HANSCOM AIR FORCE BASE, Mass. – As motorcycle season revs up, safety officials here remind military and civilian personnel of the importance of practicing motorcycle safety on and off the installation.
According to Department of the Air Force and Department of Defense Instructions, all motorcycle operators, and their passengers, must wear protective equipment while driving on a military installation.
“Wearing the proper gear is just one of many safety considerations when operating a motorcycle,” said Senior Airman Cordell Reed, 66th Air Base Group Safety specialist. “Wearing highly visible outer garments containing reflective material during hours of darkness or reduced visibility as well as during daylight hours allows riders to be seen on the roadway.”
Riders and passengers are required to wear a federal Department of Transportation-approved helmet, eye protection, long-sleeved shirt or jacket, full-fingered gloves, and sturdy over-the-ankle footwear.
Active duty motorcycle riders are required to contact their unit motorcycle safety representative and be entered into the Air Force Motorcycle Unit Safety Tracking Tool, or MUSTT. Documentation of a safety briefing in MUSTT is required for riders within 30 days of arrival at Hanscom AFB or when becoming a motorcycle rider.
“Military riders are initially required to attend either an approved motorcycle basic training course or obtain their license to ride in accordance with state laws,” said Shaun Bassett, 66th Air Base Group Safety occupational safety manager.
A list of approved courses is available on the Hanscom AFB Safety SharePoint site. To find other local approved motorcycle safety courses, visit https://www.msf-usa.org/ or https://massmotorcycleschool.com.
According to base safety officials, military riders who attend the Basic Level I course are required to complete Intermediate Level II training between 60 days and one year after, then Refresher Level III training every five years afterward.
Military members are eligible for reimbursement for the Intermediate Level II and Refresher Level III training courses. The beginner course is not reimbursable.
Safety officials are planning a motorcycle mentorship event in June.
“The annual safety motorcycle mentorship event will consist of a safety briefing, motorcycle training modules, inspections of bikes, and a group ride in the local area," said Bassett. “This event is highly encouraged for all Hanscom military motorcycle riders.”
He added that riders who attend the full duration of this event will also satisfy the five-year Refresher Level III training requirement.
In addition to military riders, federal civilians, retirees, tenants, and other riders on base are welcome to attend the mentorship event.
For further information or to learn more about motorcycle safety, call 781-225-7233 or email 66.abg.se.cmb@us.af.mil.