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Safety requirements for bicycle riders on Tinker

  • Published
  • 72nd Air Base Wing Safety Office
TINKER AIR FORCE BASE, Okla. --  Bicycle riders are prevalent during the fall months as the weather beckons them outdoors to take advantage of cool breezes and the changing colors that abound. However, with this increase in riding activity come a multitude of increased risks for the riders and sometimes for the vehicles that share the road. To ensure the safety of all involved, bicyclists must know and obey the "rules of the road." When riding in traffic the rider must know and use appropriate hand signals. Bicyclists should ride as far to the right as possible, traveling in the same direction as vehicle traffic. Riders should respect and obey all traffic signs. At no time should a bicyclist carry packages or other articles that prevent them from keeping at least one hand on the handlebars.

Specific personal protective equipment is required for all personnel who ride bicycles on base roadways and trails. These items include:

· A properly fastened and approved (e.g., Consumer Product Safety Commission, American National Standards Institute or Snell Memorial Foundation) bicycle helmet.

· Reflective or high visibility outer garments when riding during periods of reduced visibility (hours of darkness, inclement weather, etc.)

The following safety devices must be installed on any bicycle if ridden during hours of darkness or inclement weather:

· Headlamp: visible for at least 500 feet.

· Rear red reflector: visible at all points between 50 feet and 300 feet when directly in front of the "upper" headlamps of a motor vehicle.

· A lamp emitting a red light may be used to supplement the rear reflector, if the light is visible a distance of five hundred feet.

Bicycle operators must not use cell phones or wear listening devices (headphones of any type, or devices that allow for the hands-free use of cell phones) that impede hearing or distract the operator from recognizing impending danger.

(Courtesy of the 72nd Air Base Wing Safety Office)