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Spangdahlem promotes motorcycle safety

  • Published
  • By Airman 1st Class Brittney Frees
  • 52nd Fighter Wing Public Affairs
SPANGDAHLEM AIR BASE, Germany --  With summer quickly approaching, motorcycle riders are out more than usual enjoying the curvy roads and taking in scenery of the Eifel; however, safety should be the number one priority while riding.

The 52nd Fighter Wing Safety Office provides riders the skills and information needed to be safe on the road.

"The Air Force has already lost five Airmen to motorcycle-related accidents this year," Master Sgt. Victoriano Rodriguez, 52nd FW Safety traffic safety manager, said.

Service members and Air Force civilians are required to wear an Economic Commission for Europe approved helmet, approved safety goggles, glasses or face shield, long pants, foot wear covering the ankle, gloves and a long sleeve brightly colored outer upper garment for daytime riding that must be reflective at night.

"Motorcycle riders should dress for the crash, not the ride, and vehicle drivers should make sure they look twice at intersections," Sergeant Rodriguez said.

According to the National Safety Council, a motorcyclist is 35 times more likely to be killed in an accident than a typical motorist.

To reduce the risk of accidents, the Air Force mandates training for riders.

Motorcyclists are required to take the basic motorcycle safety course before riding a motorcycle on or off base. The safety office offers a beginners course and experienced riders course every month at no cost.

Another way to keep riding skills sharp is to participate in a group that supports safe riding habits.

The Eifel Riders/Green Knights Chapter 27 is a motorcycle riding group at Spangdahlem with a goal of promoting rider awareness and helping riders improve their skills. The chapter has group rides, help with motorcycle inspections and host quarterly motorcycle safety days. They currently have more than 30 members.

"The group enhances motorcycle safety skills in a social environment," Master Sgt. Jared Bowman, 52nd Component Maintenance Squadron who is also a member of the Eifel Riders, said.

For more information on motorcycle safety courses call your unit motorcycle coordinator or the safety office at DSN 452-6306.

To become an Eifel Rider or for more information about the Eifel Riders/Green Knights Chapter 27 group, visit www.eifelriders.com or email eifelriders@spangdahlem.af.mil.