Action Line #91009 - Cyclists
INCIRLIK AIR BASE, Turkey --
Complaint:
This action line is regarding bicyclists on Incirlik using little to no regard when riding thru intersections. During the past few months I have had multiple near misses with cyclists while on my motorcycle or car when entering an intersection from a stop. The cyclists blow right trough the intersection/ stop signs with no regard. I have chased down several and informed them of the correct thing to do but the problem I am having is that the majority of the people doing this are our leadership.
I find it difficult to enforce something as simple stopping at an intersection when I am talking to an Airman or fellow non-commissioned officer when a Chief Master Sgt. or Capt. does the exact same thing in front of us.
Dependants are not immune either. This morning alone I watch two 2 separate riders with child carriers attached to the bike go right thru the intersections near building 833. Someone is going to get hurt severally; it is just a matter of time. Now my question becomes; I have seen where people can get DWI's/DUI's on bikes is there any way the 39th Security Forces Squadron can writes tickets for this. Education isn't the answer as the rules of the road are seen on TV, in processing, safety briefings, etc. I know 39 SFS doesn't need the additional burden but this is just a matter of time.
Response:
Thank you so much for this question. As a reminder I would like to emphasize that according to the Incirlik Air Base supplement to AFI 31-204, "Bicycles operated on any street, roadway or parking lot shall obey all traffic rules, and receive the same penalties that apply to motor vehicles." So it is possible that bicyclists could be ticketed for failing to stop at intersections, where required. As a result of your action line, the 39th SFS has stepped up its enforcement of bicycle safety laws.
In addition, as a result of your action line, we've put a reminder out via the Commander's Action Channel to pass along some very critical safety reminders. For your part, we ask that should you see a violation of the bicycle safety laws, especially involving a possible DUI, please notify the Security Forces at 676-3200 immediately.
This action line is regarding bicyclists on Incirlik using little to no regard when riding thru intersections. During the past few months I have had multiple near misses with cyclists while on my motorcycle or car when entering an intersection from a stop. The cyclists blow right trough the intersection/ stop signs with no regard. I have chased down several and informed them of the correct thing to do but the problem I am having is that the majority of the people doing this are our leadership.
I find it difficult to enforce something as simple stopping at an intersection when I am talking to an Airman or fellow non-commissioned officer when a Chief Master Sgt. or Capt. does the exact same thing in front of us.
Dependants are not immune either. This morning alone I watch two 2 separate riders with child carriers attached to the bike go right thru the intersections near building 833. Someone is going to get hurt severally; it is just a matter of time. Now my question becomes; I have seen where people can get DWI's/DUI's on bikes is there any way the 39th Security Forces Squadron can writes tickets for this. Education isn't the answer as the rules of the road are seen on TV, in processing, safety briefings, etc. I know 39 SFS doesn't need the additional burden but this is just a matter of time.
Response:
Thank you so much for this question. As a reminder I would like to emphasize that according to the Incirlik Air Base supplement to AFI 31-204, "Bicycles operated on any street, roadway or parking lot shall obey all traffic rules, and receive the same penalties that apply to motor vehicles." So it is possible that bicyclists could be ticketed for failing to stop at intersections, where required. As a result of your action line, the 39th SFS has stepped up its enforcement of bicycle safety laws.
In addition, as a result of your action line, we've put a reminder out via the Commander's Action Channel to pass along some very critical safety reminders. For your part, we ask that should you see a violation of the bicycle safety laws, especially involving a possible DUI, please notify the Security Forces at 676-3200 immediately.
