As longer days and warmer weather approach, our thoughts should turn to safety, as more motorcycles are beginning to hit the road and safety becomes an issue for riders and motorists as well.

Motorcyclists can prepare themselves for the roads with various levels of free motorcycle safety courses provided by Navy Installations Command's (NIC) Safety program.

"Navy policy has a requirement that military personnel operating a motorcycle, on or off base, shall complete Level I and Level II training initially, and then a refresher course every three years," said Alicia Harkins, NIC traffic safety program manager. "Each course has a classroom component and a motorcycle riding component."

There are several levels of instruction: Level I incorporates the 2-day Basic Rider Course, which is mandatory for all active-duty personnel who plan to purchase or operate a motorcycle. Level II training is considered follow-on training and is required within 60 days of completing the Level I training or upon changing to a different motorcycle.

There are also courses for military sports bike riders, experienced riders and advanced riders.

According to Harkins, there are several reasons for taking the courses.

"Navy policy and safety are the main reasons, but the course will help riders improve their skills, especially in areas of the country where people don't ride all year long," said Harkins.

The safety course is just one of the requirements to operate a motorcycle on base, the other is protective wear.

"All motorcycles operating on installations will have all original safety equipment as designed by the manufacturer. Proper equipment includes head, eye, foot protection, and protective clothing," said Harkins.

This training is part of a Sailor's training requirements if they are a motorcycle rider. They are also required to get refresher training every three years.

"Sailors are supposed to tell their supervisor that they ride a motorcycle and then the supervisor is required to go into the Enterprise Safety Application Management System and add the motorcycle course to the persons training tasks," said Harkins. "The system in turn will notify the person when it is time for a training update."

For more information or to schedule your training visit http://www.navymotorcyclerider.com or http://cnic.navy.mil/regions/cnrma/om/safety/traffic_safety/motorcycle_training.html

Navy Installations Command is comprised of approximately 52,000 military and civilian
personnel worldwide responsible for the operations, maintenance and quality of life programs to support the Navy's fleet, Sailors and their families.

For more about the Navy's shore enterprise, visit: http://www.cnic.navy.mil

For more news from Commander, Navy Installations Command, visit http://www.navy.mil/.