News>Feature - What's the deal with all the blue bikes?
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A bicycle is parked in the courtyard of one of the McChord Field dormitories, Oct 23, 2012, at Joint Base Lewis-McChord, Wash. The bicycle is part of the McChord Field bike share program created to help Airmen who do not have vehicles travel around base. (U.S. Air Force photo/Staff Sgt. Sean Tobin)
by Staff Sgt. Sean Tobin
62nd Airlift Wing Public Affairs
10/23/2012 - JOINT BASE LEWIS-MCCHORD, Wash. -- Have you noticed all the big blue beach cruisers placed strategically around base and wondered why they're here?
There are 50 of them around McChord Field and they've been here over a year now.
The bikes are part of a bike share program that was developed from a suggestion during an Airmen's panel. The idea was to provide a source of transportation for Airmen who don't have access to a vehicle.
The bikes are placed strategically around base at five pick-up and drop-off points. Those locations are at the dormitories outside buildings 572 and 1172, outside buildings 1210 and 1216 near the 446th Airlift Wing headquarters building, and at the USO, building 1330.
Rules for participating in the program are based on the honor system and include:
Riders must be military servicemembers
Riders must provide their own helmet and properly wear it while riding
Bikes must remain on McChord Field
All traffic laws must be obeyed
Riders are not to use sidewalks and cannot take the bikes on the flight line or in base housing
Riding after consuming alcohol is prohibited
Bikes must be returned to designated pick-up/drop-off locations
Bikes cannot be ridden during hours of darkness
Riders must not abuse the bikes or perform stunts with them
Riders assume all risks
Any questions, suggestions or repair requests can be directed to Master Sgt. Brian Lowry at (253) 982-0426.
