CHARLESTON AIR FORCE BASE, S.C. –
All active-duty sport bike riders will now have to successfully complete a mandatory sport bike specific training course prior to Dec. 1 because the privilege to ride a sport bike on Charleston AFB property is undergoing some significant changes.
The majority of Air Mobility Command motorcycle safety incidents involved a sport bike. In fact, 32 of 38 fiscal year 2006 and 32 of 50 fiscal year 2007 motorcycle mishaps in AMC occurred on a sport bike. In FY07, four out of the last five AMC motorcycle fatalities also involved a sport bike. The really sad story is that Team Charleston has lost two Airmen to sport bike motorcycle mishaps this year.
The statistics don't lie. The increase in sport bike mishaps along with the fact that sport bikes have faster acceleration and are extremely maneuverable prompted AMC to develop a sport bike specific safety course. The AMC sport bike training course was developed through a partnership with a professional European Union Super Bike open class motorcyclist.
Motorcycle safety courses are not new. The Basic Rider Course and Experienced Rider Course, sanctioned by the Motorcycle Safety Foundation, are taught by certified "volunteer" instructors. AFI 91-207 requires riders to complete either the BRC or ERC, depending on experience, before operating a motorcycle on or off base. The 437th Airlift Wing Safety office offers the BRC and ERC on a regular basis.
The course will be required by Dec. 1 will apply to sport bike riders and is a course drivers must have in addition to the already required BRC or ERC course. The riders will have to complete this course prior to riding their sport bike on Charleston AFB to include the Hunley Park military family housing area and other property under the jurisdiction of Charleston AFB.
Charleston AFB sport bike riders who are at a temporary duty location or deployed prior to Dec. 1 will have 30 days to complete the sport bike course after they return and complete their reconstitution time (if applicable). New active duty arrivals and new sport bike owners will have 30 days to complete the training after arriving at Charleston AFB or purchasing a sport bike if they have not previously completed the AMC sport bike course.
The sport bike course applies to the following sport bikes: sport, adventure sport, naked sport, and sport touring.
Motorcycle safety is not just about taking a safety course. Commanders must identify, become involved with and monitor their motorcycle riders. Talking with them about safety and professionalism as well as promoting mentorship between experienced and less experienced riders can have a positive impact. Team Charleston can't afford to lose another Airman to a motorcycle mishap.
The 437 AW Safety office currently has eight classes scheduled during November. Contact them at 963-5601 or 963-5598 for course information, registration and any questions.