Dave Robinson, Fort Leonard Wood airport manager and longtime motorcyclist, rides along Iowa Avenue Tuesday. All riders — including passengers — must adhere to all personal protective equipment requirements, including helmets, goggles, leather boots or over-the-ankle-shoes, long-sleeved shirt or jacket (detached sleeves do not count), long trousers and full-fingered gloves or mittens. Photo by Brian Hill
Everyone looking to ride a motorcycle on Fort Leonard Wood must know what’s expected of them regarding personal protective equipment, also referred to as PPE.
Service members here wishing to ride motorcycles are required to go through a progressive motorcycle training program, which addresses PPE, as well as various driving techniques.
Though Department of Defense civilians are not required to take the safety courses, they are required to follow all policies relating to PPE. In fact, all riders are required to wear proper PPE while operating a motorcycle or as a passenger.
“The reason motorcycle safety is so important should be obvious; it is a very dangerous activity,” said John Cobleigh, U.S. Army Garrison Fort Leonard Wood safety manager. “When you ride a motorcycle you are very exposed, and at the same time, you are moving at a considerable rate of speed. If you get involved in an accident you will be afforded very little protection. The result will likely be a serious injury. It therefore makes sense to ensure that you do everything you can to make sure you keep yourself safe on your bike.”
Anyone interested in learning more about Fort Leonard Wood’s motorcycle safety and training programs should contact the Fort Leonard Wood Safety Office at 573.596.0131, ext. 60116.
