Marine Corps News, news from Iraq - Marine Corps Times

Jackets may become mandatory for bikers

Members of the Corps’ Executive Safety Board are considering whether protective jackets should join the list of personal protective equipment required for Marine motorcycle riders.

“Right now, the requirement is for long sleeves,” said Maj. Tracey Jenkins, Safety Division ground branch head, but that provides little to no protection for that unfortunate Marine who skids across the blacktop in a wreck.

If they do become mandatory, jackets could be among the PPE that Marine Corps Community Services retail stores sell at discount to riders who take the required motorcycle courses, officials said in Marine Administrative message 364/09, which also officially ends the requirement that Marines wear reflective vests while riding. The board, which has until Tuesday to make a recommendation about the jackets, plans to offer vouchers to Marines and sailors who complete the Basic Rider Course, Experienced Rider Course and Military Sportbike Course.

“It’s an incentive for Marines who have perhaps not registered their bikes on base,” which is required, Jenkins said. “We just want to see them get the training they need.”

Officials at the Personal and Family Readiness Division, which will oversee the voucher program, have not determined how big — or how small — the discount will be, a spokesman said. No other details about the voucher plan were immediately available.

Marines are required to wear gloves, helmets, eye protection and over-the-ankle footwear while riding motorcycles, and the equipment can be costly, depending on the brand. Helmets and jackets, for example, can range from $50 to $450 or more.

If board members decide to include riding jackets in the PPE policy, Jenkins, a rider himself, said they’ll likely identify various types that can be worn.

“I have worn leather in summer traffic, and it’s miserable,” he said. “The mesh jacket’s a little bit better, but it’s hot when you’re sitting stopped in traffic. I think everything’s going to be taken into consideration. We’re concerned about the safety of Marines.”

A record 25 Marines were killed in motorcycle crashes in fiscal 2008. Eleven have died in motorcycle wrecks since October, according to the Naval Safety Center.

As the fatality rate has risen, the Corps has pushed tougher rules on riders. About a year ago, officials began requiring Marines to inform their commands if they plan to buy a motorcycle. Marines also must register their bikes with their base.

Aside from mandatory training courses, the Corps has offered “track days,” where Marines can ride on high-speed tracks aboard a base.

“What leadership found is it becomes very much a training event,” Jenkins said. “You’re able to identify Marines that may need a little extra attention.”

The safety board also is looking for ways to refine what to offer at these events and plan to standardize the training requirements for riding coaches who run track days.