Troop Talk
The Fort Bliss motorcycle and all-terrain vehicle safety policy outlines the on- and off-duty safety standards for operating motorcycles and ATVS on and off Fort Bliss installation facilities, including McGregor and Doña Ana ranges and William Beaumont Army Medical Center.
This motorcycle safety policy supersedes standards cited in AR 385-10, the Army Safety Program, published Aug. 24, and is applicable to all personnel who operate motorcycles and ATVs on Fort Bliss. Servicemembers and on-duty DoD civilians will comply with the safety constraints of this policy when operating motorcycles on or off Fort Bliss. Compliance with the safety constraints cited in the policy is encouraged for all; however, legally this policy does not apply to contractors, retirees, off-duty DoD civilians and dependents operating motorcycles off Fort Bliss.
Motorcycle personal protective equipment is mandatory for all personnel, including active-duty, National Guard and Reserve servicemembers, DOD civilians, contractors, retirees and dependents operating motorcycles, mopeds or ATVs on Fort Bliss property. Required personal protective equipment for on-road operations includes:
• Reflective outer upper garments. Operators and passengers must wear reflective outer upper garments, such as vests or jackets, that are clearly visible and not covered. If the operator or passenger wears a backpack, the rear of the backpack will be conspicuously marked with reflective material, such as a reflective belt or vest. Reflective belts may be used in a crossing pattern on the rear of backpacks; however, the reflective belt alone is not authorized for use as a reflective outer upper garment.
• Helmets. Operators and passengers must wear certified helmets that meet Department of Transportation standards. Chinstraps must be properly fastened under the chin.
• Goggles. Operators and passengers must wear impact- or shatter-proof goggles, wrap-around glasses or a full-face shield attached to their helmets. Goggles must meet or exceed ANSI Safety Code Z87.1 for impact and shatter resistance.
• Footgear. Operators and passengers must wear over-the-ankle leather boots. The Army Combat Uniform canvas boots are acceptable.
• Clothing. Operators and passengers must wear long-sleeved shirts or jackets, long trousers and full-fingered gloves or mittens.
For off-road operations, operators and passengers must wear all personal protective equipment required for on-road operations as well as knee guards, shin guards and padded, full-fingered gloves.
Major subordinate command commanders of tenant organizations, including smaller commands, will provide the Installation Safety Office the name of their senior motorcycle mentors. If funds are available, brigade-level motorcycle mentors will be Motorcycle Safety Foundation instructor qualified.
Commanders will ensure motorcycle and ATV operators are properly licensed and trained.
Commanders’ mentorship programs will include procedures for identifying operators who need refresher training.
Soldiers deployed six months or more and those who upgrade 400 cc or more or purchase “high boost” motorcycles, will attend refresher training conducted by qualified MSF instructors.
Soldiers returning from deployment of six months or more are not authorized to operate motorcycles on or off the installation, except to commute to and from training sites, until they have completed the required refresher training.
Maj. Gen. Howard B. Bromberg
Fort Bliss Commanding General