The policy was developed to implement Departments of Defense and Army standards for motorcycle riders at West Point and has three main parts--motorcycle safety training, protective gear and leadership involvement.

The Motorcycle Safety Policy also addresses motorcycle rider protective gear. DOD and Army policy require that all military personnel (including cadets) wear a Department of Transportation-approved motorcycle helmet, regardless of local or state laws that may not require one.

Military motorcycle riders must also wear impact- or shatter-resistant goggles or a full-face shield attached to the helmet.

Riders must be dressed in either leather or over-the-ankle boots, long-sleeved shirts or jackets, long trousers and full-fingered gloves designed for use on a motorcycle. To aid with visibility, riders must wear brightly colored outer garments during daylight or periods of good visibility and a reflective garment at night or in low-visibility conditions.

Not following the policy or not wearing appropriate protective gear can also affect the outcome of a line-of-duty investigation should riders get injured or killed while riding. According to DOD Instruction 6055.4, paragraph 7c "Line-of-Duty Determinations," failure to use occupant protection devices, to wear required protective equipment, or to comply with licensing or operator training requirements in making line-of-duty determinations for death or injuries resulting from such nonuse of equipment or noncompliance with requirements may result in rider restrictions or loss of privileges (e.g.-benefits). This is also a part of the West Point policy.

There is also a role for riders' chains-of-command or leadership. All military motor vehicle drivers (motorcycle or automobile) must complete a TRiPS risk assessment for leave, pass, PCS and TDY travel.

Motorcycle riders must complete an online risk assessment for their upcoming travel and submit it to their supervisor. The supervisors' roles are to review the TRiPS risk assessment with travelers and discuss the travel plans before to departure.

Commanders also must ensure that in addition to the motorcycle safety training, Soldiers younger than 26 must complete the required four-hour drivers' safety training. All motorcycle riders must also enter into a contract with their senior leaders (lieutenant colonel or above or civilian equivalent) to affirm they are aware of and understand the Army's standards for the safe operation of a motorcycle.

Supervisors also are responsible for ensuring motorcycle riders complete a motorcycle safety inspection at least twice each year.

During April, the Director of Emergency Services gave motorcycle safety cards to all motorcycle riders entering post, which are quick reminders about the use of motorcycle rider protective gear.

In May during National Motorcycle Awareness Month, West Point motorcycle safety information will be shown on the Command Channel, and motorcyclists entering one of the gates will receive more information about protective gear, motorcycle safety inspection checklists and information about the TRiPS risk assessment tool.

Enforcing motorcycle safety standards by DES will begin on West Point in June. The motorcycle safety education campaign runs through June 7.

Starting June 8, the Military Police will issue warnings on DD Form 1408 for failure to comply with Army motorcycle safety standards, and from June 15 on, they will issue district court summonses on DD Form 1805 for any violations. Access to the installation also can be denied for riders not in full compliance.

These actions are not intended as harassment for motorcyclists. The policies have been in effect throughout the Army for the past five years and are intended to protect motorcycle riders.