SCHRIEVER SPACE FORCE BASE, Colo. -- As another motorcycle season comes to an end, the 310th Space Wing Safety Office took a moment to reflect on our successes, as well as acknowledge where we need to improve.
For many, as an alternative to rising automobile and gas prices, riding a motorcycle is an economical decision. However, choosing to ride a motorcycle comes with inherent dangers, for first-time riders and seasoned veterans alike. Mitigating those inherent dangers becomes more manageable with proper training and continuous rider’s education, and ultimately prepares all riders to best navigate those often-unpredictable dangers.
“As motorcycle riders, we assume a much higher risk than typical drivers and we always hear ‘it’s not if, it’s when’ - but how many actually take that seriously?,” said Senior Master Sgt. Eric Haselby, superintendent, Conventional Weapons Safety at the Air Force Safety Center. “Riding a motorcycle can be a very rewarding experience, but it is also a gamble, and the odds are against us.”
Every unit in the 310th Space Wing has a Motorcycle Safety Representative (MSR). Appointed by the unit’s commander, the MSRs manage their unit’s motorcycle riders by validating training requirements are met by making sure all motorcycle riders are scheduled and attend rider’s training. The unit MSRs, the wing safety office, and the newly reestablished Space Base Delta 1 Motorcycle Safety Mentorship Program, all work together to reduce motorcycle accidents by improving motorcycle education and increasing communication between motorcycle riders and safety representatives.
The 2022 motorcycle season ended this month with a motorcycle mentorship ride, led by Maj. Paul Sula, 19 Space Operations Squadron and Master Sgt. Christopher Ash, 3rd Space Experimentation Squadron. Eighteen motorcycle riders participated in a 4-hour, 186-mile motorcycle mentorship ride from Colorado Springs to Westcliffe, Colorado and back.
With over 10 years of motorcycle riding experience between them, Sula and Ash are both committed to expanding motorcycle safety training and supporting effective safety initiatives to prevent needless motorcycle accidents and deaths. “We create community among riders to influence best behaviors and safety-minded riding, “said Ash.
“The Motorcycle Mentorship program is important for several reasons. First and foremost, through the mentorship program, we give all base riders the opportunity to develop their skillsets and safety mindedness through DoD-derived training and real-world experiences,” said Sula. “Second, it is a fun way for riders to meet one another, build esprit-de-corps and network amongst fellow military riders within the local area. Finally, it saves taxpayer dollars by allowing military riders who have completed all requisite off-base training to get their mandatory currency training completed, on base, at no cost,” he added.
As we look ahead to next year’s motorcycle season, the safety office needs your help. As citizen Airmen and Guardians, continue to look out for one another, minimize distractions and put down the cell phone. Stay alert! Commanders, please continue to foster the importance of 24-7 safety.
Motorcycle riders, be aware of the continued requirements for wearing personal protective equipment on and off base. Next, be cognizant of your military status. Your status may determine what type of medical coverage to which you are entitled as military member. Finally, MUSTT accounts must be kept current. Recent guidance from Air Force Reserve Command headquarters indicated that all riders in MUSTT who are overdue for training, for more than 1 year, will be assigned as a non-rider and not tracked until their MUSTT account is brought current. In other words, non-riders will not be authorized to operate their motorcycle on any military installations. Repercussions for violating the ‘no ride’ status could result in punitive administrative actions ranging from a Line of Duty determination to permanent loss of motorcycle riding privileges. Simply put, AFRC headquarters is putting the onus on the rider and unit leadership to maintain MUSTT accounts and keep our warfighters safe.