New Training Required For Some Motorcyclists

Published Nov. 6, 2007
By Maj. Bill Walsh
315th Airlift Wing Public Affairs

CHARLESTON AFB, S.C. -- Motorcyclists who ride what is commonly referred to as "sport bikes," will now be required to attend a one day training course in order to ride on base.

"This is a new regulation handed down by Air Mobility Command," said Master Sgt. Jaconda Lightburn, 315th Airlift Wing Safety NCOIC. "Really anyone who is 'in status' will have to take the course."

The "Sports Rider Course" is an addition to the "Motorcycle Safety Foundation Course" which, until now, has been the only course a motorcyclist would have to take. As of 1 December, all active duty personnel who ride sport bikes will be required to have this new certification while reservists have until March to complete the program.

"We're offering it on base right now," said Sergeant Lightburn. "Active duty will be adding eight more additional instructors for the 27 dates we now have on the books."

Students are reminded to bring their own bikes to the class which will emphasize additional safety techniques for those types of motorcycles.

"We've had quite a few fatalities with these bikes over the last year in AMC," Sergeant Lightburn said. "Just weeks ago we lost a 437th team member just a few miles away from the base."

Bikers will be issued a card upon completion of the course to be shown to security forces at the gates and during routine traffic stops.

Members who have not taken the course but have signed up will be issued a class date memo through email which will be valid until the course is complete.

According to the safety office, the training is good for three years from the date of completion.

For more information contact your safety office or security forces.

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