News

Robins Basic Rider Course gives motorcyclists tools for safe, defensive driving

  • Published
  • By Holly L Birchfield
  • 78th ABW/PA
Senior Airman Ken Zupkow has been a motorcyclist for six years, but he still has a lot to learn.

The 21-year-old Pittsburgh, Pa., native who is an airborne radar technician in the 116th Air Control Wing's 12th Airborne Command and Control Squadron, said Robins' Basic Rider Course gave him the tools he needs to stay safe on his motorcycle.

"From my experience riding, vehicles don't see us," he said. "They don't respect a motorcycle on the road. This course teaches us about how to make ourselves more visible and more noticeable and how to be defensive."

The two-day course, taught on the motorcycle training range just outside of the Perimeter Acquisition Vehicle Entry Phased Array Warning System, or PAVE PAWS, area is mandatory for all active-duty military, Defense Department civilians and contractors who operate motorcycles on base.

The course, which accommodates about 12 riders per class each month, is also mandatory for all Reservists, Air National Guard members, as well as others who ride on Robins. It is mandated by Air Force Instruction 91-207, the Air Force Materiel Command Supplement to that AFI and a Robins policy letter.

Tammy Lawrence, a sheet metal mechanic in the 402nd Maintenance Wing, recently gained some valuable riding skills through the course.

"We're learning how to take our curves more smoothly, how to do a tight curve, and how to stop quickly," she said. "We're just learning how to value our life."

Jerry Morningstar, Motorcycle Safety Program administrator in the 78th Air Base Wing Safety Office, said the course is designed for the novice motorcyclist and teaches riders the necessary skills needed to ride safely and avoid potential accidents.

Col. Patrick Higby, 78th Mission Support Group commander, said the basic rider course packs a lot of good information for riders.

"I think it's a fantastic program we have here. It's an award-winning motorcycle safety course conducted here under the sponsorship of the Motorcycle Safety Foundation. It teaches the motorcyclist to be safe and successful," Colonel Higby said.

Colonel Higby said while most riders who take the course are more experienced, there are occasionally new riders or ones who haven't ridden their motorcycles in a while in the class.

"It's an excellent introduction to motorcycle safety for new riders. For the experienced rider, it is a great refresher," he said. "The stuff that's covered in this course is really pertinent to the motorcyclists being aware of the hazards that are out there and what kind of maneuvers and what kind of behaviors they should take to protect themselves is certainly part of the equation."

Mr. Morningstar said he hopes people who take the basic course will consider joining Robins' Motorcycle Club to continue learning through the base's mentorship program.