Ride safe, Team Ramstein

The weather in Germany is becoming milder, and motorcycle operators are getting their bikes ready. The KMC’s annual motorcycle briefing was held March 7 at the Hercules Theater.

All riders who were not able to attend can get copies of the briefing from their unit’s motorcycle coordinator. The slide show and video of the briefing are also located on the 86th Airlift Wing Safety Community of Practice. The 86th AW Safety CoP site has a section dedicated to motorcycle operation.

According to the U.S. Air Forces in Europe Traffic Safety Program requirements, all military personnel at any time, on or off an Air Force installation, and all Air Force civilian employees, on or off an AF installation, in a duty status who operate a motorcycle on a roadway, and all operations of government owned motorcycle are required to attend and complete an approved motorcycle rider education course.

Every three years, U.S. Army Europe motorcycle-endorsed license holders must complete either the Motorcycle Safety Foundation Basic Riders Course or the MSF Experienced Riders Course. The BRC is designed to teach the novice how to ride a motorcycle while the ERC is for more experienced riders with three or more months of experience. A U.S state side motorcycle-endorsed license is required along with a completed MSF course to obtain a USAREUR motorcycle endorsement. Contact your unit’s motorcycle coordinator or send an e-mail to schedule an MSF course. All MSF courses are free.

The following protective equipment must be worn by all motorcycle riders:
» Head Protection: A helmet that meets or exceeds Department of Transportation standards and properly fastened under the chin is required. In addition, the helmet must meet, at minimum, certification requirements of ECE 22.05.

» Eye Protection: Goggles, wrap around glasses, or full-face shield (properly attached to helmet) are required to meet or exceed the American National Standards Institute Standard Z87.1 for impact and shatter resistance.

» Protective Clothing: Long-sleeved shirt or jacket, long trousers, full-fingered gloves (sturdy, non-slip type to permit a firm grip on the controls), motorcycle jacket and pants (of abrasion resistant materials such as leather, Kevlar and/or Cordura containing impact absorbing padding) are needed.

» Foot protection: Sturdy over the ankle footwear (durable athletic shoes that cover the ankles) are required. Sandals, low quarter sneakers, and similar footwear should not be used.

» Garment and Motorcycle Visibility: Brightly colored outer upper garment should be worn during the day and reflective upper garment should be worn at night. The outer upper garment shall be visible and not covered. Wearing a backpack is authorized if it has brightly colored/reflective properties.

Motorcyclists must comply with the laws and instructions governing motor vehicle operation and registration on the installation.

A new motorcycle registration memo is now in effect for 86th AW personnel. Contact your UMC for further details. If you unit does not have a UMC, send an e-mail to kmc.MotorcycleSafetyProgram@ramstein.af.mil or call 86th AW Safety at 480-7233.

This information is given in Air Force Instruction 31-204, Air Force Motor Vehicle Traffic Supervision, and AFI 91-207, USAFE Sup 1, USAF Traffic Safety Program. Regulations are listed in the USAFE pamphlet 31-206, Army in Europe pamphlet 190-34 or the driver’s handbook and examination manual for Germany. Ride safe, team Ramstein, and enjoy the great opportunity to ride in Germany and Europe.

(Courtesy of 86th Airlift Wing Safety Office)