Free bike rides around Incirlik

  • Published
  • By Senior Airman Anthony J. Hyatt
  • 39th Air Base Wing Public Affairs
INCIRLIK AIR BASE, Turkey --  A new program is bringing bicycles to Incirlik for use by anyone.

The Community Bike Program, which was implemented by the 39th Force Support Squadron July 31, 2011, placed bikes around the base for use by Airmen and civilians in the Incirlik community.

The purpose of the program is to provide bicycles for trips to and from designated common areas, said Dale Ruybal, 39th FSS Outdoor Recreation director.

Common areas around the base include The Exchange, the Hodja Inn, Bldg. 833, Bldg. 912, the front gate ATM and the pool.

"We use refurbished bikes that were left behind or donated to Outdoor Recreation when people moved," said Ruybal. Currently, six bikes are available for use throughout the base, with plans to add six more to the program.

Bikes will be either one speed or 18-speed and will have a distinctive fluorescent green coloring with a sign that says "COMMUNITY BIKE." The sign will also have a set of rules posted on it, according to Ruybal.

The rules to use the community bikes are:
1. Riders must always wear a helmet, which is not provided.
2. Riders must use lights when riding at night, which is not provided.
3. Riders will park the bike but never lock it in a bike rack.
4. Bikes are used only for trips to and from common areas.
5. Riders will not use the community bikes while intoxicated.
6. Riders must follow base safety policies.

If a community bike is inoperable, it is recommended to call or drop it off at Outdoor Recreation.

"We encourage folks to give us input on the Interactive Customer Evaluation site," said Mark Sullivan, the 39th FSS community support flight chief. "We hope it will make life a little easier for the base population. Plus, it's good for our environment."

For more information about the Community Bike Program, call Outdoor Recreation at DSN 676-6044. To provide feedback on the program, visit http://ice.disa.mil/index.cfm?fa=card&sp=104952&s=464&dep=*DoD&sc=15.