Motorcycle riders must wear proper PPE Published Nov. 6, 2007 By Randy Hakman Wing Ground Safety manager VANCE AIR FORCE BASE, Okla. -- Autumn weather makes for great motorcycle rides - especially in Oklahoma. Although it can be tempting to peel off personal protective equipment once motorcycle operators have left the base, doing so is in violation of Air Force Instruction 91-207, The U.S. Air Force Traffic Safety Program. The AFI states that military members must wear their personal protective equipment both on and off the installation. It also spells out the following guidelines to keep riders safe. Motorcycles and all-terrain vehicles Motorcycles and ATVs equipped with headlights will have them turned on while in operation. Motorcycles will have rear view mirrors, both left and right, mounted on the handlebars or fairing (not required for tactical or off-road motorcycles not operated in a traffic environment). Helmets All motorcycle operators must wear helmets designed to meet or exceed Department of Transportation standards and be properly fastened under the chin. Goggles, wrap around glasses or a full-face shield (properly attached to helmet) designed to meet or exceed American National Standards Institute Standard Z87.1 for impact and shatter resistance will be worn. A windshield on the motorcycle does not constitute proper eye protection. Protective clothing Long-sleeve shirts or jackets, long trousers and full-fingered gloves are required to be worn. Gloves should be sturdy, non-slip type to permit a firm grip on the controls. Wear of a motorcycle jacket and pants constructed of abrasion resistant materials is strongly encouraged. Foot protection Riders must wear sturdy over the ankle footwear affording protection for feet and ankles (durable athletic shoes covering the ankles may be worn). Sandals, low quarter sneakers and similar footwear will not be worn. Visibility Motorcycle riders must wear brightly-colored, outer upper garments during the day and reflective upper garments during the evening. Outer upper garments shall be visible and not covered. Wearing backpacks are authorized if they have brightly colored or reflective properties. Changes for skateboards, kick-scooters and roller-skates These modes of transport are prohibited on installation roadways except for incidental road access associated with pedestrians and will comply with all pedestrian related traffic laws. These devices, unless determined to be a hazard to pedestrians, will use designated pedestrian walkways and paths. AFI updates in regard to state law In addition to complying with the AFI, installations located in the United States will also apply and enforce the state laws regarding standards for motor vehicles in traffic. Under this provision, items commonly referred to as mini bikes or pocket rockets are not authorized to be operated on Vance Air Force Base roadways as they are banned from roadways as stated in Oklahoma statutes. For more information, call the ground safety office at 213-7793.