Feature -- Warmer weather means more motorcyclists, riders must prepare

  • Published
  • By Tech. Sgt. Eric Petosky
  • 100th Air Refueling Wing Public Affairs
RAF MILDENHALL, England --  As the weather gets warmer throughout the summer, Airmen motorcyclists are taking advantage of the highways and byways of England.

An increase in riders demands a higher focus on safety, both for riders and vehicle drivers sharing the road.

To put the brakes on motorcycle mishaps, the 100th Air Refueling Wing Safety Office offers both basic and experienced riding safety courses to sharpen the skills of riders of all skill levels. These safety courses, sanctioned by the Motorcycle Safety Foundation, are required every three years by all Airmen motorcyclists, or they cannot ride.

"Risk is all around us, and everyone knows that riding a motorcycle carries a greater amount of risk than driving a car," said Tech. Sgt. Tim White, MSF instructor. "If you have a flat or blowout in a car at 60 miles per hour, there's a good chance you'll be able to control your car without getting injured. If you get hit in a car at 20 miles per hour, you'll most likely be able to walk away. That's not the case with a motorcycle. Let's face it; motorcycles are a lot more dangerous than four-wheeled vehicles."

Staff Sgt. Bill Bayer, 352nd Special Operations Group weather forecaster, is a certified MSF instructor and avid motorcycle rider. He said riding a motorcycle in Europe is all doom and gloom, but riders must always be cautious.

"People say that riding in Europe is more dangerous, but I've found European riders are much more aware of their surroundings," he said. "I've ridden in every single country on the continent and I've never had a problem. You just have to ride smart."

The basic course focuses on fundamentals of riding, from familiarization with controls to shifting and braking. Participants undergo two days of mixed classroom and hands-on training. The experienced course is aimed at those Airmen who are regular riders to refresh skills that may have atrophied.

Both courses are held behind Building 77 at RAF Feltwell, and participants can schedule to attend through their unit safety representative or the 100th ARW Safety Office at 238-4720.

Students may use their own motorcycles or rent them. Rentals cost 110 Great British Pounds for three days. All appropriate safety gear is required during the course, including helmet, gloves, jacket, long pants and over-the-ankle shoes or boots.