Motorcycle all-call encourages safety

  • Published
  • By 2nd Lt. Jordan Hechinger
  • 14th Student Squadron
COLUMBUS AIR FORCE BASE, Miss. --  While the weather at Columbus AFB may be changing, the need for safety has not.

To prepare motorcycle riders for the coming warm weather and good riding conditions, the 14th Flying Training Wing Safety office held a motorcycle all-call on March 8 in the Kaye Auditorium.

The 14th FTW Commander opened the call, taking special concern in reminding Airmen to be prepared each time they ride and be vigilant of danger. Col. Jim Sears offered a sobering reminder that two of the last five Air Education and Training Command motorcycle related fatalities were Columbus AFB personnel as he emphasized his point of view on the importance of motorcycle safety as well as the hazards that riders face on a daily basis. He pressed the importance of Airmen being prepared both mentally and physically every time ride, to rely on their training and to make good decisions on and off the motorcycle.

Lt. Col. Cheryl Ingber, 14th FTW Chief of Safety followed, addressing new Department of Defense regulations for active duty motorcycle riders concerning personal protection equipment and requirements on rider skills tests. She also encouraged experienced riders to volunteer to become a rider coach, to expand on the three available coaches on Columbus AFB.

To help influence a safer riding environment the 14th FTW Safety office announced they will begin their spring Driver Awareness Campaign designed to inform drivers to be more alert of motorcycles on the road. The campaign will include public service announcements airing on local television channels focusing on "See Me Save Me," as well as billboards, yard signs and posters; all to enhance driver awareness.

To ensure each Columbus AFB Airman walked away ready to ride safely Lt. Col. Doug Jantzen, the Motorcycle Mentorship program coordinator, reminded attendees about proper riding apparel, motorcycle maintenance, safe riding techniques and situational awareness regarding other vehicles.

The call concluded with a Mentorship Ride open to all interested on Columbus AFB. The 50-mile ride started and ended on base with a route that included Columbus, West Point and Aberdeen. The ride was designed to provide inexperienced riders time with their riding mentors in a safe learning environment.