Personal Transportation Devices (E-Scooters) – Safety

By Asif Thaj, Deputy Safety Director

In recent years, there has been a significant increase in the popularity of personal transportation devices, such as electric scooters (e-scooters), as a convenient and environmentally-friendly mode of local transportation. With the rise in demand, benefits and ease of availability of these devices, many base personnel began using them. However, Department of the Navy (DON) safety requirements prohibited the use of PTD’s on Naval installation roadways, streets etc. With careful deliberation and completion of a deliberate risk assessment, the command (NSA Bahrain) decided to pursue a waiver from this prohibition. After many months in the loop, the Naval Safety Command finally approved the waiver request from NSA Bahrain and authorized the Installation Commanding Officer (ICO) to develop site-specific safety controls prior to approving the use on NSA I & II.

On 16 February 2023, the Installation Commanding Officer (ICO), CAPT William Lane authorized the use of PTDs (e-scooters) on NSA public roadways, subject to specific regulations and guidelines to ensure the safe operation of these devices. While this is a positive development for those who rely on personal transportation devices for their daily commute and inter-base transportation, it’s important to stress the importance of responsible and safe use of these devices.

This authorization was implemented via the issuance of NSABAHRAINNOTE 5100 (dated 16 Feb 2023) which further clarifies the specific requirements, limitations and other statutory requirements. An important clarification is that this authorization is exclusively for e-scooters and does NOT include electric skateboards and other similar devices such as One-wheel. All requirements applicable to bicycles also apply to e-scooters such as registration at the Pass & ID office, parking in designated bicycle racks etc. It is incumbent on the operators to comply with ALL of the safety and administrative requirements, to ensure this authorization is not rescinded.

First and foremost, it is essential that users of PTDs take the time to familiarize themselves with the rules and regulations that apply to their use. This includes understanding where and when they can operate the device, how to properly maintain the scooter, and how to ride it safely in traffic. It is also crucial that users properly wear appropriate safety gear, such as helmets, to reduce the risk of injury in the event of an accident. The instructions detail the mandated and recommended safety equipment.

In addition, users must be aware of their surroundings at all times and not operate PTDs in areas where they and bikes are not permitted or where there is a risk of collision with pedestrians, other vehicles, or obstacles. This includes adhering to speed limits (maximum10 MPH), and avoiding reckless or dangerous behavior that could result in injury or damage to property. The charging, recharging and/or storage of electric powered PTDs that utilize a Lithium Ion (Li-ion) battery, is strictly prohibited inside of buildings due to the fire risk associated with rechargeable batteries of this type.

Another critical aspect to consider is the importance of being respectful to other road users, especially pedestrians. It is essential that PTD riders follow all traffic laws, and abide by local regulations, in order to avoid any collisions or injuries. PTDs have the potential to cause injury if not used with caution, so it is the duty of the rider to be responsible, and make sure that their safety, and the safety of others, is the number one priority.

Finally, it is important for users of PTDs to be considerate of others and to respect the rights of pedestrians and other road users. This means avoiding behaviors such as weaving in and out of traffic or cutting off other vehicles, and yielding the right of way to pedestrians and other vehicles when necessary.

We recognize that personal transportation devices can be a valuable tool for our base population, and we encourage their use when appropriate. However, it is important that we balance this with the need to maintain a safe and secure workplace environment. As such, the ICO reserves the right to restrict or prohibit (or even rescind this authorization) the use of personal transportation devices at their discretion, particularly in areas where there is a high volume of foot traffic or other potential hazards.

In conclusion, the recent authorization of personal transportation devices such as e-scooters on NSA Bahrain I & II is a welcome development that can provide a more efficient and sustainable traffic environment. However, it is essential that users operate these devices in a safe and responsible manner, in accordance with the regulations and guidelines provided by the authorities. In doing so, we can ensure that everyone is able to enjoy the benefits without compromising the safety of themselves or others.

Ultimately, the success of this new mode of transportation will depend on the level of responsibility shown by its users, and it is up to all of us to make sure that PTDs are used in a way that benefits everyone in our community.

439-4520 www.cnic.navy.mil/bahrain

Commanding Officer

Naval Support Activity Bahrain

Capt. William Lane

NSA Bahrain Executive Officer

Cmdr. Ernesto Rivera

Public Affairs Officer

Chief Editor

Lt. Nicolas Mahone

Deputy Public Affairs Officer

Mark C. Mosher

Mass Communication Specialist

1st Class Sean Gallagher

Host Nation Public Affairs Director

Ameera Al-Kooheji

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YOU MATTER AND YOU’RE ARE WORTH IT.

Who is the “you” in the previous statements? As I will discuss in the following sentences, the “you” is in reference to the “other” and not necessarily you who read this (although the above statements are certainly applicable). We who grew up in a Western paradigm (the US) are surrounded by the principles of intrinsic value, selfworth, autonomy, and self-determined destiny as we so choose. In my travels to now more than 71 countries and territories around the world, I am accurately aware that the perquisite we know as Americans are not afforded to the majority of the global citizens, at least those I encountered (which is why, I believe, so many want to come to the US).

So how do I as one who has known only potential and endless possibilities because of my God-given value convey to the “other” that the same holds true for them as well? Hold that thought for moment.

In January, the NAVCENT RMT traveled to Mombasa, Kenya to perform a community relations and service project for impoverished, physically disabled Kenyans that took more than 12 months to plan. Together with CTF 56.2 SeaBees, we donated more than $20,000 in much needed supplies and made wonderful improvements to their facilities that included refurbishing broken playground equipment, roof repair, painting their building, and erecting new soccer goals for the neighborhood residents to play with.

During the course of the 4-day project, I have come to learn that the disadvantaged and poor foreigner thinks differently than the average American does. They can ill afford to dream too big because the imposition of practical needs like food and steady employment squeezes out aspirations of grandeur. Understanding of self-worth also inhibits the ability to dream because if you do not recognize your incalculable value as a person made Imago Dei (image of God) your ambitions are limited to your own selfestimation and not how God sees you.

For all of our effort and resources in this project, the most important message we had to express was the value of the “other.” In Christian theology, the “other” is everyone else, not you. So when Jesus says to put “others” first and to serve “others,” He literally means to put yourself behind everyone else.

The gratitude from the thankful Kenyans overwhelmed our group; we were truly humbled and forever changed. A constant refrain from the people we encountered was, “Thank you so much. Thank you for coming here. Thank you for thinking of us.”

For me and our team, the only words we could think to utter was, “You matter and you’re worth it.”

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