CHARLESTON AIR FORCE BASE, S.C. –
Want to ride a motorcycle and need to know what is required to obtain this goal legally?
The first step is to obtain a state of residence motorcycle permit or license and make sure the motorcycle is insured. Next, new riders must declare their intent to operate a motorcycle with their unit motorcycle safety representative to schedule mandatory training.
Riders are also required to have a one-on-one interview with their commander before operating a motorcycle. During this interview, the commander must discuss the rider's driving history, riding experience, the local area traffic environment, mishap history and ensure the rider has completed or is scheduled for required training. Barring exceptional circumstances, commanders should ensure riders complete training within 30 days of obtaining a motorcycle.
All military members must complete a Motorcycle Safety Foundation training course. The MSF Basic Riders Course or the Experienced Riders Course meets this requirement. To ride a sport bike, you must also complete the Air Mobility Command Sport Bike Riders Course. Riders must complete a BRC or ERC before taking the SBRC. The same rules apply to civil service employees who wish to ride on the installation or off the installation while on duty.
The maximum number of allowable courses is taught during the summer with far more classes than in the winter. By planning a motorcycle purchase around MSF and SBRC training dates, riders can avoid having to wait to ride. Purchasing a motorcycle and completing required courses in the fall through spring is the most convenient and can save hundreds, if not thousands of dollars by taking advantage of off-season pricing and greater accessibility to required training.
The 437th Airlift Wing commander has granted group and squadron commanders the authority to approve a 30-day temporary permit for licensed motorcyclists awaiting training. This 30-day temporary permit is limited, which allows riding only on base with the exception of riding off base to complete training.
Members are prohibited from carrying passengers while operating under this temporary permit. Infractions of traffic laws, regulations, riding requirements and failure to attend or successfully pass training will result in the immediate revocation of the temporary permit.
A new motorcycle rider identification card is also in development. This card will have the picture of the rider and show the type of motorcycle courses completed. When this requirement is implemented, riders must wear the card in a visible location to gain access to the base. Naval Weapons Station Charleston has implemented the same system with positive results.
MSF training is currently taught on Charleston AFB in the Building 2000 area of the base near the Aero Club. AMC sport bike training is currently taught in front of the Base Exchange. Construction is on-going to build a new motorcycle safety training range on Naval Weapons Station Charleston, and when construction is completed, both the MSF and the sport bike training will be conducted on the new range. The range is scheduled to open no later than October.
MSF courses are scheduled based on their need. To schedule training, call 764-7862 or enroll at www.navymotorcyclerider.com. Web site directions must be followed precisely in order to successfully register.
The SBRC is taught on the first Wednesday of each month. There are a limited number of volunteer SBRC instructors, which limits the number of courses offered. Call 963-5598 to register.