Running issue picks up speed

KADENA AIR BASE, Japan -- Kadena has recently been running into problems with runners. 

From congestion to noise in housing areas, the running issue has been picking up speed for some time. To explore solutions to these problems a working group was recently created. 

The group includes representatives from the 18th Security Forces Squadron, 18th Wing Safety, 18th Services Squadron, 18th Civil Engineer Squadron, the 1-1 Air Defense Artillery Battalion and 18th Wing Public Affairs. The group is exploring ways for the base to handle four key issues: running in high traffic areas, vehicles speeding past formations, noise associated with formations in the housing areas, and congestion around the Risner Fitness Center. 

"One day I saw a formation running down the middle of one of the lanes on Douglas Boulevard during rush hour," said Lt. Col. Joe Coogan, 18th Wing Safety chief. "The sidewalk was wide open. Douglas is just way too busy for people to run there. This is a safety concern." 

The group plans to erect signs prohibiting running on Douglas in the near future. American Forces Network is also planning a commercial to help educate the public on this safety issue. Once the signs are up and the commercials are running, security forces members will ensure everyone is abiding by the new rule. 

Another rule that the working group says must be enforced is the speed limit passing formations. Recently, several complaints have been lodged against drivers who sped around the formations. 

"The wing driving instruction states that the speed going around formations is 15 kph and drivers must wait for the formation's leaders to signal them before passing," said Bert Stamm, 18th Wing ground safety manager. Mr. Stamm said this will be highlighted in future local conditions classes. 

Units who do formation runs are asked to help ease traffic concerns by minimizing the amount of roadway being used and by signaling vehicles to pass as soon as it's safe to do so. Traffic congestion, especially around the Risner Fitness Center, is a concern the working group is trying to address. 

"Monday mornings are complete havoc," said Colonel Coogan. "I don't know if you've ever gone out there and seen the sea of humanity in this area. I did not realize how heinous it was until I went to see it. There are so many groups doing their physical training in that area it's becoming a concern." 

The colonel said Kadena's population density makes this concern even more significant. When you add up all the vehicles from people in housing areas near there and all the traffic transiting Douglas you end up with a monstrous number of vehicles in close proximity to a large number of runners, he said. The working group is looking into ways to help reduce congestion. Some suggestions include alternate running routes for formations and creating other areas for units to do physical training. 

Another item the group will work with other officials on is quiet hours in the housing areas. Several formations have disturbed residents recently by running through base housing early in the morning while singing cadence and blowing air horns. 

"You have quiet hours in the housing areas from 10 p.m. to 6 a.m.," said Colonel Coogan. "We can use security forces to enforce that up until 6 a.m. Then, you get down to the good neighbor policy. No matter if you're Air Force, Marines, Navy or Army, if you're running through the housing areas please keep the noise to a minimum until at least 7:30 a.m. Seven thirty is a reasonable time for waking up. There is nothing mandating this, but we should be looking out for each other." 

The colonel said if a resident is disturbed before this time, the resident should gather specific information before making the complaint. Officials will contact the units involved, but need to know which unit.