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Did you know that there are rules for biking, skating and skateboarding on post?

If not, you’re not alone. Many people don’t know about Fort Leonard Wood Regulation 190-5, which regulates bicycle and skateboarding safety on the installation, according to Master Sgt. John Arnet, Directorate of Emergency Services Police Operations.

However, not knowing about the rules is no excuse for not following them, he added. So far this spring, law enforcement officials have already noticed safety hazards on the road — specifically, bicyclists not wearing the proper safety gear.

 

“The biggest problem is, we see children riding to and from school, not wearing helmets,” Arnet said. “Just like motorcyclists have to have an approved helmet, a bicyclist has to have one as well.”

Military Police on duty inform children that they are required to wear a helmet. However, the responsibility lies with the parents to explain and enforce this rule, Arnet said.

The regulation also states that bicyclists, skateboarders and rollerbladers are not allowed to use cell phones while riding.

“A lot of people don’t know that, and they still do it,” Arnet said.

With rising numbers of bicyclists and skateboarders outside, due to warmer weather, motorists need to be cautious and look for children, who may not be aware of other traffic, Arnet said.

“Be on the lookout for that child when you are driving through the housing area that’s not looking for you,” he said.

Finally, Arnet wants to remind children and adults alike that although bicyclists have the right of way, they should still yield to traffic first, to ensure their own safety.

“Remember, just because you’re on a bike and you may have the right of way as a bicyclist, don’t force it — safety first,” he said.

Here are the rules on bicycle safety from FLW 190-5 (Chapter 2-8) that all community members (and visitors) are expected to abide by:

Bicyclists will:

- Ride only on a seat attached to the bike.

- Carry only the number of people the bicycle is designed and equipped to carry.

- Not carry bundles, packages, or other articles that prevent the bicyclist from keeping at least one hand on the handlebars.

- Not ride a bicycle while using a cell phone.

- Ride as far to the right of the road as is possible.

- Not ride the bicycle seat other than astride. Standing on the pedals is permitted.

- Not ride more than two abreast on a roadway.

- Use caution when passing a stopped vehicle or a vehicle going in the same direction.

- Not park on a street or sidewalk.

- Wear a helmet that has been tested and meets the uniform safety standard issued by the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) or one or more of the voluntary bicycle helmet standards like American Standard Test Method (ASTM), Snell, or American National Standards Institute (ANSI). This includes children riding in carriers, attached or towed.

During the hours of darkness, bicyclists must be equipped with the following:

- A white head light facing front that is visible for a distance of 500 feet.

- A red light facing rear that is visible for a distance of 600 feet.

- A reflective vest or belt worn by the cyclist visible at night from both front and rear views.

Using listening devices, such as earphones, while biking on the installation is prohibited.

Skateboard rules
FLW 190-5 also has rules for skateboarders in Chapter 2-11, which are as follows:

Skaters, skateboarders, and kick-scooter riders will:

- Use the right side of paths, trails, and sidewalks or other designated approved areas.

- Not skate or ride skateboards or scooters in traffic.

- Yield to pedestrians.

- Not carry anyone or ride with more than one person on the board.

- Not use cellular telephones or wear listening devices, such as headphones or earphones.

Skaters, skateboarders, and kick-scooter riders will wear:

- Protective head gear according to standards for bicycle helmets cited above.

- Kneepads, elbow pads, and wrist guards.

- Light-colored clothing or reflective accessories.

Skateboards, rollerblades and kick scooters will not be used in any place where there is danger due to immediate vehicular traffic. This includes roadways, the shoulder of the road, parking lots during business hours and areas around military and civilian offices during business hours.

Skateboarding, rollerblades and kick-scooters are prohibited in the following business areas at all times: Post Exchange and commissary parking lots; shoppettes; Burger King; Post Office; banks; post gas station; MSCoE Plaza (Hoge, Lincoln, and Thurman Halls and the Clarke Library).

Skateboarding, rollerblading and kick-scooters are prohibited during hours of darkness.

Skateboarding and rollerblading are permitted during daylight hours on sidewalks (except in the business areas noted), playgrounds, the Teen Center, and other areas that do not interfere with vehicular traffic. Pedestrians on sidewalks have the right of way.

Individuals are prohibited from using benches, ramps, and other permanent structures to aid in performing stunts. This does not include approved skateboards and rollerblade parks on Fort Leonard Wood, such as the Teen Center Park.