Riding safety requires rules, responsibilities and lots of fun

Published June 23, 2010
By Staff Sgt. Sheralyn Gonzales
81st Security Forces Squadron

KEESLER AIR FORCE BASE, Miss. -- A new bicycle is still a traditional gift for kids on birthdays, Christmas or other special events. But parents need to teach the safety rules and responsibilities that come with having a bicycle as a condition of riding it.

Whether it is pedaling their way to school or just to a friend's house down the street, parents need to take an active role with bike safety to ensure the trip doesn't end in harmful results. Children are at a particularly high safety risk, and children 15 years and younger account for almost 60 percent of all bicycle-related accidents.

Keesler Air Force Base Instruction 31-204 states:

Bicycles on sidewalks -- Don't operate bicycles on sidewalks, except those small bicycles operated by younger children.

Equipment for bicycles -- Every bicycle is equipped with a brake or brakes which will enable its driver to stop the bicycle within 25 feet from a speed of 10 mph on dry, level, clear pavement.

All bicycles will also be equipped with reflectors or reflective tape and must have an operating headlight during hours of diminished visibility.

Additionally, operators and passengers are required to wear clothing and helmets as listed in Air Force Instruction 91-207 and its supplements.

Protective equipment for bicycles, roller blades, roller skates and skateboards -- Approved protective helmets are required to be worn at all times. Additionally, it is highly encouraged for skateboarders, roller skaters and roller bladers to wear knee/elbow pads and wrist guards.

The Rules of the Road Pamphlet states:

Traffic regulation applicability -- Bicycle riders are granted all rights and are subject to all duties applicable to the driver of a motorized vehicle.

Unauthorized riders -- Bicycles won't be used to carry more persons than they have seats for.

Carrying articles -- Don't operate a bicycle carrying any package, bundle or article which prevents the use of both hands in the control and operation of the bicycle. When riding, keep at least one hand on the handlebars at all times.

Clinging to vehicles -- It is prohibited for anyone riding upon any bicycle, roller skates, roller blades, sled, skate board or toy vehicle to attach the vehicle or themselves to a motor vehicle. In other words, the power used to propel the vehicle should be your own personal energy.

Bike riders must ride as near to the right side of the road as possible and in single file. Exercise due care when passing both parked and moving vehicles.

Where designated bicycle lanes are provided, they must be used. Specifically, the bicycle lane along Ploesti Drive is used in lieu of the roadway.