JOINT BASE LANGLEY-EUSTIS, Va. –
As the snow begins to melt and temperatures rise, motorcyclists can look forward to brushing the dust off their bikes and hitting the roads.
However, they must first brush up on safety.
Beginning March 18, the 633rd Air Base Wing Safety Office will offer multiple motorcycle safety courses on Tuesdays and Wednesdays throughout the spring and summer months.
"Many Service members don't realize the courses are required, even if they are not planning to ride on base," said Dawn Joyner, 633rd ABW Safety technician. "The courses are mandatory for any personnel at Joint Base Langley-Eustis who wish to ride a motorcycle."
According to Department of Defense Instruction 6055.4, DoD Traffic Safety Program, all requirements for motorcycle operations apply to:
Active-duty military on or off any DoD installation
· DoD civilians when the motorcycle is operated on a DoD installation, and off the installation if the individual is in a duty status.
· All others when the motorcycle is operated on the installation.
In addition, riders must be properly licensed to operate a motorcycle in Virginia or by their home state of record before taking the courses.
Outside of the required training courses, the DoD mandates the following clothing and personal protective equipment must be worn at all times when operating a motorcycle:
· Department of Transportation or Snell-certified motorcycle helmet.
· Full-fingered gloves designed for motorcycle operation.
· Long-sleeved upper garment
· Long pants
· Sturdy, over-the-ankle boots with a heel
· Foot protection - sturdy, over-the-ankle footwear that affords protection for the feet and ankles.
· Eye protection - goggles, shatter resistance glasses or helmet face shield. Fairing windshield does not meet requirement
· Daylight operation - Brightly covered upper garment or reflective material such as a vest worn over all other garments. Vests may be worn over military uniforms while operating motorcycle.
The courses at JBLE are limited to 12 individuals per class, and active-duty military personnel from both installations receive priority. All motorcycle training will be conducted at Fort Eustis.
Before taking one of the advanced courses provided at JBLE, riders must take the Beginner Rider Course, consisting of a 5-hour class and approximately 10 hours on a motorcycle. Riders can take the course at Fort Lee or Joint Expeditionary Base Little Creek-Fort Story on a stand-by basis free of charge.
JBLE is now offering BRC on a reimbursement plan with local colleges. All active-duty Service members assigned to JBLE who use this option will be reimbursed the training fee. The Service member must have a Memorandum for Reimbursement from the 633rd ABW Safety office with their unit commander's signature of approval before taking the course, which the member must pay for. After successfully completing BRC, the member must present the signed letter and the BRC completion card to the 633rd ABW Safety Office for reimbursement.
The BRC-2 is available to riders who own a motorcycle and have completed the BRC. Riders must be properly licensed, have their own motorcycle, possess a valid state inspection, and maintain registration and proper insurance. There is no classroom portion for this course.
"Participants will ride for approximately six hours with their own bikes," said Joyner. "The courses are designed to teach students how to handle their specific bike and fine tune their skills on the road."
Much like the experienced course, MSRC is designed to perfect a rider's skills, but it deals specifically with sport bikes because they require different training.
Riders interested in signing up for any of the courses available should contact the 633rd ABW Safety office at 501-8261, 501-8230 or email
usaf.jble.633-abw.mbx.eustis-safety-office@mail.mil. The Langley Safety office can be reached at 764-5058.