know_fun

I guess this would be also be my introduction. Been a stalker for the 2 years I've been looking for a bike.
I finally just picked up a '13CAAD8 Tiagra. Really hard decision between a 29er and a Road bike. I tried looking for a classic/vintage but could never find any in my size that I liked. I was going to introduce and add some brike prons after I at least get a pump or inner tubes or at least bottle cages, but something came up that I wanted some insight on.

I just recently started commuting to work. It's about 12mi one way probably longer; I haven't checked exactly since I've tweaked my route to be a bit safer and avoid what seems like restricted areas. I work on a AF Base (half my commute). I've asked my supervisor who asked higher up, and from what I was told as long as I have proper safety gear they don't see a problem with me riding on base. I also see a few people riding so monkey see monkey do I guess. I recently got stopped by security forces and this was the conversation.
Cop: "I can't have you riding your bike here because its unsafe. We were following you for about 150 yards. With you and the other vehicles its not safe for you" "They are building a path from gate to gate that you can ride on."
Me: "The path that they haven't finished and stopped construction on?"
Cop: "Yeah well you can use it when its done."
Me: "Ok but it's not done so how do I get to work and back home"
He then goes to explain the route I'm taking but tells me to go up a few blocks, over a few blocks, and down a few blocks only to be back on the road he stopped me on just down 2 blocks which is one block away from the gate. Yeah basically I was 3 blocks away from the gate. Going about 16mph (probably faster but whatever) in a 35. I work nights right now and it was about 7 so starting to get busy but I was leaving base which there isn't many people going my direction. I stop at lights and stops. Didn't realize I'd be able to ride my bike on a path designated for runners. I was trying not to be a dick to the guy.
I just wanted some insight or advice or an ear to vent too really. Thanks for reading. Didn't realize I was going to write so much I'm not really a good writer.

Bluish Green

That is a pretty good commute. You will definitely be in great shape if you aren't already. I don't know much about AF bases, but once you get your route ironed out, I hope it is great for you. Welcome to the Forum, and pedal safe!

know_fun

LOL I thought I had it ironed out.
I'm not as in shape as some people here with their 16 - 50 mi one way routes.
Thanks

chefisaac

Stick with it and you will become better.

Recently, I started touring and have been using google earth to help me plan out routes. Might be worth for you to take a look at it sometimes if you want to find another route.

polishmadman

You can call the SP's for clarification on base policies. Get the afi's. Then if they mess with you. You can quote the afi. You're military??, quoting afi's is a smart thing. Just remember to be respectful.

UberGeek

^^^ This.

Remember, the patrol SP's are generally only E4's and E5's. They don't want to screw with people, just do their jobs.

know_fun

I found the AFI to read. lol kind of forgot how everything in the military is written somewhere. Hopefully work isn't to busy tonight because its going to be a lot of reading tonight. Thanks guys.

I'll post the AFI when I find it

groovedachshund

"Security" forces at AF bases tend to be dicks (or at least the ones my family has worked at or near), because they look for a chance to do something. They are bored out of their minds, so stopping you was probably just an opportunity to stretch his legs and feel good about his power. If you have clearance from your chain of command, tell him he needs to speak with them about it. Just don't get in a pissing contest and you'll be fine.

UberGeek

^^^^ THIS again...

Pissing contests tend to never work.

know_fun

Yeah it was pretty obvious that they were just flexing because as soon as I said command didn't have a problem with me riding my bike the cops weren't as confident.


and for future reference for anybody looking to ride their bike on an Air Force Base

AFI 91-207
3.5.4. All persons who ride a bicycle, tricycle, or other human powered vehicle, including motorized bicycles, on an AF installation in a traffic environment shall wear a properly fastened and approved (e.g., Consumer Product Safety Commission, ANSI, Snell Memorial Foundation or host nation equivalent) bicycle helmet. MAJCOMs will be the approving official on what qualifies as host nation equivalent. During hours of darkness riders will wear retro-reflective vest/jacket or outer garment containing retro-reflective material. In addition, bicycles will be equipped with a white front light (not a reflector) visible for 500 feet and red rear reflector or light clearly visible from the rear of the bicycle from a distance of 300 feet.