RANDOLPH AIR FORCE BASE, Texas –
Riding a motorcycle can be a fun and economical means of transportation or recreation, free from of the problems of driving a car.
The 12th Flying Training Wing as well as the Air Force have rules and guidelines to operate a motorcycle safely and comfortably on Randolph. If done right, they may keep a motorcycle rider safe in a crash - or even prevent one - while extolling the benefits of travel on two wheels.
Air Force Instruction 91-207, The U.S. Air Force Traffic Safety Program, which describes the rules of the road on Air Force bases, said like driving a government or personal car, talking on a cell phone or using headphones is not allowed on a motorcycle. Hands-free wireless or single-ear wired devices are allowed. One exception to the head phones rule is motorcycle helmet intercom system between operator and passenger.
The 12th Flying Training Wing Safety Office said motorcycle operators and their passengers must wear a Department of Transportation-approved helmet and eyewear such as goggles, properly-attached face shields or sunglasses designed to meet or exceed American National Standards Institute Standard Z87.1 for impact and shatter resistance are required. Many high quality sunglasses adhere to this standard, but not all. It's best to consult the manufacturer. Motorcycle cowlings or windshields don't fulfill the eye protection requirement.
In addition to the helmet and eye cover, both passenger and operator must wear a brightly colored and contrasting vest, reflective belt or jacket over whatever outer garment or jacket they have on, including uniforms. The operator's vest or jacket must be reflective during hours of darkness and cannot be covered at anytime. A similar rule applies to back packs in that they must have a reflective belt or similar device for visibility.
Riders and their passengers need to wear long sleeve shirts and long trousers and gloves when they ride on base. Sturdy shoes or boots are also required. Riders' feet and ankles need to be covered with sturdy shoes or boots. Sneakers, sandals or low-quarter shoes aren't allowed.
The Air Force encourages wearing motorcycle jacket and trousers made of padded and abrasion-resistant materials, but the minimum requirements are met with the Airman Battle Uniform.
Motorcycles need to have properly working headlights and they need to be on whenever the motorcycle is running. In addition to the headlight and proper personal protective equipment for riders, motorcycles need to have left and right rear view mirrors mounted on the handlebar or fairing.
Before the wing safety office can issue a decal, active duty and DOD civilians who want to ride their motorcycles on base, need to attend a training class or have the completion card from one, similar to how young car drivers need to take a drivers' education course prior to licensing.
The Motorcycle Safety Foundation and the state of Texas offer training classes as well as the wing safety office, which holds classes every third Saturday of the month.
In addition to the training, registering a motorcycle on base requires motorcycle registration, proof of insurance and driver's license with motorcycle endorsement
The wing safety office can issue temporary passes for operators with temporary tags or awaiting training.
The MSF's website said they are a national, not-for-profit organization promoting the safety of motorcyclists with programs in rider training, operator licensing and public information. The MSF is sponsored by the U.S. manufacturers and distributors of BMW, Ducati, Harley-Davidson, Honda, Kawasaki, KTM, Piaggio/Vespa, Suzuki, Triumph, Victory and Yamaha motorcycles. They research and develop the material for the training classes and industry safety standards while the actual training is left to the state or military bases.
Base registration for motorcycles is handled at the Wing Safety Office. Decals are issued Monday through Friday from 7:30 a. m. to 4:30 p.m. For more information about riding a motorcycle on Randolph, call the 12th FTW safety office at either 652-1842 or 652-5542.
For more information about the MSF, go to their website
www.msf-usa.org.
To view a PDF of AFI 91-207, go to
http://www.af.mil/shared/media/epubs/AFI91-207.pdf