Airmail, March 2

  • Published
  • By Col. Robert E. Suminsby Jr.
  • 377th Air Base Wing commander

We want your suggestions and comments; however, you may also call base agencies or use the chain of command.

Callers to Airmail will not have their names printed in the Nucleus.

To submit an Airmail, e-mail airmail@kirtland.af.mil, call 846-4240, or write
377 ABW/CC Airmail
2000 Wyoming Blvd. SE
Kirtland AFB, NM 87117

Motorcycles not triggering lights?

Q: Is there a way to adjust the sensitivity of the sensors at the on-base traffic lights?

I ride a motorcycle and normally have to sit and wait through several red lights or for a car or truck to approach before the light will change.

I have asked several other riders if they were having the same problem and was told by all of them that they also have to wait for long periods of time before the lights will change and usually take an alternate route on base to avoid getting stuck at the lights.

A: Thank you for your call regarding the wait time of some of the base intersections when a motorcycle approaches a traffic light. The traffic loops utilized on the base are an approved type to recognize all sorts of vehicles. However, some loops are less sensitive to sensing motorcycles due to the lower weight of a motorcycle compared to that of a car or truck. We can adjust the sensitivity of the loop sensors, and base civil engineers are very receptive to working with motorcyclists to ensure the sensors detect a motorcycle. If you have further questions please contact the traffic control supervisor at 853-6495. Thanks for taking action on this issue.