JOINT BASE ELMENDORF-RICHARDSON, Alaska -- The motorcycle riding season has begun now that base road conditions are green. Before hitting the road on Joint Base Elmendorf-Richardson with shiny new bikes, riders must be authorized.
The JBER Safety Office is accepting authorization forms to issue vouchers for motorcycle safety training, said Sean Priddy, 673d Air Base Wing Safety Office occupational safety specialist. Forms will be accepted from 9 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. Monday through Friday.
All military service members interested in riding on the installation must first submit the necessary paperwork with their unit motorcycle safety representative before submitting an authorization form.
Alaska Leather is the authorized contractor responsible for offering motorcycle-safety training. When they secure their vouchers, riders coordinate with Alaska Leather employees for either the Basic Rider Course or the Advanced Rider Course offered by Alaskan Bikers Advocating Training and Education of Alaska. Upon completion, the rider will collect a certificate and a Motorcycle Safety Foundation card.
Lastly, the rider must receive an endorsement on their license through the DMV before riding on JBER. Riders should always have their MSF card and license on them at all times.
ABATE classes are currently open for registration. ABATE has been offering riding classes since 1991 and has trained more than 16,000 people.
According to abateofalaska.com, the classes train riders of all skill levels to ride defensively and safely on Alaskan roads. Additionally, their goal is to produce better, more observant riders as well as drivers.
As a caution for riders and drivers, animals are becoming more active as temperatures rise. Some animals to look out for on the road are hares, foxes, bears, moose and more. But more importantly, riders and drivers should watch out for each other. It’s been several months since drivers have been looking out for motorcycles, and we might have some new riders this year.
For more information, contact the safety office at 552-6850.