US Air Force Motorcycle Training Film

Cycle Logic, Cycle Safety

I love bringing you these old motorcycle training videos about once a week. This one bears the engaging title “Cycle Logic, Cycle Safety” and was made back in 1967 as an Air Force training film. Or, as the description tells us, “This program demonstrates the safe operation and handling of motorcycles. It shows how to start, clutch, brake, and accelerate. It explains anticipation riding in entering intersections, taking curves, changing lanes, keeping safe distances and avoiding wrecking too often.” It was made in cooperation with the Los Angeles Police Department, using Harley-Davidson cop Shovelheads.

I loved how it starts off at March AFB’s hospital to set the tone. There’s nothing more encouraging to new riders than emphasizing the danger aspect first thing. Better riding through fear works, I guess, and it’s better than the opposite approach of emphasizing the lifestyle and cool gear without teaching prospective riders to respect the road and the inherent dangers associated with life in the wind.