An official website of the United States government
A .mil website belongs to an official U.S. Department of Defense organization in the United States.
A lock (lock ) or https:// means you’ve safely connected to the .mil website. Share sensitive information only on official, secure websites.
HomeMediaNews

Gen. Mike Minihan, Commander of Air Mobility Command, visits the Niagara Falls Air Reserve Station June 8, 2024.

News


 

Get your motor runnin'

  • Published
  • By Staff Sgt. Joseph McKee
  • 914th AW/PA
NIAGARA FALLS AIR RESERVE STATION, N.Y --  The Motorcycle training program at Niagara Falls Air Reserve Station is conducted in accordance with the Traffic Safety AFI 91-207, Army, Navy & Department of Homeland Security directives. The Base Commander is responsible for establishing a program where both Basic (Beginner) and Experienced rider training based on Motorcycle Safety Foundation (MSF) criteria is provided at no cost to the individual. The purpose of this program is to provide training to those who desire to operate their motorcycles on an Installation, Camp, Fort, Air Station, etc. In context, the AFI is directed at people who own a bike and will participate in either the basic or experienced rider course on their own bike.

The civilian MSF Training Companies offer basic rider courses on loan bikes which they own or have acquired through the MSF, thus meeting MSF requirements. The criteria and course content are identical to the base's program. Due to the nature of military 'business', Niagara Falls Air Base cannot purchase nor own motorcycles. Therefore, the military program is limited by the number of bikes on loan from local dealerships and the number of participating students who possess a motorcycle. Realizing this, the MSF included provisions in the Basic Rider Course (BRC)for people to use their own bikes, normally of larger displacement than typical training bikes, for the course. The Experienced Rider Course (ERC) is designed for a rider operating their own motorcycle.

The Base has acquired, through the MSF and local dealerships, three program bikes. These bikes are over-booked for each class. We have projected four Basic Rider Courses with the maximum twelve students per course for the upcoming 2010 season. There will be three seats in each BRC for riders who do not possess a bike. Since we have many people awaiting a BRC who do not possess a bike, it conceivable that they will not be trained this year.

Motorcycling is a mentorship activity. NYS actually mandates a mentor while riding on a learner permit. Potential riders who are looking for resources or a mentor can contact their Safety Office, any of the Rider Coaches or the Green Knights. These groups can help you with a number of important decisions required of new or 'rusty' riders, such as: What style of bike is right for me? How big/small? Who are the reputable (new rider friendly) dealers in the area? What is proper bike fit? What is proper helmet fit? What type of helmet to buy?

Once an individual has made the decision to ride, we suggest they seek mentorship, then purchase or otherwise procure a bike to train on. The other options are to wait for loan bike availability or pay $275 to Ride With Pride to ride one of their bikes at their site in Derby or ECC North.

Tentative training dates for the 2010 season are:

BRC: 5/21-5/23, *6/25-27, 7/23-25 & 9/24-26

ERC: 7/10 & 8/21

* Originally scheduled for 6/11-13, changed due to the rescheduled Guard UTA.
For more information and to schedule a class contact Alan Davidson or Wayne Bridges at 716-236-2111