The spring spike and motorcycle safety

  • Published
  • By Staff Sgt. Connor Estes
  • 48th Fighter Wing Public Affairs
ROYAL AIR FORCE LAKENHEATH, England --  As the weather becomes warmer in England and the helmets come out of the garages, the goal of RAFs Lakenheath and Mildenhall safety offices is to avoid the seasonal spike in motorcycle fatalities, known as the 'spring spike', which occurs between March and May.

During last year's spring spike, there were 11 private motor vehicle fatalities Air Force wide, and eight involved motorcycles.

"Motorcycle fatalities are historically the highest in the month of April," said Senior Master Sgt. James Middleton, 48th Fighter Wing Safety superintendent. "Risk awareness, proper education and a safe-operator attitude are keys to accident prevention."

To combat that risk here the safety offices at Lakenheath and Mildenhall are joining to offer motorcycle safety foundation classes through June. Motorcycle riders are required to attend this class at least once every three years.

"The MSF classes we offer are free of charge," said Francis Tran, 48th FW Safety motorcycle safety coordinator. "The only costs attendees will incur are the bike purchase or rental, personal protective equipment and fuel."

New motorcycle riders are required to attend the beginner rider's course. This course teaches all the basic fundamentals of operating a motorcycle. Last year, 153 Airmen trained in this course.

There are roughly 200 motorcycle riders stationed at Lakenheath, and Sergeant Middleton has words of advice for them.

"Use common sense and think ahead," he said. "Don't drink alcohol, don't speed, do drive defensively, do use extreme care, do assume the other guy doesn't see you and do ride within you limits."

In addition to the training courses, a mandatory pre-season brief for all riders will be held March 26 at 9 a.m. on RAF Feltwell. All servicemembers, DoD civilians, NAF civilians and contractors who ride must attend this briefing. A make-up briefing is scheduled for April 5.