Motorcycle safety: Yes, it’s important

  • Published
  • By Staff Sgt. Joshua Garcia
  • JBER Public Affairs
JOINT BASE ELMENDORF-RICHARDSON, Alaska --  With the temperatures rising in the coming summer months, more and more of Joint Base Elmendorf-Richardson's personnel are starting to ride their motorcycles to work.
According to Air Force Instruction 91-207, United States Air Force Traffic Safety Program, all riders must have completed the Basic Motorcycle Safety Course to legally ride on base. JBER offers these courses to base personnel.

"(We offer) the basic course for new and novice riders, and a follow-on course for experienced riders with cruiser or standard bikes," said Zack Sionakides, the program manager for Cape Fox Professional Services, which provides the Motor Safety Foundation course to the JBER. "We also have a sport bike course specifically designed around the unique characteristics of a true sport bike," Sionakides said.

The basic course, provided free to base personnel, can be used to get the motorcycle endorsement on an Alaska state driver's license; it is the same course that's provided downtown for a fee up to $275.

The course covers everything riders need to know to ride safely.

"The course addresses riding habits and behavior, ultimately reducing injuries and fatalities," Sionakides said. "The course will provide new and experienced riders with the skills and knowledge necessary to become a safer motorcyclist."

Alaska, with its short riding season - April 15 to Oct. 15 - also has its own unique challenges.

"Riders may not be fully aware of how the colder climate affects motorcycle riding (such as) hypothermia." Sionakides said.

"Traction is another challenge in cold climates. All of the courses address traction management and the selection of gear, including proper layering of personal protective equipment," he said.

The course not only provides basic knowledge for novice riders, it has something to offer experienced riders as well.

"These courses are important for new and experienced riders because they offer them an opportunity to gain feedback from a trained eye, the rider coach," Sionakides said. "Constructive feedback in an adult-centered learning environment promotes learning and proper riding technique.

These skills are perishable, and lifelong learning is important to keep good riding habits intact."

As personnel take the course, they will learn how to properly navigate curves and perform U-turns in tight quarters, among many other skills.

But the main thing that is stressed in the course is safety.

"While some would say the most important thing to learn is skill, truly the most important aspect of the course is becoming self-aware, and that the rider is responsible for their safety. One must manage risk at all times while riding." Sionakides said.

For more information about the motorcycle basic safety course and other courses offered on JBER, call the 673d Air Base Wing Ground Safety Office at 384-2383 or 552-3824.