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Osan motorcyclists kickoff first safety ride of 2011

  • Published
  • By Tech. Sgt. Eric Petosky
  • 51st Fighter Wing Public Affairs
OSAN AIR BASE, Republic of Korea --  Motorcycle riders at Osan Air Base rumbled out the gate Sept. 14, for the first safety ride of the year.

The safety ride falls in line with the Air Force's "Year of Motorcycle Safety," and it is another requirement for Osan riders in addition to a current Motorcycle Safety Foundation basic rider course, according to Master Sgt. Carter Urban, 51st Communication Squadron.

"At a state-side base, individual units conduct safety rides," Urban said. "Since there are so few riders here at Osan, we are conducting the ride for the entire 51st Fighter Wing."

Urban led the riders on a predetermined route approximately 75 miles on local roads around the base. The ride is highly encouraged for riders stationed at the 51st FW with motorcycles in country, said Chief Master Sgt. Deno Mackin, 51st FW Command Chief. Mackin is a motorcycle rider himself.

"This organized ride is just another requirement to ensure the continued safety of our Airmen who decide to operate motorcycles in Korea," Mackin said. "Safety is the bottom line. Participation is expected, and supervisors and commanders should allow Airmen the maximum time away from the work center to meet their obligations."

In Fiscal Year 2011, there have been 14 motorcycle-related fatalities across the Air Force, indicating an upward trend from 11 motorcycle-related deaths in FY10, said Staff Sgt. Curtis White, 51st FW ground safety technician. Traffic patterns and laws are unique in Korea and require special precautions. The risk inherent to two-wheeled travel can be mitigated by reinforcing basic riding skills, mentorship and experience, he said. Bases throughout the Air Force have similar safety ride programs to prevent injuries and loss of life. Fortunately, there have been zero motorcycle-related accidents for Osan Airmen this year.

"Most private motor vehicle accidents involving motorcycles result from inadequate training," White said. "Either the operator has not had any training, which is a direct violation of Air Force policy, or the rider misjudges his or her skill level."

At a minimum, Pacific Air Forces requires motorcycle enthusiasts have an MSF course at least once every three years and wear personal protective equipment whenever they travel. Equipment standards include: long pants, long sleeves, reflective vest, full-finger gloves, eye protection, over-ankle footwear, and a U.S. Department of Transportation/Snell approved helmet. This MSF course requirement is different than CONUS bases which only require an MSF course once.

Osan AB does not offer a MSF course for riders who need to keep their training up to date, said Urban, but he expects one to begin before the end of 2011. In addition, safety rides should occur quarterly to increase and reinforce basic riding skills, weather permitting.