LACKLAND AIR FORCE BASE, Texas –
In fiscal year 2009, drivers of two- and three-wheel vehicles accounted for nearly half of the 47 off-duty private motor vehicle fatalities in the Air Force.
Already, the first fatality for this fiscal year was recorded on Oct. 18.
The 37th Training Wing Safety Office is working to put the brakes on another trend, the rising interest in high performance sport bikes among young Airmen, with the new Sport Bike Safety Course.
The free and voluntary training at Lackland's Training Annex began Oct. 29.
Based on Motor Safety Foundation guidelines, the Sport Bike Safety Course is the first of its kind in Air Education and Training Command. The Navy was the first service to incorporate the sport bike program using MSF guidelines.
Maj. Gen. Frederick Roggero, Air Force chief of safety, oversaw a demonstration of the sport bike program Oct. 30 at the closed course.
Speaking to a crowd of bike enthusiasts and members of the safety office, General Roggero addressed a question he's heard a lot lately: "Why don't you just ban sport bikes?"
"Well, I don't think that's going to get to the issue," he said. "The issue is really not the sport bike, it's about the training. I am trying to steer Air Force safety in the direction toward respecting the responsible rider - not to treat the rider different than the car driver."
Two of the three MSF certified instructors trained to lead the course, Bill James and Tech. Sgt. Dave Roller, 344th Training Squadron; are at Lackland, the other is stationed at MacDill AFB, Fla.
Mr. James echoed the general's progressive approach to reversing sport bike fatalities.
"In the basic course, we learn to ride a motorcycle for the first time," Mr. James said. "We tell them, 'don't take risks.' We found out people buy performance bikes for something to play with, so let's not ignore that fact."
In fact, Mr. James said having the course remain voluntary encourages riders to join and enhance their riding skills.
The training led by Mr. James and Sergeant Roller has seven total rider coaches available to assist with the one time, three-hour classroom and four-hour range portions of the program.
Instructor and student create rapport in the classroom through open discussion of risk management and the thrill-seeking associated with what can be a dangerous activity.
Mr. James said, "probably the most important part of this class" is to get riders to analyze their own decisions and think about how it puts their lives at risk.
The range syncs the discourse on risk management with the operation of the lightweight, high-powered sport suspension vehicles in real situations.
The main objective of the range is to teach riders different riding techniques such as the more aggressive riding stance called the "forward and in" which allows a person more ground clearance while cornering.
"The riskiest thing, when it comes to single vehicle crashes on a motorcycle, is improper cornering," Mr. James said. "This allows you, if you are in (the turn) too fast, to get body position, maintain speed instead of hitting the brake and then get through the turn."
Other topics include advanced techniques such as trailing braking, two-finger braking and throttle and shifting body weight for better control.
"We teach them techniques that will hopefully help them avoid mishaps and get our accident statistics in shape," Mr. James said.
Rider coach Chief Petty Officer Edward Gardner, Navy Information and Operation Center, is in the process of being trained to lead the sport bike course.
Demonstrating safety techniques on his 1000cc, 360-pound Yahama R1, Chief Gardner reiterated the fact that riding faster bikes comes with new risks such as the occasional "stoppie" - a quick stop that causes the vehicle's rear tire to lift.
"In the basic rider course, we tell the students 'no, stoppies,'" Gardner said, "but out here, with more speed, it might happen. If that does happen, you learn from it."
The course is for advanced riders who have completed the basic rider course and can provide their own sport bike. People with military affiliation and access to the base are eligible to participate.
For more information or to sign up for the monthly classes, call the safety office at 671-3969.