National Motorcycle Week rolls into town

  • Published
  • By Staff Sgt. Thomas Trower
  • 100th Air Refueling Wing Public Affairs
RAF MILDENHALL, England --  Similarly to many people believing that two heads are better than one, many motorcycle enthusiasts believe that two wheels are better than four.

National Motorcycle Week, which runs July 18 to 24, aims to promote the idea that the two wheels of a motorcycle can take all riders into a future with fewer cars, less traffic congestion and lower emissions.

England and many other countries, including the United States and Germany, have joined to celebrate this week by organizing motorcycling events like Ride To Work Day July 21. Because of the increase in riding popularity, it's important for all riders to suit up properly and observe common safety practices before hitting the roads, said Master Sgt. William Rathbun, 100th Air Refueling Wing Safety Office superintendent.

That can begin with inspecting the bike itself. Whether a motorcycle's Ministry of Transport, or MOT, certification is current or not, many areas of the bike should be checked before every trip. Owners should pay particular attention to the following: brake condition, tire tread depth and pressure, fluid levels, functional lights, and the chain and sprockets. A current road tax disc must also be displayed somewhere on the bike.

Keep in mind that brake fluid has a set life and it is recommended that the fluid is changed on a frequent basis. Tires should be checked to ensure they did not deteriorate while in storage over the winter. Tread depth is one thing to consider, but cracks in the tire walls render a tire completely useless.

In addition to properly equiping the motorcycle, riders should make sure to equip themselves. This means conducting a thorough check of helmets and protective riding suits. The helmet's webbing and visors should be undamaged to keep the helmet secure to the head and maintain an unobstructed view.

Whether on or off duty, all Airmen are required to wear long pants, long sleeves, gloves and over-the-ankle footwear when riding, said Sergeant Rathbun. Shirts, backpacks and riding vests must be brightly colored during the day and reflective at night. A single reflective belt on a backpack is not sufficient, however, two belts may be worn criss-cross. Also, all helmets must be three-quarter or full-face style.

Once a rider is geared up for their trip and ready to take to the roads, they should slowly reaclimate themselves to motorcycle riding. Initially, avoiding group riding is strongly recommended. Also, riders should not embark on a long journey too soon. Demanding routes and high speeds can require rebuilding experience.

The Suffolk Constabulary offers a series of Bike Safe workshops for any rider wanting to improve their skills. The two-day course includes classroom and road instruction. Courses are available Aug. 13 to 14 and Sept. 10 to 11. To register, e-mail bikesafe@suffolk.pnn.police.uk.

For more information on National Motorcycle Week, visit www.mcia.co.uk. Information on motorcycle safety is available at www.bikesafe.co.uk.

Editor's note: Parts of this article were derived from "Top tips for spring riding," by Police Constable Paul Cheshire, North Wales Police. No federal endorsement intended.