The speeding motorcycle weaved in and out of morning rush-hour traffic on Memorial Parkway in Huntsville. Andrew “Smitty” Smith shook his head when he heard about it.
Smith, motorcycle safety instructor with Cape Fox Federal Integrators, taught the Motorcycle Safety Foundation basic rider and advanced rider courses last week at Redstone Arsenal. Five students took the basic rider course July 22-23. Two were already riders, and three were brand new.
Doug Warwick, a safety manager at the Prototype Integration Facility under DEVCOM’s Aviation & Missile Center, took the advanced rider course Thursday.
“All these motorcycle safety courses are imperative to maintaining proficiency on motorcycles and gaining personal confidence in your individual ability to safety operate a motorcycle on public streets,” Warwick said.
Smith usually travels to Redstone twice a year to teach the courses under contract. The Garrison Safety Office coordinates the scheduling and availability of slots for students. The riders navigate a marked course at the motorcycle training range across the street from the bowling center.
“There’s no more precious gift than life,” Smith said. “The skills we offer through MSF (Motorcycle Safety Foundation) give our Soldiers and civilians a fighting chance to survive the challenges of riding motorcycles.
“We’re just trying to give them skills so they can survive what they’re passionate about.”
During training sessions, riders are tasked to have a heighted sense of safety awareness. The instructor challenges riders to prioritize visibility, adjust their riding techniques and be mindful of road conditions while riding. This includes using bright reflective gear, maintaining a safe following distance, and practicing smooth throttle and brake control. For motorcycle safety training information, call the Garrison Safety Office at 256-876-3383.
