Spring Spike Focus aimed at reducing motorcycle mishaps

  • Published
  • By Staff Sgt. James M. Hodgman
  • 55th Wing Public Affairs
OFFUTT AIR FORCE BASE, Neb. --  Many find Motorcycles, in all their splendor and power, a lot of fun. With the proper training almost anyone can enjoy the wind in their face, the freedom of cruising the open road and the thrill that only riding a motorcycle can bring. 

However, riding a motorcycle can also be very dangerous. A recent study conducted by the Air Force Safety Center, found motorcycle fatal mishaps doubled in the spring over the winter season. 

The study also found the average motorcycle mishap involved a male, between the ranks of airman 1st Class and staff sergeant with an average age of 28; mishaps predominantly occurred during the day and usually involved speeding. 

Another significant factor discovered by the safety center was that limited experience due to a lack of training, or failure to obtain a motorcycle license, contributed to most mishaps. With this in mind, the Air Force Safety Center is conducting a "Spring Spike Focus," for all motorcyclists and their leadership. 

The goal of the Spring Spike Focus, which began March 1, is to get people to think about motorcycle safety, said Staff Sgt. Benjamin D. Hill, a ground safety technician with the 55th Wing Safety Office. 

When someone gets back on their motorcycle for the first time since last fall or spring they won't have the same skills they had last time, Sergeant Hill said, "They'll be rusty whether they've been riding for one year or 20 years. 

"We want to help them realize prior to getting on their motorcycle that they need to go through a checklist; ensure they have the proper gear, their bike is in top shape and their leadership knows their riding," he said. 

Anyone interested in learning how to ride a motorcycle and earn a motorcycle endorsement on their license can complete the basic rider's course provided by the 55th WG Safety Office. 

The BRC is for the person who has never ridden a motorcycle, Sergeant Hill said. "It should be taken before you even consider riding a motorcycle," he added. 

Sergeant Hill emphasized, all military personnel must take an approved motorcycle safety foundation course prior to operating a motorcycle and that includes the test drive. 

The BRC can satisfy that requirement and is free for active-duty military personnel. Civilians, retirees and family members may also take the course for a $159 fee. 

Those desiring to take the BRC don't need to own their own motorcycle as one is provided throughout the class. Students must bring their own personal protective equipment, however. 

The three-day course consists of class room instruction, practical application with a motorcycle and testing. Students must pass the written and riding tests to complete the course. 

After completing the BRC, students will receive the Offutt Rider card granting them access to Offutt and the Motorcycle Safety Foundation card which will grant them access to any installation, Sergeant Hill said. 

Senior Airman Lance G. Belobrajdic, an electronic warfare journeyman with the 97th Intelligence Squadron, recently completed the BRC and knows just how beneficial the course is. 

The course teaches how to approach a motorcycle, change gears, break properly and handle a clutch and throttle, Airman Belobrajdic said. 

It also includes a series of exercises before starting the bike to learn how to properly balance it, Belobrajdic added. 

"I had to walk with the bike so I could get a feel for the weight of it, then I walked with it while sitting on it, after that I sat on the bike and gave it a little throttle, " he said. "The course taught me how to swerve around objects, drive around debris and be aware of other drivers on the road." 

Airman Belobrajdic, who was motivated to learn how to ride a motorcycle after seeing his father ride for years, said riding a motorcycle is enjoyable. 

"It's nice to be out in the open rather than secluded in a vehicle, to have that freedom is really great. You see more things and hear everything, plus it's loud and I like those things," he said. 

While riding a motorcycle can be fun, doing so without the proper training can be deadly. According to the safety office, 50 servicemembers have lost their lives over the past three years due to motorcycle related accidents. Fifteen fatal mishaps occurred in 2008 alone. 

"We are concerned about everyone's safety and that is essentially what the Spring Spike Focus is all about," Sergeant Hill said. "One fatality is one too many." 

For more information or to enroll in the next basic rider's course contact the 55th WG Safety Office at 294-6357, or visit the Offutt Motorcycle Safety Community of Practice webpage at,
https://afkm.wpafb.af.mil/ASPs/CoP/OpenCoP.asp?Filter=AC-SE-00-54