ELLSWORTH AIR FORCE BASE, S.D. – With the kick-off for the 76th Annual Sturgis Motorcycle Rally set for Aug. 8, motorcycle safety and awareness becomes a major consideration for everyone – biker or not.
Staff Sgt. Danee Hicks, 28th Comptroller Squadron a customer service representative and unit safety representative, said the most important thing Airmen should keep in mind when riding a motorcycle is to stay aware of vehicles around them.
According to the South Dakota Department of Transportation, the most common accident involving motorcycles and cars occurs when cars turn in front of a motorcycle. Due to this, motorcyclists are warned to approach intersections and turning lanes with extreme caution.
An estimated 700,000 people attended Sturgis in 2015. During the event last year there were 13 fatalities associated with motorcycle accidents. While officials estimate the event this year to have a lower attendance, the increased motorcycle traffic can result in more chances for motorcycle accidents.
In order for personnel to ride a motorcycle on base, they are required to wear a DOT-approved helmet, long sleeve shirt, gloves, pants and boots that cover ankles.
Staff Sgt. Bradley Sutter, the noncommissioned officer in charge of 28th Bomb Wing safety investigations, warns Airmen planning to visit Sturgis that the majority of motorcyclists there are not seasoned riders. This means they are more likely to make mistakes and are a cause for concern, according to Sutter.
Ellsworth offers several resources for Airmen who would like to pursue a hobby with motorcycles, such as a motorcycle safety course sanctioned by the Motorcycle Safety Foundation that covers braking and swerving techniques, as well as skills to avoid road hazards. Additionally, the course waives the state’s requirements to take the licensing tests to receive a motorcycle driver’s license.
The South Dakota Safety Council offers courses in preparation for attaining a motorcycle license for Airmen who are not able to attend the safety course offered on base or who wish to pursue a motorcycle license of their own. Registration information, class times, and locations can be found at https://www.southdakotasafetycouncil.org/motorcycle/index.cfm.
For more information on motorcycle safety guidelines, call Tech. Sgt. Scott Shipman, the lead instructor with the base Motorcycle Safety Foundation, or Staff Sgt. Kenneth Hill, the base Motorcycle Safety Program manager, at (605) 385-7233.