News

Road-ready courses continue to prep riders during 101 CDS

  • Published
  • By Jenny Gordon
  • Robins Public Affairs
ROBINS AIR FORCE BASE, Ga. --  Every day is a good day to practice safety when riding a motorcycle.

During this season's 101 Critical Days of Summer Campaign, which runs through Sept. 2, road-ready motorcycle courses continue to be offered at Robins which stress basic ridership, skills and safety.

Each month a two-day Basic Rider Course is offered, along with a one-day intermediate Basic Rider 2 course, and one-day Advanced Rider Course. All courses are also offered during weekends in alternating months.

All courses are free and mandatory for military personnel, and are open to dependents and Robins civilians. There is classroom training and hands-on instruction at the training range in front of the PAVE PAWS radar facility.

"There's no end to the amount of training you can give yourself with safety on a motorcycle," said John Ainsworth with the Installation Safety Office.

While a rider can do everything right, participating in required courses and practicing safety on the road, accidents still happen.

Ainsworth said there are several factors for motorcycle mishaps. Speed, riding too fast for conditions, over riding one's abilities and four-wheel vehicle operators are just a few.

Safe riding also includes maintaining your bike. Check out your tires and wheels, controls, lights, oils and fluids, chassis and side stand, and keep up with your maintenance records and schedule to see if it's due for a major service.

Course Instructor Greg Stephens said it's important for riders to get in the habit of putting on personal protective equipment before getting on a bike.

That includes a Department of Transportation-approved helmet, full-fingered gloves, long-sleeve shirt or jackets, long pants, eye and foot protection.

During the July Commander's Call, Col. Chris Hill, Installation commander, described the Air Force 101 CDS safety trends for Robins as being the same as last year. To date, there were 40 mishaps across the service, resulting in eight lost work days and more than 400 restricted duty days.

"Here's what I need you all to do. Keep your head on a swivel - stay aware," he said. "Your actions are not always the only part of the equation that affects your personal safety. When you're doing something dangerous, take the steps. Apply risk management, risk mitigation and live to the next 10 seconds."