Moody working to keep motorcycle riders safe

  • Published
  • By Senior Airman Eileen Meier
  • 23d Wing Public Affairs
MOODY AIR FORCE BASE, Ga. --  The latest motorcycle accident involving a Moody Airman happened at the end of May this year, with the possibility of more to come due to inexperienced riders. Although motorcycle fatalities are dropping, one is too many.

That is why three times a month, the 23d Wing Safety Unit holds a Motorcycle Safety Foundation Course (MSFC) that teaches people how to safely operate a motor bike and to familiarize them with riding one. The basic and experienced rider's courses are available to any Department of Defense identification card holder. Recently, another course has been added for street bike riders, but this is only optional if one of the basic or advanced courses were
taken.

"While the Inspector General team was here at the end of March, they gave us kudos on our MSFC program, saying it was the best out there in the Air Force," said Trey Rowe, 23d WG ground safety.

The only exception to not taking the course is if the motorcycle's engine is less than 50 cubic centimeters. So for example, the only requirement for riding a scooter is personal protective equipment.

All military members, on or off-base, must use proper personal protective equipment when operating a motorcycle, and while on base, these rules apply to everybody.

"A lot of these military guys carry the regulation in their pocket so they won't run into any issues with the gate guards," said Rowe, referring to Air Force Instruction 91-207, The U.S. Air Force Traffic Safety Program.

"It's summer time and an abundance of people are wanting to take up motorcycle riding, but we are limited to 12 riders a class and military members take priority."

Rowe urges everybody to be patient and not take the chance of riding without the certification card. Repercussions can make somebody ineligible to take the class, or if the person is problematic their commander has the authorization to revoke their license.

For more information or to arrange to attend the Motorcycle Safety Foundation Course, you can contact Rowe at 229-257-3776.