Spring time nears, so does motorcycle season Published April 18, 2014 By Master Sgt. Jerome C. Baysmore jbvjbj SCOTT AIR FORCE BASE, Ill. -- Spring is just right around the corner, but watch out, motorcyclists might be as well. As the weather turns warmer and most people return to outdoor activities, officials also remind everyone to keep an eye focused on safety especially when it comes to motorcycles. Lt. Gen. Brooks Bash, Air Mobility Command vice commander, said part of a wingman's duty is to intervene before things could spiral out of control. "Many Airmen are engaging in behaviors that are dangerous to themselves and others," he said. "All too often, our Airmen are aware of risky behaviors, but choose not to intervene, resulting in missed opportunities to avoid potentially bad outcomes. "For example, an investigation into a recent motorcycle fatality revealed a first-term Airman had not been properly trained, certified, or approved to ride his motorcycle, but did so anyway," he added. "Other Airmen knew that this Airman was riding, but did not intervene, either with the Airman or with the chain of command." Last year, the Air Force suffered 18 off-duty motorcycle-related fatalities. With spring coming up, officials advise motorcyclists to gear up both mentally and physically. "Each spring the road is filled with riders of all skill levels," said Mr. Patrick Nevitt, AMC Ground Safety manager. "However, there's been a four-to-five month break since the last riding season so take the time to practice and start slowly to build those skills back. "Inspect your bike before riding it, make sure you're wearing the proper personal protective equipment and wear it properly," he said. "Think of how much you value your head and your life when you're shopping for your helmet. If you're buying a $50 helmet, is that really how much you value your life?" Mr. T.J. Miles, 375th Air Mobility Wing deputy ground safety superintendent and avid rider with 34 years of experience, agrees with Nevitt. "We recommend riders to get out and refresh their skills through practice," he said. "There are a lot more holes in the road from the winter thaw and drivers haven't been used to seeing motorcyclists in about five months." Miles said he chairs the motorcycle safety courses for the Scott Air Force Base community, but his passion for motorcycles started at a young age. "I ride because it's exciting and exhilarating," he said. "When I was a kid, I saw others riding and I wanted to--I had to beg my grandfather for a year before I got my first dirt bike. "But now that I'm in this job, I feel responsible for the well-being of all of our bikers in this region," he said. "One of our biggest problems that we face here is most of our motorcyclists are wearing helmets and obeying the, 'Don't drink and ride' rule," he said. "However, some people in the community are doing the opposite, and I'm afraid that behavior will impact our riders." Miles said to ride as if the other people in the road can't see motorcyclists. Allow plenty of space, watch other drivers closely and try to ride as visibly as possible. "There's nothing like those first few rides but take it easy and get used to riding again," he said. "Skills fade with inactivity so practice in a parking lot or call us to use the base motorcycle safety pad before heading out into traffic--you have the whole season ahead of you."