Safety critical this summer; enjoy your motorcycle without being injured

  • Published
  • By Chris McCann
  • JBER Public Affairs
JOINT BASE ELMENDORF-RICHARDSON, Alaska --  Riding a motorcycle may be exhilarating - and it may be a part of your summer routine. Motorcycles can be a great way to be closer to the wild Alaska outdoors while seeing what the state has to offer.

Nonetheless, there are rules - both for Alaska and JBER - that must be obeyed.
Generally, the motorcycle-riding season is from April 15 to October 15 each year.
Alaska's unpredictable climate can change those dates, however. JBER and 673d Air Base Wing Commander Air Force Col. Brian Duffy issued a memorandum about cycling safety May 2 detailing motorcycling rules.

In most cases, motorcycles are authorized as soon as road conditions are listed as green. That too, can shift.

As roads are damaged by ice and snow, potholes form; those need to be filled before motorcycles can have free rein. Sand and gravel need to be removed from the streets.
Once the roads are safe, the JBER commander authorizes riding. This year, Saturday is the expected start of riding.

Military personnel, regardless of duty status and location, and JBER civilian employees whose duty description includes motorcycle use, must attend and complete an approved riding course that meets the Motorcycle Safety Foundation Basic Rider's Course or a state-approved safety training.

JBER also enforces the personal protective equipment requirements under Deparment of Defense Instruction 6055.04 and JBER Instruction 91-202, both on and off the installation. These apply to all military and civilian riders and passengers on JBER.

Required PPE consists of several items.

First, an approved helmet - look for the DOT symbol, or one with the Snell M2005 or Standard No. 218 labels. Helmets must be properly fastened at all times.

Second, a face shield, wraparound glasses, or goggles - impact and shatter resistant, DOT or ANSI standard - to protect your eyes.

A long-sleeved shirt or jacket in high-visibility, fluorescent colors, and long pants, are another must. Road rash and exhaust pipe burns are no fun - so protect yourself.
Next, full-fingered gloves or mittens made of an abrasion-resistant material and with a non-slip grip so you can keep a firm grip.

Then, sturdy over-the-ankle footwear that protects feet and ankles. Leather or ballistic-type cloth athletic shoes that cover the ankles may be worn. Boots are also a good choice.

Lastly, reflective gear - and not just a reflective belt.

A vest or jacket in fluorescent red, yellow or orange is a good choice, with reflective material that's visible from all around. If you have a backpack on, wrap your reflective belt around it too, to ensure people can see you.

Risk management is critical on motorcycles even more than cars - so when you ride, ensure you keep safety in mind. Animals, whether dogs, bears or moose, can jump into the road without warning, and road construction can create hazards.

Whether you're taking a trip up Hatcher Pass or just riding to work, keep safety in mind and drive defensively while enjoying summer in Alaska.