Ellsworth practices motorcycle safety

  • Published
  • By Airman 1st Class Jarad A. Denton
  • 28th Bomb Wing Public Affairs
ELLSWORTH AIR FORCE BASE, S.D. --  With the Spring season in full swing, riders at Ellsworth have begun preparing their motorcycles for the bike trips and events associated with nice weather.
As Airmen prepare their motorcycles they are reminded to keep safety forefront in their minds.

"Too many crashes happen by people jumping on a bike without a license or training," said William Martin, 28th Force Support Squadron Black Hills Center director and Dakota Thunder Motorcycle Club safety representative. "This occurs in both military and civilian riding communities."

Mr. Martin encourages everyone interested in motorcycle riding to utilize training classes offered at Ellsworth and do the homework when looking to purchase a motorcycle.

"Don't get more of a machine than you can handle, and as a beginner, you can handle far less machine than you think," he said. "Also, don't try to keep up with other riders, ride your own ride."

Senior Airman Bradley Barnes, 28th Bomb Wing ground safety technician, said there were two non-fatal motorcycle accidents in 2008 which resulted in 19 lost workdays. One of the accidents was attributed to a lack of training, skills, experience and discipline. The second accident was not the fault of the rider. According to the ground safety office's report, the injuries lessened due to the rider's experience and safety training.

In 2009, Ellsworth contributed no motorcycle mishaps to the Air Force wide 238 reportable mishaps, which included 18 fatalities.

To continue this safety trend, motorcyclists, both new and experienced, are encouraged to attend the Motorcycle Safety Foundation experienced rider course, offered at Ellsworth. The basic rider course is mandatory for new riders in the military who have never taken a motorcycle safety course before. Ellsworth riders are also mandated to place the ACC Form 15 sticker on their motorcycles.

"The experienced course is geared toward the rider with six months or more of riding experience under their belt," Mr. Martin said. "I've had riders with decades of riding comment about how they learned some great safety tips that will help them in the future."

Mr. Martin said he is always conscious of safety when he rides his motorcycle.

"I ride like I'm invisible to four-wheel operators," he said. "I give myself a margin of safety at all times and try not to get into a situation that I can't get out of safely."