AF updates motorcycle safety regulations Published June 3, 2014 By 2nd Lt. Mark Habermeyer 71st Flying Training Wing Public Affairs VANCE AIR FORCE BASE, Okla. -- Many Vance riders have already prepared their motorcycles for summer. Most of them have already taken their first ride. But, before putting on a jacket and jumping into the seat of your new two-wheeled toy, officials at the 71st Flying Wing Safety Office want to share some changes to Air Force instructions regulating motorcycle riders. The Air Force recently updated the motorcycle safety regulations in Air Force Instruction 91-207 The U.S. Air Force Traffic Safety Program in preparation for the 2014 riding season. The new regulation states that it is no longer mandatory for bike riders to wear reflective personal protective equipment while riding on or off base, said Wade Koehler, the 71st FTW Safety Office ground safety manager. However, according to the AFI, "riders should select PPE that incorporates fluorescent colors and retro-reflective material," he said. This means that wearing colorful and fluorescent PPE is highly encouraged. Also, it is now mandatory for riders who own sport bikes to take the Military Sport Bike Rider Course in addition to the Basic Rider Course, said Koehler. In years past, the Basic Rider Course would have fulfilled the requirement for sport bikes. Mandatory Motorcycle Mentorship Programs are now required within all Air Education and Training Command Wings. The program pairs less skilled riders with more advanced riders. Riders are paired based on experience level and ability, to help increase motorcycle proficiency, said Koehler. As in years past, all first time riders must attend the Basic Riders Course. Below is a list of dates for each rider's courses being held here. To sign up for the classes, stop by the Safety Office located in Building 455 and sign up. Classes are slotted for 12 students, and class times are from 7:15 a.m. - 4:30 p.m. Course Dates Basic Rider Course: June 21-22 July 19-20 August 16-17 September 13-14 Military Sport Bike Rider Course June 7 July 12 August 9 Advanced Riders Course June 14 August 23 Members attending motorcycle courses on base are required to bring eye protection, a long sleeved shirt or jacket, pants, full fingered gloves and footwear that guards the ankles and feet. Information pertaining to proper PPE for motorcycles and Air Force traffic safety can be found in AFI 91-207.