CES makes trails safer for bicyclists

SPANGDAHLEM AIR BASE, Germany -- A bicycle path recently opened that now connects Spangdahlem Air Base to the Binsfeld bike trails.

In the past, bicyclists had to travel on the roadways, which posed safety concerns.

This $12,000 renovation allows bicyclists to now commute from the south gate to the local community freely and safely.

"As an employee that lives in that area, I feel like I matter and important to the commander when he puts me on his priority list," said U.S. Air Force Capt. Phil Compton, 52nd Civil Engineer Squadron deputy base civil engineer. Compton works directly with the 52nd CES commander to oversee some construction projects.

The Air Force saved approximately $18,000 by completing the construction in house using local equipment. Ramstein Air Base's 435th Construction Training Squadron aided by paving the path and supplying equipment such as a paver and a roller.

Before the new path was put in, Sabers had to bike alongside the road with no shoulder. This was a safety concern when worrying about the traffic. Bars were also added at the end of the path just before the traffic circle to prevent bicyclists from riding into the traffic circle and causing an accident.

"The extension of the old bike path from Binsfeld toward the contractor's gate is a great safety improvement," said Klaus Van Den Boom, 52nd Fighter Wing ground safety. "Bikers do not have to ride on the busy B-50 or change to the opposite side of the road. The gate at the end of the trail will also stop them from running into a motor vehicle when they are leaving the trail towards the South gate."

Future plans for the civil engineer squadron is to paint lines for bicyclists from the end of the path up to the south gate to create a bike lane.

For more information or to report bike path damage, call DSN 452-6508 or 06565-61-6508.