News

Beginner motorcycle class at Dover AFB

  • Published
  • By Airman 1st Class Samuel Taylor
  • 436th Airlift Wing Public Affairs
DOVER AIR FORCE BASE, Del. --  Many consider riding a motorcycle to be an exhilarating form of transportation and recreation. However, it's not without inherent risks; riders are more exposed to the elements, the road and other automobiles than those driving automobiles.

In order to mitigate these risks and keep Team Dover members safe on the road, the 436th Airlift Wing Safety Office, in cooperation with the Delaware Department of Motor Vehicles, offers award-winning motorcycle safety courses at Dover Air Force Base, Del.

"Our motorcycle safety program has been recognized as the best in Air Mobility Command for three years running, and we're on track for the fourth year," said Master Sgt. John Willard, the chief motorcycle safety course instructor. "We have a kinship with the riders that set us apart from other programs."

The Beginner Rider Course offers Team Dover members an opportunity to obtain their motorcycle license, potentially at no cost. Active-duty service members and reservists have the $50 fee reimbursed upon successful completion of the course.

The course consists of an all-volunteer staff of nine coaches from Dover AFB. It is geared towards training people who have little-to-no experience riding a motorcycle. Through a mixture of classroom instruction, hands-on training and peer-to-peer discussion, the course accomplishes this task in 15 hours over the course of a weekend.

"It is the best way to obtain the basic skills needed to operate a motorcycle safely," said Tech. Sgt. Teddy Pierre, a volunteer rider-coach.

Students learn the basic components of a motorcycle, how to operate the clutch and throttle, proper braking techniques, safe-driving techniques and road skills. The course ends with a written exam and riding test.

"Our course is structured very well [considering the goal of the program]," said Staff Sgt. Chris Wigley, a volunteer rider-coach. "The students learn how to crawl before they walk and run."

The courses effectiveness is evident in their pass-fail rates. According to Willard, the average number of riders who pass the course is higher than the state average. Specifically, the number of female riders who pass the BRC on base is approximately twice as high as the statewide average.

"I like the course; it builds confidences and is a good introduction to riding a motorcycle," said Master Sgt. Tracy Boucher, a student of the BRC. "I would recommend it."

Though every passing student may not rush to buy a new motorcycle, they will learn lessons that may save lives on the road.

"The awareness and road skills you learn will benefit you regardless if you choose to ride or not," said Wigley. "You can leave the course any time, and [for passing students,] it doesn't cost anything except for time and effort."

Those interested in taking the course may visit www.citizen.dmv.de.gov to pre-register.