Motorcycle safety important for riders, non-riders Published June 9, 2011 By Airman 1st Class Dennis L. Sloan Joint Base McGuire-Dix-Lakehurst Public Affairs JOINT BASE MCGUIRE-DIX-LAKEHURST, N.J. -- Joint Base McGuire-Dix-Lakehurst Safety Office is taking on motorcycle safety with summer approaching and more and more riders hitting the road. Joint base leadership, along with base safety offices, has implemented a new motorcycle policy letter that applies to all personnel. "Various riders from different services on the joint base are following different rules," said David Freed, retired Air Force master sergeant and Joint Base Green Knights Motorcycle Club president. "Now, with the newly-signed joint-base policy, everyone is on the same page-including security forces, who monitor and maintain safe riding here." All active-duty personnel must complete an approved Motorcycle Safety Foundation course prior to operating a motorcycle either on or off base. All military personnel who ride a motorcycle on-base must complete a motorcycle rider training course. The joint base offers free courses for all types of riders and skill levels. "The motorcycle courses cater to new riders who need to learn the proper maneuvering and safety procedures who riding," said Freed. "These courses also help to make everyone aware of his or her skill level." New riders are required to schedule a Basic Riders Course within 30 days of purchase during the riding season. If the purchase is made outside of the riding season, the individual will be scheduled during the first month of the next season. Personal protective equipment is still required for all motorcycle riders on base. The protective equipment must be certified to meet or exceed government requirements. The equipment needed includes: securely-fitted helmet, eye, foot, clothing and tactical motorcycle and ATV rider protection. "Four-wheel vehicles have a cage surrounding them, whereas motorcycles don't," said Freed. "The protective gear serves as a barrier and cushion from accidents. The overall intent of the gear is to minimize injuries and fatalities on and off the installation." Motorcycle riders can wear protective gear and ride with caution, but non-riders need to be aware of them. Even though not everyone is a motorcycle rider, several are; being aware of them is key to safety, said freed. Drivers should always be on the outlook for motorcycles since they are harder to see than automobiles. When following a rider, double the two-second rule. Always be aware of the size differences and different motorcycle characteristics and capabilities. It is important to double-check mirrors and blind spots when switching lane, because some motorcyclists weave in and out of traffic. "One of the biggest reasons why motorcyclists get in vehicle mishaps is due to the lack of situational awareness when changing lanes," said Diego Villalba, JB MDL ground safety. The JB MDL safety office specialists encourage motorcycle users to follow three keys to driving safely: search, predict and act. Riders should drive defensively, never drive under the influence of alcohol, use extreme care, assume others do not see them, obey speed limits and always ride within personal limitations. Mentorship programs are also another way to practice safe-riding procedures. Joint Base's Green Knights is a club for motorcycle riders of all skill levels. Interested riders can contact the local chapter of the Green Knights at 754-8851. "We encourage mentorship programs such as the Green Knights because it helps less experienced riders to learn from experts," said Freed. "The program can also help educate those who might be overly confident." To view the newly completed JB MDL Motorcycle policy follow the link to https://afkm.wpafb.af.mil/community/views/home.aspx?Filter=25618. Contact the JB MDL safety office at 754-7233for more information on motorcycle safety and courses.