The instructors of the motorcycle safety courses at Joint Base Lewis-McChord have increased the number of weekly courses available in preparation of the fair summer weather and large number of Soldiers returning from deployments.
Department of Defense and Army regulations require all DOD personnel to successfully complete an approved rider or operator safety course that consist of classroom instruction, hands-on training and written evaluations.
As part of the Traffic Safety Training Program, motorcycle instructors at JBLM provide the Basic Rider Course, Motorcycle Refresher Training, Military Sports Bike Rider Course and Experienced Rider Course to all DOD personnel.
"What it (BRC) is, is a curriculum of about 15 to 16 hours. Five to six hours are in the classroom and approximately 10 hours out here on the riding range," said Jim Paulsen, lead instructor for the Army Traffic Safety Program.
The course's focus on safety and basics empowers new and seasoned motorcycle riders with the knowledge and skills necessary to prevent themselves from becoming a fatal statistic. As of July 6, 20 Soldiers Army-wide have died this year from motorcycle accidents.
"It (BRC) really covers the basics," Paulsen said. "The highlights are cornering, braking, swerving ... obstacles are one of the exercises that are covered but it is not one of the focuses of the exercise. It focuses more on the control of the motorcycle and what could be a lifesaving skill."
Staff Sgt. Matthew T. Sanders, an infantryman with 1st Battalion, 17th Infantry Regiment, has recently returned from a deployment and bought a motorcycle. He is completing the BRC in order to fulfill his requirements to ride his motorcycle on the installation.
"This is fantastic. It's free. It's thorough instruction. The instructors are informative. It's fun," Sanders said. "I would suggest this to anyone who's even thinking about getting a motorcycle that they should take part in this."
In reaction to a large number of units returning to JBLM in the upcoming months, the Army Traffic Safety Program has increased the number of BRC classes and MRT classes it provides weekly.
"We have a mobile surge team that we call a Surge Reaction Team that's en route now from Fort Stewart down in Georgia literally driving across the country," Paulsen said. "We'll have another range over at the American Lake Club where they'll be stationed for the next couple of months helping out with that surge."
"It (MRT) is designed for someone who has been deployed typically for six months or longer, or somebody who rides seasonally is also welcomed to take it," Paulsen said. "That is just what the title says. It is refresher training, so it's for an extended period where you're not on your bike to come out in an area with a low-threat environment"
Personnel who would like to sign up for traffic safety classes can register online at www.airs.lmi.org.
Comments for "JBLM cycles through courses for safety" (12)
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pfc lett said on Feb. 05, 2011 at 9:24pm
where can i sign up for the course??
EDITOR'S NOTE: You can sign up right here: https://airs.lmi.org/default.aspx
Christopher Kisner said on Apr. 11, 2011 at 2:14pm
I am interested in signing up for the advanced motorcylce saftey course. I was wondering the time and location? Please-mail me at kisner_chris@yahoo.com.
Northwest Harley-Davidson said on May. 28, 2011 at 10:32am
We love to see the men and women of JBLM stressing the importance of motorcycle safety. We see many soldiers come through our dealership everyday, we are a huge supporter of our troops and we want to ensure that while they are enjoying the excitement and fun of a motorcycle, they are also keeping safety top of mind!! Great article!! RIDE SAFE EVERYONE!
savannah said on Aug. 16, 2011 at 8:03am
where is the class located on post?
CBRNE_LT said on Sep. 27, 2011 at 10:32pm
Hi,
The links above are not working. Would love to sign up before winter arrives.
SPC bingman said on Sep. 28, 2011 at 11:49am
the previous links are broken, here is the registration site
https://apps.imcom.army.mil/airs/
Sherril Fison said on Mar. 02, 2012 at 3:24pm
Would like to sign up; but links are not working; do you have a phone number?
Deslaurier said on May. 11, 2012 at 10:50pm
Good Morning to you:
I have been trying to sign up for the Motorcycle rideing course on FT Lewis, WA. I have exhausted every avenue to find it. Anything would be helpful. Thank you
Josh Oille said on May. 22, 2012 at 2:21pm
I'm trying to sign up, and look at the class schedual, but the links to sign up do not work...
Trevor L said on Jun. 08, 2012 at 12:32pm
Do we provide our own bike for the class or are we supplied one?
SPC Walker, Jonathan said on May. 05, 2013 at 5:36am
I am currently deployed in afganistan and I am trying to sign up for the motor cycle safety course prior to my return to JBLM. However the link is not allowed according to the MWR computer. Is there any way I can schedule by phone or email. Thank you for any assistance you can provide at making this happen.
Jon Walker
Pattie Roberts said on May. 07, 2013 at 12:07pm
I am interested in taking the motorcycle safety course. I have never riden before and am considering getting a motorcycle. I have been told this course is free to retired military? I retired in January of 2011 from the U.S. Army. Can you please email me and let me know if I can take it free and when the courses are offered? I would like to sign up as soon as I can. Thank you very much, Pattie Roberts
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