Team Travis reminded to be safe on two wheels

  • Published
  • By Senior Airman Shaun Emery
  • 60th Air Mobility Command Public Affairs
TRAVIS AIR FORCE BASE, Calif. --  Protecting yourself and protecting your fellow riders was the theme at a recent mandatory motorcycle safety briefing held at the base theater Jan. 23.

Col. GI Tuck, 60th Air Mobility Wing vice commander began the briefing with eye-opening facts for the more than 500 riders at Travis Air Force Base. In 2007, four motorcycle related Class-A mishaps occurred at Travis, resulting in three fatalities and one permanent disability. They accounted for 60 percent of Air Mobility Command Class-A mishaps and 20 percent of the Air Force's total.

"That is why we have motorcycle training," said Colonel Tuck. "Those people didn't go out thinking they would lose their life. You can be doing everything right and someone else not paying attention can take a life."

In an effort to prevent motorcycle mishaps, the 60th Air Mobility Wing Ground Safety office provides training for those wanting to learn and those who already ride. For new bike riders the training is mandatory. According to the safety office, new standards will soon take effect and all riders are required to attend training by May.

"It is mandatory for all Air Force riders to take a two-day beginner rider course," said Tech. Sgt. Mark Lytal, a motorcycle safety instructor. The beginner rider course is held every weekend, weather permitting, at no cost to military members. Military dependants are welcome to take the course but must pay a fee.

"If you know someone who wants to take up riding, make sure you send them to the basic course," he said. "Don't ever try to teach them yourself."

A rider involved in a serious mishap may not be the only one who suffers, said Tech. Sgt. William Weber from the 60th AMW Ground Safety office.

"Last year 164 days were lost from nine incidences," he said. "These mishaps may affect people's deployments and add stress to an already stressful environment. We want to make sure everyone is aware of our program and the personal protective equipment required while riding on a motorcycle. Proper gear is a wise investment."

Mr. Kirk Griess, from the California Highway Patrol was invited to speak at the briefing. Mr. Griess presented photos of motorcycle accidents, explained how they occurred and their consequences. He reiterated the importance of the training classes and the use of safety equipment.

"What these guys are doing makes sense," he said of the instructors at Travis. "They take what they're doing very seriously. They offer a great service."

To find more information on motorcycle safety classes and to sign up, Team Travis members should consult the 60th AMW Safety office Web page on the Travis intranet.