Military Base and Bicycle Safety

MIlitary base rules pertaining to bicycles generally follow state laws with a few additional safety guidelines.

While individual state bicycle safety laws must be followed on a military base, base rules usually add a strict code of conduct for military cyclists and their families in the interest of safety. Most military bases follow the same rules and regulations on bicycle safety. The information for personnel and their families from Fort Stewart & Hunter Army Airfield (FSHAA) lays out the ground rules for safe bicycle usage on a military base.

Helmet Use

Bicycle helmets are required when riding on a military base. According to the FSHAA Newcomer's Guide, bicycle helmets must meet the requirements of the American National Standards Institute (ANSI) or the Snell Memorial Foundation. The guide goes on to say children between the ages of 1 and 4 are prohibited to ride on a bicycle "unless the child is securely seated in a child passenger seat, bicycle trailer or infant sling and wearing a (properly rated bicycle) helmet."

Lights and Reflectors

FSHAA base rules state that, "all bicycles must be equipped with a functioning (head)light and a rear light reflector visible from a distance of 300 feet during hours of limited visibility." Limited visibility hours are typically dusk to dawn, although it is arguable that this pertains to dark, stormy days as well.

Traffic Laws

Bicycles are required to obey all traffic laws of the state a military base is located in. Typical traffic laws in every state include those listed by the FSHAA Newcomer's Guide: "ride with traffic, obey all signs and traffic control devices and use hand signals."

Clothing

All riders on a military base must comply with strict clothing rules while bicycling in the interest of safety. FSHAA base rules require "high visibility garments" defined as "bright color (clothing) for daytime (riding) and retro-reflective (clothing when riding) during hours of darkness or reduced visibility."

Bicycle Paths

The FSHAA Newcomer's Guide defines bicycle path use as well. According to the guide, "Bicycle paths are to be used if provided." This means any roadway with a parallel bike lane or separate bike path traveling in the same direction is not acceptable to ride on outside of designated bicycle lanes or paths.

References

• Fort Stewart and Hunter Army Airfield Newcomer's Guide