With many schools back in session and Dahlgren School beginning on Aug. 28, there are more pedestrians on the sidewalks and crossing streets on the base. While it’s everyone’s responsibility to remain vigilant at crosswalks, it’s important that pedestrians know the rules of the road when out and about walking, biking or jogging on the roads on both sides of the river at Naval Support Activity South Potomac.
The official Navy Traffic Safety Program Instruction (OPNAV 5100.12J) regarding walking, biking and running on any Navy installation forbids the use of most portable listening devices.
While it might make for a much better run, wearing portable headphones, earphones, cellular hands-free devices, radios, recording devices or other portable listening devices while running, jogging, walking, bicycling, skating, or skate boarding in roadways and streets impairs recognition of emergency signals, alarms, announcements, and the approach of vehicles.
The devices are permitted, however, at the fitness trail behind the Navy Exchange on Naval Support Facility (NSF) Dahlgren and Joy Park, as well as on NSF Indian Head track at the sports field and at the jogging trail on Stump Neck Annex.
Aegis Way on NSF Dahlgren proves to be an area of particular concern and warrants a specific notification for jogging or walking in the area. Per the local instruction (NSASPINST 5560.1A) for Aegis Way:
Section 10- Jogging/Walking. Pedestrians shall use extreme caution when jogging or walking on the roadways of NSASP installations with high traffic density or during peak traffic periods, (0600-0900 and 1600-1800).
a. Bicyclists are ONLY authorized on Aegis Way during weekends and holidays because the narrow construction with no shoulder creates a high hazard for pedestrians and bicyclists.
b. Pedestrians and bicyclists are prohibited from the restricted side of NSF Indian Head at any time. EXCEPTION: Personnel transiting between buildings or employees who commute to the workspace walking or bicycling. In those instances, personnel shall utilize the shortest most direct route.
c. Jogging or walking strollers are not permitted on the road or road shoulder if a sidewalk is available.
d. Personnel shall jog or walk facing traffic. If more than one individual is jogging or walking in a group, the group will be in single file.
So whether you are walking your student to and from school, out for a run or a bike ride, be sure to remember the rules of the road and be safe!