AMC continues sport bike safety course Published May 28, 2009 By Laura McAndrews Air Mobility Command Public Affairs SCOTT AIR FORCE BASE, Ill. -- As a countermeasure to the increase in fatalities and mishaps during the summer season, AMC continues its Sport Bike Safety course during this year's Critical Days of Summer campaign. "It's sport bike specific," said Tech. Sgt. Curtis Toler, Air Force Communications Agency Enterprise Systems Manager. "Sport bikes are faster than cruisers - stop faster, go faster, they're more aggressive." The class is designed to make Airmen aware of the dangers of a sport bike. The course teaches correct riding posture. "Sport bike riders don't hang off in turns to look cool, not to be Joe Cool Guy," said Sergeant Toler. "It's a riding technique that makes cornering safer." Students also learn pre-ride inspection points. "We want to teach them to spend at least five minutes inspecting their bike every time before they go out," said T.J. Miles, 375th Airlift Wing deputy ground safety superintendent. "It's also for the safety of the class," added Sergeant Toler. He said they've had to remove students from the class for unsafe bikes, such as those with dry-rotted tires. Additionally, the class teaches mentorship. "From the little kid to the 21-year-old, everyone is watching you when you're on a bike, so you need to set a good example," said Sergeant Toler. He recommends finding the right environment for the type of riding bikers want to do. "If you want to race, go to the track. If you want to do stunts, go to a large empty place," he said. Sergeant Toler said he'd always wanted a sport bike, but put it off until he was more mature. "All of my friends kept coming back after weekends of riding with broken this and broken that," he said. "I decided I wasn't old enough because I'd be out riding just like them. I don't like broken bones; I hear they're bad." Sergeant Toler said he felt responsible enough to get a bike about four years ago. To combat broken bones and worse, AMC tries to hold a Sport Bike Safety Course once a month. Mr. Miles advises any Airman who rides a sport bike to come out and take the course. "We try to teach our students to think ahead of time," Mr. Miles said. "If they're not thinking ahead, it can equal death." "The sport bike course isn't easy," Sergeant Toler warned. Airman Steven Reed, 375th Civil Engineer Squadron, said he has been riding motorcycles for four years and has been on a sport bike for about two and a half. He took the most recent class here May 19. "It was more difficult than the Motorcycle Safety Foundation course," Airman Reed said. "It teaches a lot more." Staff Sgt. Tim Sweet, 375th Security Forces, also attended, and summarized the benefits of the course: "It was challenging, but I know my bike a bit better; know my skills better," he said. "A lot of people don't want to be here when the class starts," said Sergeant Toler. He said they feel like they were "forced" to attend the class, "but by the end, I haven't had one student ever tell me it was a wasted day." Sergeant Toler said when he first took a course he was upset to be there. "I grumbled all the way to the classroom, but in the end, I liked it so much I wanted to teach it." "If it's a normal duty day, what would you rather be doing?" asked Sergeant Sweet. "Working or safely riding your motorcycle?" For questions on registration and availability at each AMC base contact the installation safety office.