garment during the night While some Airmen like their motorcycles, others are more interested in recreational vehicles such as 4-wheelers, dirt bikes and various ATVs. Airmen are reminded that ATVs are not allowed on base and haven't been since 1996. "If the ATV or dirt bike is taken to and from a person's quarters and to the area of play, [transported by truck or trailer] then a state endorsement is not required," Nathe said. "However, if the ATV or dirt bike is street legalized - which is legal in the state of Montana - and the Airman decides to ride it on a road or highway, then the Airman is required to wear PPE and complete either the Motorcycle Safety Foundation course or a state-accredited course. Although 4-wheelers and dirt bikes aren't motorcycles, they fall under the same category according to the Department of Defense." The only requirement for Airmen riding bicycles and skateboarding is to wear a helmet. "All rules that apply for Airmen on motorcycles, ATVs, bicycles and skateboards also apply to their dependents," Nathe said. "It is the military member's responsibility to brief their dependents. "I've been doing this job for ten years and I've seen snow in every month of the year," Nathe said. "I've seen four to six inches of snow on the 4th of July. Being in a northern-tier state, we're more susceptible to 'freak' snow storms in late spring." Potential riders are encourages to watch out for frost, gravel and other drivers. "Watching out for frost and possible ice in the shaded areas where snow hasn't melted yet is one of the biggest things to look for because of freezing temperatures at night," Nathe said. "Another thing to look for is sand and gravel. Large accumulations are still on the roads and in Great Falls there's going to be pea gravel and sand at all the intersections so motorcycle riders need to use extreme caution. When coming up on a corner, ensure breaking is done before turning. Be mindful of what and how other drivers are doing. Watch out for potholes and Montana wildlife, especially cattle. Before departing on a trip, check fluid levels and make sure the tires have a good tread. Make sure the air pressure is adequate. After a long winter of no driving, consider draining out old gas." Motorcycle safety courses start April 6 and will run every weekend until the last weekend in September. For more information on motorcycle or ATV safety or to sign up for a rider safety course, contact the following unit safety representatives: 341st Contracting Squadron Mary Ball 10th Missile Squadron Tech. Sgt. Jeremy Block 741st Missile Security Forces Squadron Staff Sgt. Kelvin Burns 341st Operations Group Capt. Albert Chaney 341st Security Forces Group Tech. Sgt. Chanda Conger 341st Missile Maintenance Squadron Master Sgt. Kenneth Cullen 341st Logistics Readiness Squadron Staff Sgt. Jeremy Doe 341st Communications Squadron Gary Gebo 341st Comptroller Squadron Airman 1st Class Jason Grigg 40th Helicopter Squadron Tech. Sgt. David Jacobs 490th Missile Squadron Tech. Sgt. Jeremy Kasprak 341st Security Support Squadron Master Sgt. Jason Libman 341st Force Support Squadron Staff Sgt. Ethan Minery 341st Civil Engineer Squadron Master Sgt. Travis Pomeroy 341st Medical Operations Squadron Senior Master Sgt. Robert Powers 341st Munitions Squadron Senior Airman William Spencer 12th Missile Squadron Edgar Ulrich 341st Operations Support Squadron 1st Lt. Jacob Waddy