Let it ride -- but when it comes to safety ... abide

  • Published
  • By Airman Ashley Crawford
  • 459 Air Refueling Wing Public Affairs Office
To unwind and relax, or catch a little speed on the open road, whatever the reason, the motivation is there for people who share a love and passion for motorcycles. 

"I've ridden my bike from Iowa to California and back -- nothing beats the wind in your face or the gas mileage you get." said Lt. Col. Michael Laughton, 459th Air Refueling Wing's executive officer. 

Riding can be fun; however, safety is an extremely important part of riding, Colonel Laughton said. 

"Assume that other drivers don't see you, be prepared for changes in weather, and remember there's always a chance you can be eaten," the colonel added. "Once I was riding my motorcycle up an old logging road in the mountains of Montana and as I rounded a curve, I came face to face with a bear coming down the road. 

We both stopped, yards apart, and after a few seconds, we both did 180-degree turns and sped off. I remember thinking I had no windows to roll up; no doors to lock, and it sure looked like the bear was licking his lips," the colonel added. 

Air Force Instruction 91-207, Air Force Traffic Safety Program, cites motorcycle requirements for operation on Air Force installations and by military personnel off Air 
Force installations: 

--Headlights must be on while the vehicle is in operation. 

-- Motorcycles must have both rear view mirrors. 

-- Personal protection equipment include: a helmet, eye protection, protective clothing such as long sleeved shirt or jacket, long trousers, and full-fingered gloves. Riders will wear sturdy over-the-ankle footwear that affords protection for feet and ankles. 

-- Motorcycle riders will wear a brightly colored outer upper garment during the day and a reflective upper garment during the night. Wearing a backpack is authorized if it is brightly colored or reflective. 

Motorcycles once thought of as a "man's" hobby now attracts a variety of riders.
"I've been riding since I was 4-years-old, and have owned a bike for the last three years -- I love it, but there are risks, said Senior Airman Melissa Barber, 459th Aeromedical Evacuation Squadron technician. 

The risks can be very real at times, the Airman said. 

"I've lost friends to motorcycle accidents," Airman Barber said. "It's important not to try to keep up with your friends, and not ride above what your comfort level is." 

The colonel also offered helpful guidance to aspiring riders. 

"My advice for a new rider, learn to ride with a friend and use the buddy system," Colonel Laughton said. "Also, find a beginner's course that offers the use of a motorcycle along with the instruction. Wreck their bike, not yours..." 

For more information about motorcycle safety and on-base riding courses, contact Tech. Sgt. Jamison Kesselring at 301-981-6672.