Action Line #91009 – Cyclists

  • Published
  • 39th Air Base Wing public affairs
INCIRLIK AIR BASE, Turkey --  Complaint:

This action line is regarding bicyclists on Incirlik using little to no regard when riding through 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 through 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 as stopping at an intersection when I am talking to an Airman or fellow non-commissioned officer when a chief master sergeant or captain does the exact same thing in front of us.

Dependants are not immune either. This morning alone I watched two separate riders with child carriers attached to their bikes go right through the intersections near Building 833. Someone is going to get hurt severally; it is just a matter of time. I have seen where people can get DWI's/DUI's on bikes, is there any way the 39th Security Forces Squadron can write tickets for this? Education isn't the answer. The rules of the road are seen on TV, during in processing, safety briefings, etc. I know SFS doesn't need the additional burden but it is just a matter of time.

Response:

Thank you for your concern. In accordance with Incirlik Air Base Instruction 31-204/Traffic Safety, dated Jan. 7, 2001, bicycles operating on any street, roadway or parking lot must obey all traffic rules and operate in single file on the right side of the roadway. Bike riders should utilize the marked bike paths such as those on A Street, D Street and near Bldg 833/39th Air Base Wing headquarters building. They will receive the same penalties that apply to motor vehicles
Unfortunately, law enforcement patrols cannot be in all places at all times. Patrols are instructed to brief personnel on bicycles, skateboards or electric scooters when they witness traffic violations and issue a DD Form 1408/Armed Forces traffic ticket if necessary.

Upon in-processing to the 39th Air Base Wing, all newcomers are briefed on the regulations for riding bicycles on Incirlik. As a reminder, the Security Forces Squadron has posted a message on the Commanders Action Channel (see slide below). The slide can also be viewed on the public access drive. Lastly, it is up to all levels of supervision, management and leadership to actively participate in the enforcement of the program and lead by example.