Staying safe while riding solo Published Feb. 25, 2016 OFFUTT AIR FORCE BASE, Neb. -- Big changes are taking place for motorcycle training this year that will require riders to schedule their own training with an approved Motorcycle Safety Foundation vendor, and seek reimbursement for the training fee if necessary. The US Air Force Traffic Safety Program, AFI 91-207, requires active duty personnel to be trained prior to riding a motorcycle, to include test driving. Table 4.1 stipulates that both Basic Riders Course-2 and Advanced Riders Course satisfy the requirement to complete required refresher courses once every five years after completion of Intermediate training. According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, "Motorcycle rider training programs have been widely implemented to help reduce crash frequency, but they are still underutilized and often lack support from the larger traffic safety community. A broader educational approach, which provides motorcyclists with practical information outside of a formal training setting, can also aid both new and experienced riders." This is also the DoD approach as well. Starting in 2016, all potential or existing riders must seek out and schedule training from an authorized MSF vendor. The approved list of MSF vendors in the Omaha-Lincoln and Council Bluffs areas are posted to the 55th Wing Safety SharePoint site. You are not required to use these specific vendors; any MSF-certified class will meet the requirement. Riders will need to pay for their training out-of-pocket, and will be reimbursed for the course fee when the training is complete. Riders must complete following in order to ensure reimbursement: 1. Register and pay for a motorcycle course at an authorized MSF vendor. 2. Obtain and keep your receipt/invoice as proof of payment. 3. Complete the course and receive a MSF completion card. 4. Fill out Standard Form 1164, Claim for Reimbursement for Expenditures on Official Business within FIVE duty days. 5. Bring your MSF card, receipt and the completed SF Form 1164 to the 55th Wing Safety office on the second floor of the Base Operations building. BRC course riders will need to bring proof that they completed the required Commander's Brief. The Safety office will verify the required documentation and sign the SF Form 1164. Riders will get reimbursed if they do not pass the class but riders will need to bring a note from the vendor on the vendor's letterhead. Riders will not get reimbursed if they drop out or if they withdraw. 6. Hand-carry all of the paperwork to 55th Comptroller Squadron's Budget Office in Building C, room 130 to file the voucher for reimbursement. To ask questions related to the reimbursement voucher, call 294-2391. Harley Davidson is offering free MSF classes to Active Duty military members through the end of Calendar Year 2016. If a rider uses this option, they must notify the unit Motorcycle Safety Representative so that Wing Safety can keep an accurate account of trainees for the base. As always, when riding a motorcycle military personnel will need to wear Personal Protective Equipment as required by AFI 91-207. In the Offutt AFB Supplement to AFI 91-207, it states that appropriate administrative or disciplinary actions will be taken for personnel who to fail to attend required/scheduled training including restricting operation of the motorcycle for military personnel. For questions about motorcycle safety requirements, contact the 55th Wing Safety office at 294-6357.