JOINT BASE SAN ANTONIO, Texas –
Joint Base San Antonio safety officials are urging bicyclists to make safety a priority when riding around the installations so as to avoid accidents or injuries resulting from accidents.
When it comes to bicycling, whether it’s to get around, exercise or enjoy time with the family, bicyclists should adhere to the rules of the road, said Rodolfo Ornelas, 502nd Air Base Wing Safety Office safety specialist.
Ornelas said those rules and regulations, as spelled out in Air Force Instruction 91-207, including observing stop signs, traffic lights, looking twice at intersections before proceeding and yielding to oncoming traffic at intersections and riding on the right side of the street or road.
He said it is important for bicyclists to stay alert at all times.
“The main causes of accidents are inattention,” Ornelas said. “Sometimes bicyclists will go through a stop sign or through a red light when oncoming traffic has the right away. Be aware of your surroundings and always look twice before going left, right and left again before you proceed through an intersection.”
Ornelas said bicycle riders should not wear any earpiece, including ear pods or earphones, which would impede them from hearing any automobiles or motorcycles, including emergency vehicles that are on the road, especially if they are approaching the bicyclist from behind.
When making a turn, bicyclists should learn hand signals for turning left and right and when they are slowing down. A guide to these signals can be found at the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration website at https://www.nhtsa.gov/sites/nhtsa.gov/files/8009-handsignals.pdf.
To let motorists know they are sharing the road with them, bicyclists should wear the proper protective equipment, including reflective vests and highly visible clothing, Ornelas said.
In addition, bicycles should be equipped with front and rear reflectors, which are visible at night.
Ornelas said he suggests riders use LED flashing lights that are affixed to the bike and make a red flickering, flashing motion while the bike is in motion, alerting motorists there is a bicycle on the roadway.
Bicyclists are required to wear helmets. Ornelas said riders should select a helmet that fits them properly, not too loose or too tight and in which the chin strap latches on properly.
He said for families going out on a ride, parents should check to make sure children are fitted with the proper protective equipment, including helmets and reflective vests, and should ride in residential areas to avoid high traffic areas.
Having a properly maintained bicycle is also important for rider safety, Ornelas said. Make sure the tires are inflated properly and nuts, bolts and rims are fastened properly as to where nothing is loose on the bike, preventing injuries or accidents to riders.
Also, bicycles should be stored in a garage, storage shed or put a cover over it to protect them from the weather and minimize rust to prevent deterioration.
Ornelas said bicyclists who do not adhere to the rules of the road could be given a warning or citation by JBSA security forces if caught in a violation.
For more information on bicycle safety, go to https://www.nhtsa.gov/road-safety/bicycle-safety.