Cruise into Safety Published March 31, 2010 By Airman 1st Class Katherine Holt 6th Air Mobility Wing Public Affairs MACDILL AIR FORCE BASE, Fla. -- With the warm weather and the clear skies finally approaching, it's prime time for motorcycle riders to pull out their gear. The 6th Air Mobility Wing Safety office wants to remind riders to stay safe and complete the necessary training. "All operators of a motorcycle are required to complete the motorcycle basic rider course," said Tech. Sgt. Bill Linney, MacDill motorcycle program coordinator. "Courses are provided once a month." The two-day course is taken downtown, but is no cost to the attendee. All members wanting to take the course should contact their unit motorcycle safety representative. "If the servicemember does not go through the safety office for the course, they will have to pay out of pocket and will not be reimbursed," said Sergeant Linney. The basic rider course is also a requirement for anyone wanting to ride a motorcycle in the state of Florida. After the course is completed, the attendee will receive the correct forms to get the entitlement on their driver's license. For sport bike riders, the basic rider course is not the only course required. "For all riders in Air Mobility Command, the sport bike rider course is also required," said Sergeant Linney. There is also an optional one-day experienced rider course that is offered to interested riders. "The training and courses are here for servicemembers," said Sergeant Linney. "All riders and interested riders need to get with their supervision to ensure they have attended the appropriate courses." Riders are reminded to wear their appropriate personal protection equipment. This includes a Department of Transportation approved helmet, full finger gloves, reflective gear, long sleeves, long pants, and over the ankle footwear.