Base Access with a Motorcycle

[ftcret]

I have worn the uniform. Vietnam. Little bit old for it now and couldn't take the bs so got out when my time was up, ok? Plus did you miss the part where I said I didn't want servicemens benifits? I don't consider base access a benifit when they seem to not be able to function without contractors.

Thank you for your service. I make the comment that it is NOT discrimination to not offer the same benefits or privledges to everyone. The funny thing is how many people feel "discriminated" against because they dont feel they are getting the same deal as the person next to them -regardless of how the other earned it or was awarded it.

 

[144Play]

Some gate guards at Andrews will simply ask if you have your Motorcycle Safety Card, while some ask you to produce it for their approval. I have been stopped twice to produce my card (having to dismount and dig inside my bags for my card), once after taking my time in producing my card (mess with me I'll mess with you) the cars backed up outside the gate onto the local street. I was told I need to have it readily accessible... I think it is bad enough that they have made it so motorcyclist have to wear brightly colored gear at all times (anyone for flourescent yellow and orange), while I see bicyclist running all over the base without safety vests or bright riding jerseys.

 

[desertrat]

Thank you for your service. I make the comment that it is NOT discrimination to not offer the same benefits or privledges to everyone. The funny thing is how many people feel "discriminated" against because they dont feel they are getting the same deal as the person next to them -regardless of how the other earned it or was awarded it.

I still think making contractors pay and drive up to La Plata once every three years is stupid. The government pays for our clearance checks, decals, CAC cards, desks, etc. because they are part of the job. Why not the MS course since they are requiring a card to get a decal?

 

[glhs837]

Then why doesn't the State require it? It is clearly the Navy's motive to keep their sailors from getting hurt. Fine, but why involve Civil Service or contractors?

Why doesn't the state require it? Same reason they don't require real driver training, whatever that is. As for why civil service and contractors? Dont know, other than the fact that safety rules generally apply to everyone.

 

[ftcret]

The clearances, CAC cards and all that bizness is required to work, your mode of transportation is entirely up to you. If you had a job that required you to ride a scooter in the performance of said job then you would have a viable arguement. If the rules/regulations state that to ride a motorcycle on a federal installation you need some special class and you decide you want to drive a motorcyle on the installation then comply. If it is inconvenient or too cumbersome for you then pick alternate transportation.

 

[Floyd2004]

I think it is bad enough that they have made it so motorcyclist have to wear brightly colored gear at all times

I saw a bike enter Webster this morning with just a black leather jacket. No bright colored anything.
Now that I think about it I dont think any of the three or so people that ride bike in this building dont wear bright vests or anything like that. Just normal leathers.
...All of them also drive old fogy bikes with tassles.

 

[desertrat]

The clearances, CAC cards and all that bizness is required to work, your mode of transportation is entirely up to you. If you had a job that required you to ride a scooter in the performance of said job then you would have a viable arguement. If the rules/regulations state that to ride a motorcycle on a federal installation you need some special class and you decide you want to drive a motorcyle on the installation then comply. If it is inconvenient or too cumbersome for you then pick alternate transportation.

I choose a mule.

 

[somdwatch]

Orange Vests

Not required. Boots, not required. 3 year renewal not worth it. It's a pain to drive the damn bike to work just because they haven't trained the gate guards to read the instruction.

 

[CrystalClear]

Right now the guard could care less about the MSC, they just look for a sticker. My guess is if they did away with them for cars you will still have to produce proof in some way on a bike. Sticker or card. Harassment is all it is. Not to mention discriminating against contractors (nothing new here) since we can't take the free one on base. Not that I'm saying we should get PX piviledges or anything, but when it comes to base access itself I think it's flat out BS. Crap, just the fact that you made it to gate 1 in one piece should prove you can ride anyway. Who cares if you can do a figure 8 in front of guard shack 1?

