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NEWS | April 25, 2007

Motorcycle Safety Program up and running

By Master Sgt. Jeffrey Phipps 437th Civil Engineer Squadron

Ten new Motorcycle Safety Foundation RiderCoaches were recently certified to conduct Basic and Experienced Rider Courses for the base.
Stuart Wyatt, 437th Airlift Wing ground safety manager, was among members from several base units that received their training and certification.

"Col. Glen Joerger, 437th Airlift Wing commander, emphasizes the fact that our Airmen are our most precious asset," said Mr. Wyatt. "Air Mobility Command has had a couple of bad years when it comes to motorcycle fatalities. We held this course in an effort to stem that tide and provide vital training to our folks free of charge."

Up until now, the base had two RiderCoaches and no suitable training range. According to Mr. Wyatt, the old range wasn't large enough for the task and no longer met the MSF requirements.

Lane Craven, owner of Advantage Motorcycle Training in Louisville, Ky., trained 10 new RiderCoaches (nine base members and one North Charleston Police Department trainer) on the techniques for guiding new and not-so-new riders in safe operation.

"Learning is a voluntary endeavor; you can't 'instruct' safe motorcycle riding," said Mr. Craven. "By using more of a coaching style, MSF found that retention is better and a thinking motorcyclist is formed. You can't just throw information out there and expect it to stick. Military members understand risk management; we give them more tools in their toolbox."

The riders completed exercises that demonstrated throttle control and quick, safe braking of the motorcycle among other range activities. While the course was enjoyable, portions were mentally and physically challenging.

"Our goal is to have the definitive example of what a motorcycle safety program should be," said Master Sgt. Mike Kyser, 437th Airlift Wing Safety Office.

Courses will be available through the Wing Safety Office. Contact the Wing Safety Office at 963-5605 or your unit safety representative. Classes are open to active duty airmen, reservists, family members, civilian employees and Air Force contractors.