KIRTLAND AIR FORCE BASE, N.M. -- John McLaughlin, the Department of the Air Force motorcycle safety program manager, is spearheading a critical expansion of the Department's motorcycle safety initiatives. Having recently completed the instructor course for the Motorcycle Safety Foundation’s new Rider Mentor Program, McLaughlin is now rolling out and scheduling these courses for service members across the DAF.
The Motorcycle Safety Foundation Rider Mentor Program was purchased by the Office of the Secretary of War through the Joint Safety Council for all services with a simple goal: to reduce motorcycle mishaps by giving service members more opportunities for motorcycle training.
The Rider Mentor Program is a comprehensive initiative designed to be integrated directly into official safety curriculums. Implemented by the Motor Vehicle Working Group, the program brings together newer or less experienced riders with seasoned motorcyclists to help them refine their thought processes about motorcycling and enhance their riding skills in real-world environments.
Enhancing Training, Reducing Mishaps and Costs
The upcoming instructor courses across DAF installations will provide Airmen and Guardians with a less restrictive, alternative pathway to complete mandatory Level II and Level III motorcycle training that includes core safety concepts, general motorcycle knowledge, skills practice exercises and the ability to apply the Ask-Answer-Discuss method in a peer teaching environment.
Under this program, mentors are equipped with the Rider Mentor Guide, training cones and a diverse set of 17 riding exercises. Additionally, they are given 52 discussion topics such as cornering, threshold braking, and swerving—allowing them to evaluate performance and teach effective navigation of various riding scenarios during group rides.
By expanding the pool of qualified mentors nationwide, the DAF aims to significantly improve training access.
McLaughlin emphasized the program not only streamlines the training pipeline but ensures riders go beyond basic instruction to gain the hands-on experience necessary for making better decisions on the road.
“The Rider Mentor Program gives the motorcycle rider skills to help them make better decisions before, after, and during riding a motorcycle, thus reducing mishaps,” said McLaughlin. “The program is designed to provide quality training completed in a quicker and less formal setting. Quicker training gets Airmen and Guardians back to the mission faster.”
Looking Forward
With the 2026 motorcycle season being named “The Year of the Mentor,” McLaughlin's scheduling of fourteen courses across the DAF serves as a direct response to recent safety trends.
The DAF lost 116 members from fiscal years 2016 to 2025 due to motorcycle accidents, an average of over 11 per year. This fiscal year alone we have already had nine fatalities. One is too many! Through continuous practice, robust mentorship, and strict adherence to personal protective equipment standards, the newly scheduled courses aim to reduce accidents and ensure every DAF rider is mentally and physically prepared for any situation they may encounter. Mentors will follow the guidance in DAFI91-207 to complete the required exercises and topic discussions in order to give credit for training in Motorcycle Unit Safety Tracking Tool.
“My goal is to train as many mentors as I can, so they can prepare other riders for the unexpected when riding.” said McLaughlin, “Every rider needs to build their skills, wear the proper gear, and most importantly make good decisions on and off the bike.”
For more information: https://www.safety.af.mil/Divisions/Occupational-Safety-Division/Air-Force-Rider/