WASHINGTON — The newest way for Arlington County, Va., employees to get around has three wheels, a bell and an orange safety flag.
It’s a tricycle.
No, Big Wheels and scooters are not coming next. These are adult trikes, and you might see county employees riding them to meetings. You might also see drivers stopping to stare.
Arlington officials think the “trike pool” is the way to go.
“I know it sounds nutty,” said Mary Curtius, a county spokeswoman, but it’s part of the eco-friendly county’s efforts to lower health care costs and help the environment.
Michael Dako rode a three-wheeler around on his lunch hour Friday. “Once you get the feel of it, it’s a great ride,” said Dako, 42.
Arlington staff hit upon the idea as part of their 2-year-old program, Fresh AIRE (Arlington Initiative to Reduce Emissions), which includes hybrid taxis. Ultimately, the county purchased six trikes for just under $500 each, along with six bicycles. Since the bikes were rolled out last fall, 140 of the county’s 3,600 employees have registered to ride.
