New rules for base cyclists

  • Published
  • By Staff Sgt. Chad Warren
  • 2nd Bomb Wing Public Affairs
BARKSDALE AIR FORCE BASE, La. --  Cyclists who frequent the roads on base will need to adjust to some recent rule changes implemented to ensure the highest level of safety for riders and motorists alike.

The changes came as a result of a town hall meeting last June to discuss bicycle safety on Barksdale roads following several mishaps involving motorists and cyclists.

"Some options were suggested that included either widening Range Road or improving the trail that already existed," said Richard Knowles, 2nd Bomb Wing Safety deputy chief. "The most feasible option was to lobby for funding to improve Pike's Peak from the 8th Air Force Museum to the bridge by ALS."

Since the upgrades, it is now mandatory for cyclists traveling from main base to the East Reservation to use an alternate path for sections of Range Road. Pike's Peak trail, an existing bike trail that runs along Range Road from the Warrior Center to the bridge near Airman Leadership School, was widened and leveled out giving cyclists a safer alternative to sharing the road with vehicle traffic. A bridge was also added near the entrance to the small arms firing range just east of the flightline.

Riders can enter or exit the trail by taking a right toward the Warrior Center and an immediate left onto the trail, and enter or exit at the bridge on the East Reservation. Riding on the roads past the bridge is still allowed, but cyclists must use this newly renovated trail when transitioning to and from the East Reservation.

On-base cyclists who may have been concerned with traffic hazards can feel safer now that they do not share this stretch of road with vehicle traffic.

"It's a great idea," said 1st Lt. Dominic Perry, 49th Test and Evaluation Squadron and avid cyclist. "Some motorists aren't used to sharing the road with riders, and that can create a safety issue."

This stretch of road is particularly worrisome because of the higher speed limit than most other areas on base, Perry added.

One concern surrounding the upgraded trail is the maintenance and upkeep it will require. The wing purchased a sweeper designed to keep the trail clean and accessible, and is working to determine the frequency it will need to be used and also the times that would create the least impact to cyclists.

The upkeep will be performed by volunteers who will need training before operating the equipment. If you are interested in helping or want more information about the trail, contact the 2 BW Safety Office at 456-5608 or 2bw.sedms@us.af.mil.

The following are a few tips from the safety office regarding use of the trail from the safety office:

1. Please be courteous to other trail users
2. Keep right when possible
3. Take caution when passing; announce your presence with either a bell or
an "on your left"
4. Two sharp curves exist: please slow down on them (one curve is by the softball fields and the other is an 'S' turn north of the Security Forces complex)