Yokota implements policy change for motorcycle riders

  • Published
  • By Airman 1st Class John D. Partlow
  • 374th Airlift Wing Public Affairs
YOKOTA AIR BASE, Japan --  On March 1, Yokota implemented a U.S. Forces, Japan, policy change that allows direct motorcycle licensing to base residents.

Prior to the policy change, all riders were required to complete a Motorcycle Safety Foundation course in Japan before they were authorized to operate a motorcycle, regardless of previous experience or completion of the safety course at a previous installation.

In contrast, the new policy change allows members to receive a license in Japan if they have a MSF course completion card from any qualified instructor, whether stateside or overseas.

"The old policy was redundant for veteran riders since the MSF curriculum is the same for all locations," said Tech. Sgt. Jason Scott, 374th Airlift Wing Ground Safety manager responsible for ensuring the new policy was implemented at Yokota.

To obtain a license, riders are required to have their supervisor, motorcycle safety representative, first sergeant and unit commander approve their Yokota Motorcycle Application. This form can be obtained from the motorcycle safety representative and identifies certain motorcycle restrictions, such as a passenger option and motorcycle size.

For dependents, the application must be routed through their sponsor's chain of command for approval.

"I think the new 'hands-on' type policy will help supervisors and commanders identify personnel who exhibit a potential for risky behavior," said Staff Sgt. Samuel Morse, motorcycle safety representative for the 374th AW Wing Staff Agency. "It will help prevent riders from becoming a statistic, whether from inexperience or complacency."

The 374th AW Safety office, the 374th Security Forces Squadron and USFJ worked together to implement this policy change to make the licensing process more streamlined and easier for veteran riders.

"The underlying theme for all of this is to make the motorcycle licensing process simpler without compromising people's safety," said Scott.

To obtain a Yokota Motorcycle Application or learn more about the policy change, personnel should contact their motorcycle safety representative or unit safety representative. If unavailable, call the 374th AW Safety office at 225-7233 (SAFE).