NSAB Set to Join in Bike to Work Day

Photo By Andrew Damstedt | National Intrepid Center of Excellence Director Navy Capt. Walter  

BETHESDA, MD, UNITED STATES

05.12.2016

Story by Andrew Damstedt 

Naval Support Activity Bethesda

Most days, the National Intrepid Center of Excellence (NICoE) director can be seen entering the building in his bicycle outfit, where he’ll stop and greet those at the front desk and coffee shop and anyone else he meets.

That’s because Navy Capt. Walter M. Greenhalgh frequently chooses to ride his bicycle to work – and he encourages others to do the same.

“It’s a great way to get out and get a little exercise – it’s not a long ride, but certainly better than driving or taking the bus,” Greenhalgh said. “It’s nice to know that your carbon footprint is minimized. I personally think it’s a great way to see new sites and new areas.”

Greenhalgh is one of about 500 people who frequently ride their bicycles to work onboard Naval Support Activity Bethesda. That translates to about 4 percent of NSAB’s commuters, according to NSAB Transportation Manager Ryan Emery.

To encourage more personnel to consider riding a bike to work, NSAB is once again participating in the annual region-wide Bike to Work Day, taking place May 20. Emery expects about 150 to 200 people to sign up for the event, which happens rain or shine.

“This is a good way to do it because others will be on the road at the same time,” Emery said. “If people already bicycle to work, it’s a good way to recognize them for doing that day in and day out.”

NSAB’s pit stop will be in front of Walter Reed National Military Medical Center’s tower, where Emery said they will be handing out T-shirts and refreshments for registered participants.

To sign up for the free event, go to www.biketoworkmetrodc.org and select NSAB as the pit stop.

Seeing people ride their bicycles to work and the several bike racks around the installation can promote health and wellness on NSAB, Greenhalgh said

One reason, Greenhalgh said he rides his bicycle to work is that he avoids being in traffic, plus it’s easier to find a parking space for his bicycle.

“It’s quicker to get to work and be in my office than if I were to drive,” he said.

He encourages people to ride safely and to not ride in unsafe weather conditions, use bike paths, wear bright clothing, wear a helmet and keep bicycle well-maintained.

He said people don’t need fancy or expensive bikes for their commute, but advised people to make sure their bicycle is comfortable and can easily carry their gear.

“It’s important to make sure they have a good route planned, that’s safe and doesn’t put them at risk,” he said. “Ideally if they can find partners to ride with, it adds to the enjoyment.”

NSAB Safety Manager Jim Ganz echoed those safety concerns and added to be careful around the several ongoing construction projects on the installation.

“While employees on the installation should now be used to the closure of Brown Drive and its associated detours and have adjusted their commuting patterns accordingly, we also need to be aware of the fact that, even now, there are many drivers entering this installation who are confronting the situation for the first time,” Ganz said.

Throughout the construction, there will be times when there will be work-zones involving single-lane closures, or steel plates across the roadway, and Ganz advised to ride with caution and follow all instructions by the site’s traffic directors.

He encourages bicyclists to obey all stop signs and any other traffic signals/directions, and pay extra attention to pedestrians and drivers.

“Lastly, if you are an employee who works on this installation, please set the example by practicing good riding habits, following traffic safety regulations and exercising patience when someone around you does something unexpected,” Ganz said.

• Date Taken: 05.12.2016
• Date Posted: 05.13.2016 08:06
• Story ID: 198017
• Location: BETHESDA, MD, US