 

[desertrat]

Not required. Boots, not required. 3 year renewal not worth it. It's a pain to drive the damn bike to work just because they haven't trained the gate guards to read the instruction.

Yep.

(1) Properly fastened (under the chin) protective helmet that meets or
exceeds the U.S. Department of Transportation standards. It is recommended
that a minimum of four square inches of retro-reflective material be
attached to the back and each side of the helmet.

(2) Properly worn eye protective devices which are defined as impact,
or shatter resistant eyeglasses, goggles, or a face shield attached
to the helmet. A windshield, fairing, and standard sunglasses are not
considered proper eye protection.

(3) Properly worn long sleeved shirt or jacket, long-legged trousers
and full-fingered leather, or equivalent gloves.

(4) Properly worn hard-soled shoes with heels. (Riders are encouraged
to properly wear over the ankle shoes or boots.)

(5) A brightly colored outer upper garment during the day and a reflective
upper garment during the night. The outer garment shall be clearly visible
and not covered. Military uniforms do not meet this criteria.

However, a black leather jacket is not quite a brightly colored upper garment.

That is the one I see ignored the most.

 

[Softballkid]

(5) A brightly colored outer upper garment during the day and a reflective
upper garment during the night. The outer garment shall be clearly visible
and not covered. Military uniforms do not meet this criteria.

However, a black leather jacket is not quite a brightly colored upper garment.

That is the one I see ignored the most.

Doesn't this one state something about 30 minutes before sunset up until 30 minutes before sunrise they must be worn? or something of that nature..?

 

[desertrat]

Doesn't this one state something about 30 minutes before sunset up until 30 minutes before sunrise they must be worn? or something of that nature..?

They may have changed it I guess, I just copied what they had and that was probably two years ago.

 

[Vince]

(1) Head Protection. A helmet meeting DOT, SnellMemorial Foundation certification shall be worn and properly fastened under the chin. Fake or novelty helmets are prohibited.
(2) Eye Protection. Protective eye wear designed for motorcycle operators (impact or shatter resistant safety glasses, goggles, wrap around glasses sealing the eye, or face shield properly attached to the helmet) shall be properly worn. A windshield or standard sunglasses or standard eye wear alone are not proper eye protection.
(3) Foot Protection. Sturdy over the ankle footwear that affords protection for the feet and ankles shall be worn.
(4) Protective Clothing. Riders and passengers shall wear a long sleeved shirt or jacket, long trousers, and full fingered gloves or mittens designed for use on a motorcycle. Motorcycle jackets constructed of abrasion resistant materials such as leather, Kevlar, and/or cordura and containing impact absorbing padding are highly recommended. To enhance the ability of other vehicle operators to see and avoid motorcyclists, outer garments constructed of brightly colored and reflective materials are highly recommended during daylight hours. Reflective outer garments or vest shall be worn during nighttime hours.

Over the ankle footwear is no longer recommended, it's mandatory. Long sleeves, mandatory. Reflective outer garments at night, mandatory. Recommended during daylight hours. This is the update from 2010.

 

[desertrat]

Over the ankle footwear is no longer recommended, it's mandatory. Long sleeves, mandatory. Reflective outer garments at night, mandatory. Recommended during daylight hours. This is the update from 2010.

The one I don't get is why require full finger gloves? Are they afraid I'll break a nail if I fall? I don't see where that is going to save your life or even much skin.

 

[Vince]

The one I don't get is why require full finger gloves? Are they afraid I'll break a nail if I fall? I don't see where that is going to save your life or even much skin.

Definitely won't save a finger. :shrug: And taking the safety course every three years is a bit of an overkill, but a day of riding beats a day at work anytime.

 

[desertrat]

Definitely won't save a finger. :shrug: And taking the safety course every three years is a bit of an overkill, but a day of riding beats a day at work anytime.

Very true.

I think I am going to go 4/22. The one day course. The beginers would be funny to watch from what I hear, but too much time and money.