Photo By Staff Sgt. Samuel Becker | U.S. Air Force Reserve Maj. Daniel Trausi, Defense Equal Opportunity Management...... read more read more
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PATRICK SPACE FORCE BASE, Fla. — For many riders, motorcycles represent freedom, focus, and the pure enjoyment of the open road. But with that freedom comes risk—risk that can be significantly reduced through proper training, sound judgment, and a shared commitment to safety.
Motorcycle safety courses offered through Space Launch Delta 45 are designed to do exactly that: equip riders with the skills, awareness, and confidence needed to ride responsibly while preserving the thrill that draws people to motorcycles in the first place.
According to U.S. Air Force Reserve Maj. Daniel Trausi, Defense Equal Opportunity Management Institute service liaison officer, stated that structured training plays a critical role in reducing mishaps.
“Completing a motorcycle safety course gives riders a structured environment to practice critical skills they may not routinely exercise on the road,” Trausi said. “The course reinforces fundamentals like braking, cornering, hazard recognition, and risk assessment, while emphasizing sound judgment and decision-making under real-world conditions.”
Trausi emphasized that many motorcycle mishaps stem not from a lack of confidence, but from overconfidence—often paired with small decisions that carry major consequences.
“Speed, lane position, following distance, and protective equipment all directly impact survivability,” Trausi said. “The goal is to build confidence rooted in skill and awareness, not overconfidence.”
Recent safety data across the Department of the Air Force and Department of War continues to show motorcycle mishaps as a leading cause of non-combat serious injury and fatality. Excessive speed, impaired or distracted riding, lack of protective gear, and insufficient training remain common contributing factors—many of which are preventable through education and disciplined riding practices.
For U.S. Space Force Col. Brian Chatman, Space Launch Delta 45 commander, the fundamentals taught in the course are essential to both safety and enjoyment.
“In a car, you’ve got four walls, a roof, and four wheels,” Chatman said. “On a bike, it’s just two wheels, you and the road. Understanding how to control your motorcycle, how to turn, manage speed, and stop—keeps you safe and enhances your enjoyment of riding.”
Beyond formal training, SLD 45 is also reinvigorating its motorcycle mentor program—an initiative that pairs newer riders with experienced ones in a peer-to-peer setting.
“When you first get on a motorcycle, it’s exciting, but it can also be a little daunting,” Chatman said. “Pairing novice riders with experienced riders gives them someone who can notice things they might not, answer questions, and help them develop their skills in a real riding environment.”
Trausi echoed the value of mentorship, noting that riders often respond more openly to guidance from fellow riders who understand the same challenges.
“Peer mentorship works because riders look out for riders,” Trausi said. “That shared responsibility helps normalize safe riding practices and reinforces training long after a course ends—and that saves lives.”
Motorcycle safety courses are typically held on the third Wednesday of each month. No classes are scheduled in July, August, or September due to heat and potential adverse weather conditions; however, additional courses are offered in December, January, and February. This year, SLD 45 is also offering, for the first time, classes on Saturdays during Unit Training Assembly (UTA) weekends, expanding access for Reserve Airmen.
By combining structured training, mentorship, and a culture of accountability, Space Launch Delta 45 continues to invest in the safety of its riders, ensuring that the road ahead is not only enjoyable but also survivable.
| Date Taken: | 02.19.2026 |
| Date Posted: | 02.19.2026 15:27 |
| Story ID: | 558373 |
| Location: | FLORIDA, US |
| Web Views: | 67 |
| Downloads: | 0 |
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