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Combat veterans motorcycle Association the Virginia chapter |
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Military Base/Installation/Post Riding Regulations
There are several Service level and Base specific orders concerning requirements for riding a motorcycle on the base grounds. There are minor differences between bases and each Service, but all are very similar. All the Service Chiefs have voiced concern over rising motorcycle fatalities of Service Members through official message traffic, Service Bulletins, Safety Stand Downs and increased rider training opportunities on base. To that end, the regulations for base access on a motorcycle in our area are more restrictive than Service level regulations.
The following is an excerpt from Quantico Marine Corps Base Order MCBO P5560.2D MOTOR VEHICLE TRAFFIC SUPERVISION, dated 21 April 2007. These requirements are the most restrictive in our local Virginia riding area. Although some bases may differ, if these are followed for all bases, you should be able to gain access:
3002. MOTORCYCLE OPERATING EQUIPMENT. No person will operate a motorcycle upon any road on this base unless such vehicle is equipped as follows:
1. Steering and Wheel Alignment a. Motorcycles will be equipped with front forks that meet design specifications. b. Components will not be broken, loose, missing, or show excessive wear. c. Steering head bearing will not be loose, broken, or defective. d. Handle bars will not be loose, bent, broken, damaged or welded.
2. Suspension. Motorcycles will not have broken, excessively worn, missing, defective, disconnected, or malfunctioning shock absorbers; broken or excessively sagging springs; or other defective suspension components.
3. Tires, Wheels and Rims a. Tires must have 1/16 inch tread on all running surfaces. Racing slicks are prohibited. b. Casings, beads, tread and fabrics will be free of breaks, bulges, cracks or exposed fabric which exhibit a weakened, unsafe tire condition. c. There will be no loose, missing or defective air valves, bolts, nuts or lugs. d. There will be no bent, loose, cracked or damaged wheels; defective rims or wheel flanges; or missing, broken, bent, loose, or damaged spokes. e. The wheels will be free of missing rivets, studs, nuts, and broken or out-of-adjustment bearings.
4. Exhaust Systems a. Motorcycles will be equipped with complete exhaust systems including mufflers which reduce noise to a minimum level and be installed according to design specifications and applicable regulations. Exhaust pipes will not be cut off nor have baffles removed. Straight pipes are prohibited. b. Exhaust systems and elements thereto, including exhaust guards, will be securely fastened.
5. Fuel Systems a. The fuel tank and piping will be securely installed, and the fuel line will be free from leaks. b. The fuel tank will be vented. c. The throttle will be aligned and not binding; linkage (including cables) will not be worn, bent, broken, corroded or missing. d. On models with a quick-release throttle, the throttle must return to "off" or "idle" position when released.
6. Brakes a. There will be at least one foot and one hand brake. Operating levers and pedal shafts will be properly positioned and aligned. b. Mechanical parts will not be misaligned, badly worn, broken or missing. c. The brake system will be free of worn, missing, or defective pins, cables, cords, clevises or couplings; misaligned anchor pins; frozen or rusted inoperative connections; missing spring clips; improper wheel bearing adjustment; and defective grease retainers.
7. Lamps and Reflective Devices. Lamps will be mounted securely to prevent excessive vibration and will not have defective wiring, improper ground, or a defective switch. The power source must maintain lamps at required brightness for all conditions of operation. a. Head Lamps. The motorcycle will be equipped with at least one and not more than two head lamps to produce sufficient driving light. The dimmer switch on double filament head lamps will be operative. No person will equip a motorcycle with more than two additional lights. Motorcycles will be operated with headlights on at all times. b. Rear Lamps. Rear lamps will be red and visible at night under normal conditions. c. Stop Lamp. The stop lamp must be red and will be visible from the rear when actuated by applying the brake. The stop lamp may be combined with other rear lamps. d. License Plate Lamp. License plate lamp will be white in color and illuminate the rear plate during hours of darkness. The lamp should light up when the head lamps are turned on. e. Directional Signals. Directional signals will consist of amber or white front lamps and red or amber rear lamps which are visible from the front and rear. f. Hazard/Emergency Lights. Emergency lights, if installed, will have an approved type switch which will flash front and rear turn signals simultaneously. g. Reflectors. All reflectors will be clean and free of cracks.
8. Wiring and Switches. Switches and operating units will be in good condition and will function properly. Wiring will be properly installed and insulated. All connections will be secure and without corrosion.
9. Horn. The horn will be securely fastened and audible under normal traffic conditions for at least 200 feet.
10. Windshield. (If installed) will be firmly mounted so that the operator’s vision is not obstructed and will be free of cracks, discoloration, and scratches.
