A safe rider is a happy rider Published Oct. 21, 2011 By Senior Airman Kristin High 2nd Bomb Wing Public Affairs BARKSDALE AIR FORCE BASE, La. -- This summer Team Barksdale experienced four motorcycle accidents resulting in two rider fatalities and two injuries. With more than 100 registered riders on base, it's important for motorcyclists to be aware of the rules and regulations so they can enjoy safe riding on the road. "Serious motorcycle injuries and fatalities have been occurring for Air Force members throughout the years, but starting in 2000 was an upward spiral that has not settled down," said Percy Adams, 2nd Bomb Wing occupational safety and health specialist. From about 2003 to 2005, motorcycle mishap fatality rates began exceeding that of cars and pick-up trucks driven by Air Force members during off-duty activities, Adams said. The Military Sport Bike Course was developed at the request of the military about two years ago by the Motorcycle Safety Foundation. According to the Barksdale motorcycle safety policy letter, new military motorcycle riders assigned to Barksdale are not authorized to operate a motorcycle at any time while on any public road or on base until an approved motorcycle safety course has been completed, with the exception of traveling to a course. Air Force civilians and active-duty members are required to sign up for training through their unit's designated motorcycle safety representative. "A brand new rider will need to take the basic motorcycle training course," said Adams. "It is 20 hours and another three to four hours depending on the Airman's unit for mentorship training, to see how well they transfer what they learned from the practice motorcycle to the their personal motorcycle." If Airmen have a sport bike, then six months after taking the basic course they will take the eight-hour Military Sport Bike Rider Course or the Advance Rider Course, Adams added. Participants are reimbursed class fees once they have completed the course. In addition to the courses, anyone who rides a motorcycle on base must wear proper personal protective equipment. All active and reserve military personnel must comply with the PPE requirements on or off base while on and off duty. The mandatory authorized PPE gear for the base are certified helmets, eye protection, over-the-ankle footwear, long sleeves or jacket, long trousers and full fingered gloves. Riders and passengers must wear brightly colored vests or jackets as an outer upper garment during the day and a reflective upper garment for dark hours. Although it's important to go through the safety courses, it's also important for Airmen to watch out for each other. Barksdale's Green Knights Chapter 75 is part of a large, military-wide network dedicated to mentorship and fellowship among riders. They offer a monthly ride meeting at Chapel 2 on the third Thursday of every month beginning at 1 p.m. You don't have to be a member of the Green Knights to ride. The mentorship ride is open to everyone. For more information on the motorcycle safety training class, Airmen and DoD civilians should contact their motorcycle or unit safety representative.