Rules of the road: bike edition

  • Published
  • By Staff Sgt. Caleb Pierce
  • 39th Air Base Wing Public Affairs
INCIRLIK AIR BASE, Turkey --  There are bicycles just about everywhere around base. Bicycle riding is a common means of transportation here, but in order to ride on base, bicyclist must know and adhere to the rules and regulations for safely operating a bike.

Safety is in a primary concern for those out on two-wheels, three-wheels and four-wheels.   

Every year, research shows more than 3,000 people are killed or seriously injured riding a bicycle. Most of this is attributed to being hit by a vehicle or loss of control. Not following the guidelines that are in-place can add numbers to the studies, which can have an effect on everyone.

"Getting hit by a vehicle is the number one concern especially when the cyclist shares the road with vehicles," said Tech Sgt. James Fountain, 39th Air Base Wing Safety ground safety technician. "With proper lights, reflectors, bright or reflective clothing and following the same rules as vehicles there should be no confusion to a pedestrian, other cyclist or vehicles what bicycle riders will be doing. When bicyclists do not abide by these rules, the chances for losing control increases as hesitations, over-corrections, or rushed decisions attribute to mishap numbers."

Not only is safety a factor while riding but following the rules of the road is a requirement that is enforced by law and can affect your motor vehicle driving record.

"Repercussions for failing to follow simple rules of the road on your bicycle can be as small as a citation from a security forces patrolman; or as severe as serious bodily injury," said Tech. Sgt. Kevin Wonch, 39th Security Force Squadron NCO in charge of physical security. "Citations are processed as moving violations and accumulate towards revocation of driving privileges on Incirlik AB."

Bicycle safety is important to the safety of all personnel. Using quick risk management when operating a bike can make a difference.

"Risk management will play a part," said Fountain. "Thinking through the process and doing the right thing should leave the bicyclist feeling energetic from a good workout or maybe just [get them] to their destination. Either way, healthy and intact is the desired outcome for all riders across base."

According to Incirlik AB Instruction 31-116, Incirlik Motor Vehicle Traffic Supervision, there are several things bicycle riders should be aware of before taking to the road.

- Personnel who ride bicycles or motor assisted bicycles are subject to the "rules of the road" as outlined herein and in Air Force Instruction 31-218, Motor Vehicle Traffic Supervision.

- Bicyclists shall obey all traffic rules and receive the same penalties that apply to motor vehicles. They shall operate in single file on the right side of the roadway and not cross the centerline. Traffic tickets issued in connection with bicycle operations will be processed as moving violations.

-  All personnel on bicycles must wear protective headgear that meets American National Safety Institute standards and an approved Consumer Product Safety Commission SNELL helmet and will secure the chinstrap.

- During periods of reduced visibility, for example inclement weather, a high visibility outer garment or reflective equipment must be worn. In addition to reflective equipment during hours of darkness, an operational white front light, not a reflector, and a red rear reflector or light must be affixed to the bicycle and used.

- Bicycles or motor assisted bicycles will not be operated on any sidewalks. Operators will walk bikes while on sidewalks. It is mandatory to ride bicycles on designed bicycle paths where they are available.

        · Between the mosque and Turkish Air Force Headquarters, North side of D Avenue
        · Between 2nd street and 4th street, South side of A Avenue
        · Between the Club Complex and the main gate ATM, South side of E Avenue

- Small children learning to ride bicycles may use sidewalks.

- No bicycle or motor assisted bicycle will transport more personnel than that for which it is designed.

- Personnel not governed by this traffic code, such as Host Nation or Local National personnel, are encouraged, but not required to wear proper safety equipment such as a helmet when riding a bicycle on the installation.

For more information regarding bicycle safety or rules and regulations of the road, call the 39th Air Base Wing Safety Office at 676-7233 or 39th Security Force Squadron at 676-3200.