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. “Instead of jumping in a car and driving across town, people can bike. We’re looking for every way we can think of to work on prevention and wellness.”
Wearing a regulation blue helmet with chin strap, Penny Newquist was taking a tricycle to her meeting. “People will pull you over sometimes and say, ‘Where can I get one?’ ” said Newquist, who works for Environmental Services.
Newquist, 53, said riding a tricycle takes practice — employees aren’t kids anymore, after all — and is a bit slow.
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