Keep kids safe this summer

Published May 1, 2012
By Master Sgt. Jason Hughes
21st Security Forces Squadron

PETERSON AIR FORCE BASE, Colo. -- Spring is here and summer is fast approaching. Parents are putting away their children's jackets and gloves and getting out their skateboards and bikes. But before you do, ensure you are doing so in the most safe and legal way possible.

There are rules and regulations base residents must adhere to and for good reasons. The most important reason is to ensure our kids' safety. Below are some helpful safety rules and tips to ensure a safe, happy and memorable summer:

Operators of bicycles (including motorized), tricycles and any other human powered vehicles must:
1. Wear a properly fastened and approved (ANSI, Snell, etc.) bicycle helmet.
2. Retro-reflective vest/jacket or outer garment containing retro-reflective material during hours of darkness.
3. All 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 a distance of 300 feet.
4. Observe the rules of the road and common courtesies.

Operators of skateboards, kick-scooters, roller blades and roller skates must:
1. Utilize designated pedestrian walkways and paths.
2. Not use installation roadways except for incidental road access associated with all pedestrian-related traffic laws.
3. Wear a properly fastened and approved (ANSI, Snell, etc.) bicycle helmet.
4. Wear knee pads, elbow pads and wrist guards in accordance with the local installation safety policy.
5. Observe the rules of the road and common courtesies.

Listening devices
Wearing portable headphones, earphones, cellular phones, iPods or other listening and entertainment devices (other than hearing aids) while walking, jogging, running, bicycling, skating or skateboarding on roadways is prohibited.

Curfew and loitering
In accordance with Colorado Springs ordinance 9.2.102: Loitering, it is unlawful for any person under the age of 18 years of age to loiter or to aimlessly drive or ride about on any street, parking lot, park or eating place, whether public or private, without the consent or permission of the owner. Further, a curfew applies from midnight-6 a.m. Friday and Saturday night, and from 10 p.m.-6 a.m. weeknights. These rules apply at Peterson AFB as well.

Make summer safe for the kids by following these simple rules. For more information about these rules, call the Peterson police services section at 556-5286 or 556-3484.