by the Fort Meade Garrison Safety Office

New Motorcycle Training Range for Fort Meade

Motorcycle training at Fort Meade is up and running! With the completion of a new training range, mandatory Basic Rider Course (BRC), Experienced Rider Course (ERC) and Military Sports Bike Rider Course (MSRC) training will be provided at no-cost to all tenant military personnel stationed here at Fort Meade, and for all active duty army personnel Army wide.

An approved MSF course is mandatory in accordance with Army Regulation 385-10, and Department of Defense Instruction 6055.4, DoD Traffic Safety Program, for all military personnel who ride.

Army Reserve and National Guard personnel must be on training orders or in an active duty status to take the training. Training is not authorized for civilian personnel unless their specific government work duties dictate the use of a motorcycle. All courses have a limited on-line registration, a first-come, first-served basis. The courses focus on bike safety – regardless if the student is new to riding or have several years experience on the road.

The location of the range is the same as in previous years at the far end of the Smallwood Hall parking lot, but the repaved asphalt and fresh paint offers an aesthetically pleasing, and safer training site. Previously students had trouble identifying markings while riding the course but that is no longer an issue.

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration has designated May as Motorcycle Safety Awareness Month. The end of this month, beginning Memorial Day weekend and lasting through Labor Day weekend, is the start of the critical days of summer safety, where highways travel is at its peak and also the start of motorcycle riding season. There is a thrill of hopping onto a motorcycle and enjoying the open air, but it is also important to be donned in proper riding gear. Riders must wear the required personal protective equipment when riding on Fort George G. Meade roads, such as helmet, foot protection, protective clothing such as long sleeved shirt or jacket, long trousers and full-fingered gloves made from leather or other abrasion-resistant material, and eye protection. Maintain your sense of staying safe on the roads - Ride safe so that you can ride again!

If students in training at a military school are taking the ERC or MSRC, they must bring their own motorcycle with a fully charged battery and a full tank of gas. Students will also be required to present a valid driver’s license with motorcycle endorsement, proof of insurance and registration.

Motorcycles will be provided for students taking the BRC, if needed. No license or motorcycle permit is required if using Fort Meade-provided bikes. Students who choose to bring their own bike (recommended if you have one), must bring a valid learner’s permit or driver’s license with motorcycle endorsement, proof of insurance and registration. If you will be using our motorcycles, these articles are not required.

There is a maximum registered enrollment: six for BRC, six for ERC and 12 for the MSRC.

Remaining training dates are as follows:

  • Basic Rider Courses: May 26-27; June 1-2, 7-8, 21-22, and 24-25; July 7-8, 12-13, and 24-25; August 3-4, 10-11, 12-13, and 26-27; September 7-8, 9-10, 16-17, and 21-22; October 4-5, 6-7, 12-13, and 20-21

  • Experienced Rider Courses (one-day training:  June 3 and 23; July 14; August 19 and 20; September 23, and 24; and October 15 and 18

  • Military Sports Bike Rider Course: June 14 (more TBD)

    Navy personnel should contact the Navy Safety Office at 301-677-0299. Air Force please, contact TSgt. Stephanie Metts at 240-517-4139, TSgt. Vong Lee at 301-256-3540, or SSgt. Ford at 301-256-3542

    To register directly you must have access to the Army Knowledge Online (AKO). Please go to email link:  https://imc.army.mil/airs/usg_disclaimer.aspx

For any questions about motorcycle riding training and certification, contact your unit Motorcycle Representative, or Aaron Rowell at the Garrison Safety Office, 301-677-6241.