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Sport bike proficiency program wheels its way to McGuire

  • Published
  • By Senior Airman Dilia DeGrego
  • McGuire Public Affairs
MCGUIRE AIR FORCE BASE, N.J. --  To combat the deadly trend set among Air Mobility Command sport bike riders in 2005, the 305th Air Mobility Wing Safety Office conducted the command's first sport bike proficiency training program class here March 25 and 26.

This training was recently developed by the safety office as a way to help sport bike riders further refine their riding strategy and skills; thus, reducing the risks associated with their leisure time sport bike activities.

During fiscal 2005, eight AMC members died and 35 others sustained injuries in motorcycle accidents, according to AMC safety records. Safety analysis revealed 33 of the 41 reportable motorcycle mishaps involved sport bike riders. All eight motorcycle fatalities involved sport bike riders in single-vehicle accidents. The underlying causes of the accidents were proficiency and faulty risk management. The goal of this program is to save lives and reduce motorcycle accidents.

This is why active-duty members who own, operate or plan to operate a sport bike must complete sport bike proficiency training before they ride, according to AMC safety officials

Individual's who have been riding their current sport bike for more than one year are exempt from immediate training, unless they are due for refresher training.

"The sport bike proficiency training program is an offset of regular required motorcycle training," said Senior Master Sgt. J.T. Lewis Jr., 819th Global Support Squadron volunteer motorcycle riding course mentor. "Although this training is mandatory, I believe when involved in any high-risk sport, it's always good to have some additional training. Plus, it's a great way to meet people and learn something new, no matter what your experience level."

"The course is not the common slide show class," said Staff Sgt. Jeremiah Guinn, 816th Global Mobility Squadron mentor motorcycle course volunteer. "Students get some great hands-on experience learning things that may save their life."

The course, taught by volunteer mentors with Motorcycle Safety Foundation-certified rider coach oversight, includes classroom and performance-based training, and evaluations in the four class training modules; cornering, braking, risk management and mentorship.

Classroom learning emphasizes hazard identification, and risk management and avoidance. It also stresses the importance of riding with a riskmanagement attitude.

At the end of the classroom segment, trainees are given a written test based on information talked about in class. Apassing score is 80 percent or better.

The general objective of the cornering module is for riders to gain understanding of risks related to cornering, fundamental cornering techniques and risk-reducing strategies for safely negotiating curves, said safety officials.

During the braking module, riders will learn about total braking distance, proper straight-line braking techniques, braking systems and other general motorcycle characteristics that affect braking ability.

"Riders will use MSF range obstacles to help determine their ability to safely complete turns, corners and curves of varying degrees. They will then get the same training on an off-base ride with real road conditions at posted speed limits and in varying traffic conditions," said Staff Sgt. Steven Nutter, 305th AMW Safety Office and course program manager. "Tech. Sgt. Jason Cook, MSF instructor and course developer, wrote the lessons with the intention of riders having fun while learning. If nothing else, it's a twoday mandatory appointment to ride their motorcycle."

"Overall I think the course was great," said Staff Sgt. Ryan Bowers, 605th Aircraft Maintenance Squadron sport bike proficiency training program student and soon-to-be mentor. "The course gives you the tools to be safe and do things right, but it's up to the rider on how he or she uses them. Plus, it was nice to ride with others who have more experience than me."

Staff Sgt. Jeffery Dean, 305th Security Forces Squadron, agreed, "It was nice to get out there and ride. No matter what your experience level, you will learn something new from the course. Courses like this one serve as a needed constant reminder of the essentials and techniques of riding a bike — what you learn may one day save your life."