Straight Talk: Rules of the road for pedestrians Published Feb. 7, 2017 By Col. Roman L. Hund 66th Air Base Group Commander HANSCOM AIR FORCE BASE, Mass. – In this week’s Straight Talk, I’ll address a question I received about use of sidewalks by pedestrians on the installation. If you have a question and are not sure where to find the answer, I encourage you to contact the Straight Talk line at 781-225-1380 or by email at Hanscom.straightalk@us.af.mil. Q Is there a regulation for pedestrians to utilize the sidewalks whenever possible? A I share your concern for pedestrian and motorist safety at Hanscom Air Force Base. For the safety of all concerned, pedestrians are required to use sidewalks when available. In accordance with the 66th Air Base Group supplement to Air Force Manual 31-116, Hanscom Motor Vehicle Traffic Supervision, “pedestrians and joggers will use jogging paths and sidewalks if available; if no path or sidewalk exists or is available, pedestrians and joggers may use the street.” Walking and jogging in the roadway is prohibited on Barksdale Street, Vandenberg Drive and Marrett Street (excluding Marrett Street Extension) during peak traffic hours. Peak traffic hours are 7 a.m. to 8:30 a.m., 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. and 4 to 5 p.m., Monday through Friday except federal holidays. If walking or jogging on a street, the individual must not interfere with the normal flow of traffic. Additionally, pedestrians and joggers will not cross roadways without first ensuring the roadway is clear of traffic. Joggers will run facing traffic and wear reflective apparel, including a reflective belt or vest, during low light conditions or during inclement weather. The Air Force Physical Training Uniform meets this requirement. It is incumbent upon all of us to look out for each other, drive defensively and attentively, and obey the rules of the road, as well as the sidewalk.