11. Body a. There will be no defective or dislocated parts protruding from the motorcycle. b. The engine mounting frame or brackets will not be cracked or broken. c. Fenders and mud guards will not be broken, missing, or of inadequate design or modification. d. Foot rests will be securely mounted and properly located. e. Seats will be properly and securely fastened. The seat and its springs will not be broken or otherwise defective and will be so configured as to require the operator to operate the motorcycle in a normal upright sitting position. f. Lubrication systems will be free of excessive oil leaks. g. Center or side stands will be in proper working order. h. Rear view mirrors will be securely attached to each side of the handlebars; and each mirror will be free of cracks and discoloration. Mirrors will be mounted so as to provide the operator with a clear, undistorted and unobstructed view of at least 200 feet to the rear of the motorcycle. i. No person will rake or extend the front wheel by any means. Forks must meet original manufacturer’s specifications and be free from any modification.
12. Passenger Equipment. Motorcycles equipped with seating for a passenger will also be equipped with foot rests specifically designed and located for the passenger’s use.
13. “Sissy Bars.” "Sissy Bars" in excess of 24 inches are prohibited. "Sissy Bars" are considered to be any attachment or structure affixed to the rear of the seat designed for the purpose of back support, luggage tie, or appearance. Such fixtures must have a rounded top. Spiked or other pointed extensions are prohibited. (Hand holds or luggage ties of stock design affixed to the saddle are permitted.)
14. License Plates. No person will operate a motorcycle upon any road on this base unless state or territorial vehicle license plates are mounted and securely fastened to the vehicle. The plates will be legible, visible, and present an entirely unobstructed view, and will be illuminated with a light at night.
15. Other. Any other component or assembly not mentioned herein which constitutes a hazard to the safe and proper operation of the motorcycle and to the safety of others is prohibited.
16. Personal Protective Equipment (PPE). Motorcycle operators and their passengers are required to use the following personal protective equipment and clothing: a. The following PPE is mandatory for all persons operating or riding as a passenger on a motorcycle on Marine Corps installations, and for all military personnel operating or riding a motorcycle off installations, on and off-road, in uniform or civilian clothes:
(1) Department of Transportation (DOT) Approved Helmet. A motorcycle protective helmet properly fastened (under the chin) which meets the standards of the DOT or Snell Memorial Foundation (SNELL). (Note: Commanders may authorize use of combat helmets for operating tactical vehicles (e.g., motorcycles, all terrain vehicles, etc.) during operations and training based on an operational risk assessment.)
(2) Eye Protection. Shatter resistant wrap around glasses, or full-face shield (properly attached to helmet) designed to meet or exceed the reference (m) for impact and shatter resistance. A windshield, non-safety rated eyeglasses, or a fairing alone does not constitute proper eye protection. ANSI approved motorcycle goggles may be worn but must not restrict peripheral vision.
(3) Properly Worn Long-Sleeved Garment. A shirt or jacket that covers the arm to the wrist is required. (While ballistic motorcycle jackets and pants constructed of abrasion resistant materials such as leather, Kevlar, and or Corduroy that contain impact-absorbing padding might be optional – they are strongly encouraged.)
(4) Properly Worn Long-Legged Trousers. Both legs covered to the ankle. (While ballistic motorcycle pants constructed of abrasion resistant materials such as leather, Kevlar, and or Corduroy that contain impact-absorbing padding might be optional – they are strongly encouraged.)
(5) Appropriate Foot Wear. Leather uniform low tops, or canvas/leather high tops/boots properly secured. Opened toed shoes are not authorized. Foot wear will consist, at a minimum, of over the ankle sports shoes appropriately worn (e.g., if the footwear is built to be laced or fastened, it will contain laces or fasteners and the laces or fasteners will be secured at or near the top). It is strongly encouraged that lace up military boots or sturdy leather or ballistic nylon riding boots be worn that provide the optimum protection. Dress shoes may only be authorized for wear when riding a motorcycle on base while wearing the service or dress uniform.
(6) Appropriate Hand Wear. Full-fingered gloves or mittens.
(7) Reflective Vest. A reflective safety vest will be worn as the outer garment, as it is intended to be worn. Only international orange, yellow and lime green colors are permitted. Each vest will have as a minimum, 2 1-inch reflective strips which extend from the front hem, up and over the shoulders to the rear hem, or from side to side on both the front and back of the vest. Military personnel are required to utilize all PPE listed above off base as well. |
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Combat Veterans Motorcycle Association Virginia, Chapter 27-1 May 30, 2008 Page 2 |