Ottawa Airside Vehicle Operator's Program (AVOP) Practice Test

In airside areas, safety relies on strict control of all movement because aircraft, ground support equipment, and service vehicles operate in close quarters at low margins for error. Bicycles can accelerate suddenly, have limited braking control on uneven surfaces, and require attention that may be diverted by weather or equipment. A rider on a bike could collide with aircraft wings, tugs, baggage carts, or fueling trucks, creating serious risk not easily mitigated by personal protective gear alone. Security and access rules also limit airside movement to trained, authorized personnel using approved equipment, so a blanket prohibition helps keep operations predictable and safe. A helmet protects only the rider’s head; it cannot eliminate the potential for a collision or interference with aircraft operations. Even if lanes existed for pedestrians, the safest default in this environment is to restrict bicycles entirely, since exceptions would add complexity and potential for incidents. Therefore, bicycles are not allowed in the airside area.