101 Critical Days of Summer Bike Safety: The Rules of the Road

  • Published
  • By by Tech. Sgt. Chris Cantrill
  • 51st Security Forces Squadron
OSAN AIR BASE, Republic of Korea --  Summer has arrived and many of you are going to dust off those bikes for some fun in the sun. But before you set off on your ventures, here are some helpful tips regarding mandatory registration and traffic safety requirements. 

In accordance with 51st Fighter Wing Instruction 31-104, MOTOR VEHICLE TRAFFIC SUPERVISION: a bike must be registered with the 51st Security Forces Pass and Registration within 10 days of taking possession - failure to register your bike could result in confiscation. 

While operating a bike on Osan roads is fun, there are some additional safety requirements that must be adhered to. 

In accordance with 51 FWI 31-104, all personnel operating or riding on a bicycle, inline skates, roller skates, coasters, skateboard or any non-motorized vehicle, while on a public roadway, street, bicycle path or any right-of-way under USFK jurisdiction, will wear a protective helmet designed for bicycle safety. 

The helmet will be equipped with either a neck or chin strap, and securely fastened while in use. 

Personnel participating in any of the above mentioned activities will also wear a reflective vest, which is to be clearly visible (e.g., not covered/obstructed by anything such as a backpack) at all times. If you wear a backpack it must have other reflective material (i.e. a reflective belt) on the outside of the backpack. 

Additionally the use of an operable headlamp and rear lamp is mandatory for bicycles during the hours of darkness. 

Also, no bundles or articles will be hand-carried while riding a bicycle. Oversized loads, which obstruct front/rear vision, are prohibited. 

Both hands must be on the handle bars at all times, except when employing hand signals for turns and unmarked stops. 

All bicycles operating on Osan's roads MUST adhere to the traffic code, meaning you must come to a complete stop at stop signs, and also stop at crosswalks with pedestrians in them. 

So, enjoy your ride, and do it with pride, but ensure you are always in compliance. Failure to comply with any of the above guidance is subject to traffic enforcement and citation. 

The 51 SFS Pass & Registration office hours are 7 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Monday through Friday.