Action Line: Motorcycle attire Published Aug. 14, 2009 By 72nd Air Base Wing TINKER AIR FORCE BASE, Okla. -- Q: I was recently stopped at the gate and informed that that the silver, black and orange mesh motorcycle-jacket I was wearing was not bright enough for daytime riding. The guard informed me that it would meet the requirements for nighttime riding because it was reflective, but not bright enough for daytime wear. He also said it must be yellow, orange, green, or blue. I am not complaining about the requirements, just requesting that we clarify and standardized what meets the base requirements, and then to make that publicly available. It seems difficult at this time to obtain the information to comply with the base regulations. A:Thank you for allowing me to address this issue. The regulatory requirements for garments worn by motorcycle riders are not specific. The current version of AFI 91-207, para 3.4.2.4.5, states "Motorcycle riders will wear a brightly colored outer upper garment during the day and a reflective upper garment during the night." A revision to this document is currently in review and should provide more specifics for outer upper garments for motorcycle riders. In most cases of motorcycle accidents involving other motorist, the driver of the other vehicle claims to have "not seen the motorcyclist," this is the rationale for the long-sleeved, brightly-colored outer upper-garment as described in Air Force instructions. It provides increased visibility of the motorcycle rider to other motorist, as well as protection from debris from other vehicles and the elements. Some examples of what a garment would be considered as "brightly colored" would be bright or fluorescent orange, yellow or green. Also, motorcycle specific riding jackets designed with what is often referred to as a "break-up pattern" of mixed bright colors designed to draw attention to the rider. The Safety Office is currently working to update the Motorcycle Safety Web page in an effort to make information concerning the wear of required riding apparel and other related information much easier to obtain. The Safety Office will also work with Security Forces in the near future to help educate all personnel at the gate entrances of the correct riding apparel as stated in current DOD and Air Force instructions. This will alleviate possible inconsistencies in interpreting the requirements while providing one-on-one education of what is required to ride on base. If you have any further questions, call Wayne Smith in the Safety Office at 739-3263.