Air Force makes significant changes to motorcycle safety requirements Published Aug. 17, 2007 By Richard E. Cunningham ASC Safety Office WRIGHT-PATTERSON AIR FORCE BASE, Ohio -- The revised AFI 91-207, "US Air Force Traffic Safety Program," announced early this spring, is now available at www.e-publishing.af.mil. Substantial changes are communicated for motorcycles, seatbelts, cell phones, personal protective equipment and training. Unit commanders are also tasked with specific actions concerning motorcycle riders assigned to their unit. Please note that this article focuses on motorcycle safety and does not provide an inclusive list of all changes to AFI 91-207. The motorcycle safety requirements can be summarized simply as training, protection, visibility and commander's responsibility. The following paragraphs below aid Team Wright-Patt efforts as wingmen and mentors and to guide commanders toward implementation of an effective motorcycle component in their organizational safety program. Motorcycle safety training requirements are now markedly more stringent for civilian personnel. AFI 91-207 requires initial training for all AFT civilian personnel prior to riding on an Air Force installation. Air Force civilian personnel must also be trained if they ride in a duty status off base. Successful completion of the Motorcycle Safety Foundation Basic Riders Course satisfies the rider education requirement. Training is available to Wright-Patterson personnel via self registration at www.motorcycle.ohio.gov. There are a number of new Personal Protective Equipment requirements to be aware of. A windshield no longer constitutes proper eye protection. Goggles, wrap-around glasses or a full face shield meeting or exceeding ANSI Z87.1 impact standards must be worn. You must now wear sturdy over-the-ankle footwear. Durable athletic shoes covering the ankles also satisfy the requirement. The 88 Security Forces Squadron and SECTEK personnel have commenced enforcement of the eye protection and foot wear requirements. Finally, riders are strongly encouraged to wear a motorcycle jacket and pants constructed of abrasion-resistant materials such as leather, Kevlar® and/or Cordura® containing impact-absorbing padding. Garment and motorcycle visibility requirements remain substantially the same. Your upper outer garment must be brightly colored, visible and reflective at night. The intent is to maximize the chance of being seen by other traffic, thereby controlling your personal risk. For visibility purposes, a vest is not specifically required as is an upper outer garment. Additionally, ensure the bright color constitutes the majority of your upper outer garment. Unit commanders must maintain a roster of the motorcycle riders assigned to their unit and brief each rider on the requirements of AFI 91-207 and other applicable guidance. The roster will indicate at a minimum: training completed, motorcycle(s) make and model, engine size and operator experience. The Air Force's most 'at risk' personnel continue to be off-duty males 18 to 26 years of age. A motorcycle safety tool kit contains numerous items to ensure success. Consider establishing a motorcycle safety focal point in your unit to help you, perhaps someone who rides motorcycles themselves. The base safety office provides technical and interpretive guidance for the various regulations and instructions. Eligible Wright-Patterson AFB-affiliated military and civilian members' training expenses will continue to reimbursable while funds are available. Wright-Wriders is a well established and effective motorcycle mentorship program. Their goal is to enhance the safety of motorcycle riders, encourage rider education and skills development and reduce the potential for motorcycle mishaps. Membership is voluntary and open to all base personnel, military, civilian and contractor. Contact Kenneth.Pagano@wpafb.af.mil for more information. A sample unit policy letter with risk assessment is available at the safety office. For more information, contact James Womack, 904-0888.