Safety office addressed summer safety Published June 9, 2009 By Senior Airman Samantha S. Crane 366th Fighter Wing Public Affairs Office MOUNTAIN HOME AIR FORCE BASE, Idaho -- As the weather warms, more Gunfighters are venturing outdoors for bicycle rides, jogs and leisurely strolls. To prevent accidents, the safety office reminds Gunfighters of the following rules. Bicycles may only be ridden in designated bike lanes and paths, not roadways or sidewalks. Riders must follow road traffic rules, wear a highly visible reflective garment in traffic areas and at night, wear an American National Standards Institute or Snell Memorial Foundation approved bicycle helmet, have a white light mounted in the front and red reflector on the back. Reflectors must also be mounted on both wheels. "More often than not, by following the rules, you can prevent injuries," said Staff Sgt. Alex Sotak, 366th Fighter Wing ground safety. "Compliance is mandatory, however more than this, we maintain a comprehensive focus on safety because it allows us to preserve human life by eliminating factors that jeopardize our health." Skateboards, kick-scooters and roller-skates are prohibited on installation roadways except for incidental road access associated with pedestrians and will comply with all pedestrian related traffic laws. These devices, unless determined to be a hazard to pedestrians, will use designated pedestrian walkways and paths. Riders must wear helmets, knee pads, wrist guards and elbow pads. Individuals are not authorized to jog, run or walk on roadways with high-traffic density and during peak traffic periods. Road guards or safety spotters will be utilized to safely control traffic for formation runs or group running events. During the hours of darkness, joggers must wear reflective clothing or devices visible from the front and back. Wearing portable headphones, earphones, or other listening devices while operating a bicycle, skateboarding or rollerblading is prohibited, with the exception of a hands-free telephone headset or single-bud earpiece. People who violate the rules may be cited by the 366th Security Forces Squadron. Active duty members may also receive punishment through their command sections. If deemed necessary, children may go before the disciplinary review board to receive applicable punishment, which can include community service around base. "Whatever a child does on this base, the parent is held responsible for that child's actions," said Tech. Sgt. Matthew Stritar, 366th SFS noncommissioned officer in charge of confinement and police services. "Your punishment may also be ejection from the bicycle, a possible broken neck, concussion, scrapes and contusions or even death," said Sergeant Sotak. "It just makes sense to follow the rules." For more information, see Air Combat Command supplement AFI 91-207 or Security Forces Regulation MHAFB supplement AFI 31-204.