Even on a bicycle, you should always ride safe

Published Feb. 13, 2015
By Senior Airman Kia Atkins
379th Air Expeditionary Wing Public Affairs

AL UDEID AIR BASE, Qatar -- Whether it's to stay fit, conserve fuel or simply enjoy the ride, a significant number of Al Udeid servicemembers ride bicycles. Whatever the reason, the Wing Safety office here reminds Team Al Udeid to keep bicycle safety in mind.

“There have been numerous bicycle accidents here,” said Staff Sgt. Jeffery Wood, 379th Air Expeditionary Wing safety office ground safety technician. “In a majority of the accidents, the bicyclists have crashed due to their own fault. However, a couple of months back a bicyclist was hit by a motorist. Fortunately the injuries sustained were only minor.”

The Department of Defense and Air Force classify bicycles as vehicles, and for this reason, safety should always be paramount when operating a vehicle whether it has four wheels or two.

According to Air Force Instruction 91-207, U.S. Air Force Traffic Safety Program, all drivers operating bicycles must adhere to the following safety guidelines:
•Bicyclists must wear a highly visible outer garment during the day and retro-reflective material at night
•Bicyclists must wear a fastened approved bicycle helmet
•Bicycles shall be equipped with a front white light visible for 500ft and red reflector and or light clearly visible from the rear for 300ft
•Where a usable path for bicycles has been provided adjacent to the roadway, persons riding bicycles will use the path and not use the roadway or jogging trail/path

Wood said it is important that bicyclists wear the correct personal protective equipment, and, one of the most important pieces of safety equipment for cyclists is the helmet.

“Helmets save lives and can prevent traumatic brain injuries,” Wood said. “Helmet use is the best way to reduce bicycle head injuries and fatalities from crashes.” He added, “Bicycle helmets are nearly 90% effective in preventing brain injuries according to the National Highway Transportation Safety Association. As for the highly visible garment and retro-reflective material, it helps motor vehicle drivers quickly identify bicyclists so they can make adjustments accordingly.”

Here on Al Udeid there are not many bicycle paths for cyclists to utilize, so most cyclists will be required to ride on the road. According to the base driving policy, cyclists must ensure while operating a bicycle in traffic that they ride with the flow of traffic. Every person riding a bicycle upon a roadway must ride as far towards the right side of the roadway and may utilize the shoulder and multiple riders on a roadway must ride single file.

To further ensure the safety of cyclists here, motorists are not to pass bicycles unless a 3ft cushion is provided while passing the bicyclist.

“As a reminder bicyclists are prohibited form text messaging, using cell phones, or any other hand-held electronic device unless the bicycle is safely parked and off the roadway,” Wood said. “Headphones and ear buds are prohibited as well. Everyone should keep safety in mind always.”

With safety covered, cycling is also a great way to get in shape so if servicemembers get the urge to ride, bicycles are available to check out from both the Coalition Compound and Blatchford-Preston Complex Community Activity Centers. The bicycles are available for rent for a two week period of time; however, servicemembers may continue checking them out for as long as they are needed. Helmets are also available for checking out, but currently lights and locks must be purchased by those wishing to rent the bicycles.