Incirlik issues new electric bike policy Published June 4, 2014 By Staff Sgt. Eboni Reams and Staff Sgt. Veronica Pierce 39th Air Base Wing Public Affairs INCIRLIK AIR BASE, Turkey -- With summer right around the corner, Incirlik Air Base members may look to find alternatives to walking. Many Airmen are finding electric bicycles to be a good alternative, but it must be remembered that with the privilege to ride them comes responsibility. A wing policy regarding the operating and safety procedures of electronic bicycles went into effect May 13, 2014. The policy requires riders receive training on electric bikes, which is available at the squadron level and is provided by the unit safety representative or motorcycle safety representative. In the memorandum an electric bike is defined as a: moped, motorized bicycle or any two to three wheel device with operative capability through automatic transmission. Any electric bike with 2249 watts or less is considered a bicycle and must follow the 39th Air Base Wing policy, 2250 watts or higher requires motorcycle safety training. Maj. Jason Helton, 39th ABW chief of safety, explained the background behind the new policy. "Electronic bikes were banned by previous wing leadership due to the lack riders adhering to the rules of the road," said Helton. "The policy was created as a way for people to continue the use of this alternate mode of transportation. We don't want to restrict the e-bikes, so riders must follow the rules of the road." Helton explained some of the rules of the road include, but are not limited to: following traffic signs such as stop sign and remaining on the road and not on pedestrian walkways or bicycle paths. Also, riders are required to wear Department of Transportation approved helmets and bright-colored clothing during the day or reflective at night, and no open-toed shoes. Long-sleeve shirts, long pants, and gloves are also recommended, but not required said Helton. The lifted restriction on e-bikes has become a positive experience for riders on base. "I researched e-bikes for a couple months and decided to get one," said Tech. Sgt. Alexander Puma, 39th Air Base Wing Legal Office NCO in charge of military justice. "They are a cheap and energy efficient way to get around. My wallet has seen the benefit of not buying gas or renting a car just to get around on base." Puma went on to say he understands why the base leadership had to do something to regulate the e-bikes. "More people were interested in getting e-bikes because they are cheap and fun to get around on," said Puma. "So you saw an influx of riders not following basic road rules from lack of knowledge or training." U.S. Airmen are not the only users of electronic bikes on base. U.S. personnel work and live alongside Turkish air force members, and all residents must follow the same traffic rules. "The safety office is working closely with our Turkish air force counterparts on e-bike safety procedures," said Helton. "Their leadership has expressed safety concerns on e-bike practices, so we are working together to share training plans and policies to make Incirlik AB roads safe." The safety office would like to stress the importance of e-riders policing themselves and other riders to ensure they are following traffic laws so the use of electronic bikes on base can continue. Operators or potential operators must contact their unit USR/MSR to conduct and document proper training as well as to be added to the required tracking list. For more information on electronic bike policies and procedures, contact your USR or UMSR.