Bicycle Safety on Offutt Published July 24, 2014 By Tech. Sgt. Roger Butler 55th Wing Safety Office OFFUTT AIR FORCE BASE, Neb. -- With the summer months upon us, the roads are starting to fill up with more and more bicyclists. Bicycle riders can be just as hard to see as motorcycle riders and deserve the same respect on the road as any other driver. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration put out the following statement regarding bicycles. "NHTSA encourages all road users, including motorists and bicyclists, to respect each other and foster a safer transportation environment. Bicycles on the roadway are, by law, vehicles with the same rights, and responsibilities as motorized vehicles." Many Offutt men and women ride their bicycles to work and can be seen in the lane of traffic approaching the gates to Offutt AFB. As a motorist, we need to be cognizant of our surroundings and make sure we properly share the road with them as we would any other vehicle. Here are some helpful tips for bicyclists to use while riding their bikes in the roadways. Ride as near to the right side of the roadway as practical, unless: You are overtaking and passing another bicycle or vehicle. You are preparing to make a legal left turn. You are traveling the same speed of the current traffic. You are traveling on a paved shoulder of a highway. It is reasonably necessary to avoid unsafe conditions. The lane you are in is too narrow for both vehicle and bicycle to travel side by side. You are on a multilane one-way, 35 mph or less, you may ride as near to the left side of the roadway. (Nebraska Department of Roads) Bicyclists also need to remember to use the proper Personal Protective Equipment or PPE when riding a bicycle to ensure their own safety. In accordance with Offutt AFB Instruction 31-116, para. 4.10.3, "Bicyclists are required to wear helmets at all times while on the installation or base housing." It should also be noted that "the wearing of portable headphones, earphones, or other similar devices while operating a bicycle is prohibited on base." Motorists need to remember they aren't the only ones on the roadway traveling from one place to another. Many times people get into a routine while in their vehicles and don't pay as close attention to the roadways as they should. Complacency is something to keep in mind and fight regardless of the circumstances we're faced with. Whether were watching for other motorists, motorcyclists, bicyclists or pedestrians, we can all avoid accidents and mishaps by paying closer attention to the road and monitoring our speed. Here are some further helpful tips from the Nebraska State Patrol regarding bicycle safety: Bicyclists are required to follow the same rules of the road as motorists A bicyclist riding on a highway generally has all the rights of a vehicle and shall be subject to all the duties applicable to the driver of a vehicle (some exceptions do exist). Parents or guardians are responsible for the actions of children under the age of 16. Restricted Highways (Interstate and Freeway) Bicyclists are not allowed to ride on interstate highways or freeways in Nebraska (a freeway is defined as a fully access controlled highway with "no" at-grade crossings.) Mandatory Side Path Law Bicyclists should not ride a bicycle on the highway if a usable bike path is adjacent. This does not apply when riding on surface (paved) shoulders. 3-Foot Passing Law This law requires motorists to give at least 3 feet of space when passing cyclists, pedestrians, and those operating motorized wheelchairs on the road. State Patrol Advice Although Nebraska has laws that require reflectors and a light on bicycles for riding at night, the Nebraska State Patrol does not recommend riding a bicycle on rural state highways at night due to the higher speeds and reduced visibility. The men and women of Team Offutt are an integral part of operational success, performing tasks and meeting the daily missions at Offutt AFB. Remember every team member is essential in the accomplishment of the Air Force mission. Getting to work safely is step one in getting these tasks done effectively and efficiently. When driving to work, around base, base housing and any other places you might travel, watch out for those bicyclists, motorcyclists and pedestrians sharing the road with you. Remember - Safety Always!