SMARTrainer debuts at Ellsworth Published Dec. 22, 2009 By Airman 1st Class Abigail Klein 28th Bomb Wing Public Affairs ELLSWORTH AIR FORCE BASE, S.D. -- Continuing with a ten-year Ellsworth tradition of motorcycle safety, the Motorcycle Safety Foundation sponsored Safe Motorcyclist Awareness and Recognition Trainer debuted in the Base Operations building, Dec. 15. The SMARTrainer is a stationary motorcycle simulator, based on the design of a cruiser style motorcycle, which engages users in a simulated ride, and requires them to evaluate and address typical traffic hazards. The program is aimed at educating riders on how to develop and apply risk-management and crash-avoidance strategies. "This [machine] can simulate up to 120 miles per hour," said Senior Master Sgt. James Russell, 28th Bomb Wing Plans and Exercises section and president of the Dakota Thunder Motorcycle Club. "This realism allows riders the ability to access the complexity of riding a motorcycle in a risk free environment." To simulate an actual motorcycle, the SMARTrainer is designed with a traditional motorcycle cockpit, seat, handlebars with a functioning throttle, front break, clutch and footpegs, including a rear break shift lever. To simulate real-world riding scenarios, SMARTrider presents the operator with more than 15 different riding locations, ranging from urban, mountain or suburban locations, which respond accordingly to user inputs. The realism of these scenarios are augmented by the daylight, night and fog settings that help challenge the operator in different climates, Sergeant Russell said. The difficulty level of these scenarios can also be modified to fit the following type of riders: · Prospective Riders - the program can help them assess the complexity of operating a motorcycle including interacting with life-like traffic situations · Novice Riders - those with little experience · Returning Rider - riders with experience who may need to be reacquainted with navigating a motorcycle effectively and safely in traffic · Experienced Riders - riders with experience who many want to test their skills in different types of courses and environments they may not be accustomed to. The idea to include a SMARTrainer at Ellsworth was the direct result of a partnership between the DTMC and ground safety. "With all of the riders at Ellsworth and the annual Sturgis rally every summer it's important to have this program here," said Staff Sgt. Travis Padgett, 28th Bomb Wing ground safety craftsman. "It will also benefit all the newly arrived Airmen and riders who won't be able to attend the rider courses until next spring." One newly arrived Airman at Ellsworth, Airman 1st class Ashley Goodenough, 28th Maintenance Squadron avionics backshop apprentice, became the first student to use the SMARTrainer as a means of preparing for the upcoming Basic Rider Courses. "I've only been a passenger on motorcycles before trying the SMARTrainer," she said. "I thought this tool was very useful in teaching me not only how to ride, but how to ride using manual drive." Though right now the SMARTrainer isn't required as part of the Motorcycle Safety Course Basic Rider Course or Experienced Rider Course offered by the 28th Bomb Wing ground safety office from April to October, the addition of the equipment to the course is promising, Sergeant Russell said. The SMARTrainer is part of an effort between the Motorcycle Safety Foundation, state and military motorcycle safety programs and individual training sponsors to help reduce motorcycle crashes and fatalities through training and education programs. Members interested in testing the SMARTrainer or for more information on rider courses available in the local area, can contact the ground safety office at (605) 385-7233.