New job does not allow walking/bicycling to work.

[militaryincome]

To make a long story short, due to the location of my new unit, the only way to get there is by an enclosed vehicle. I didn't even know this was possible!

 I just got a new apartment, which is probably a 5 minute bicycle ride away from the front gate. This is after spending the past 4+ months with a 45-70 min. 25km commute due to some unfortunate issues with my orders. I just ordered a touring bicycle, and was really looking forward to commuting on it 100% of the time.

The new unit I am going to is an Air Traffic Control unit, and is located between the runway and the sea. In order to get there, you have to go through a guarded gate, and travel about a mile straight down a road that runs right next to a sea wall. The runway is perpendicular to this road, and starts less than 100 ft away from the road. This means that planes come in very low over the road. I guess this is the reason they do not allow walking/bicycling/motorcycles. They do have gates that close off the road when planes are incoming. I would think this would be enough of a safety precaution. The funny thing is, there are clearly designated bicycle lanes on the outer edges of the road.

This is just what a couple members of the unit told me. I have no reason to doubt them, but I'll probably ask the guard the next time I get a chance.

The only solution I've worked out in my head so far is this:

There is a bus that takes the single Marines to and from the barracks to work/lunch. I could ride my bike to the barracks and catch a ride on the bus. I haven't verified if this is allowed but it seems like my only option.

This seems like it might be the only way I can get to work without driving a car. It would still be less than ideal, as I would likely be at someone else's mercy if I have to go home or anywhere else on the base during working hours.

Sorry if this seems like more of a rant. I just had never considered I would be in a situation like this.
Has anyone been in a similar situation? Does anyone have any other ideas?

Thankfully I'm starting a 2-1/2 week vacation Wednesday, so I've got some time to build my bicycle and figure this situation out.

[Arbor33]

Definitely ask the guard and/or one of your superiors.

Otherwise, is it possible to ride your bike to the gate, lock it up, and hitch a ride in with someone driving to your building?

[davisgang90]

Go to the base security office to verify the policy.  I would not talk to the gate guards.  Ask specifically why some private vehicles are allowed and not others.  This doesn't make sense.

If the policy is private cars only, I would submit a complaint to the Base leadership.

[Nords]

Thankfully I'm starting a 2-1/2 week vacation Wednesday, so I've got some time to build my bicycle and figure this situation out.

In the submarine force, a sailor would submit a special request chit to ride their bike.  It would force the chain of command to either explain to the CO why it has to be disapproved (with appropriate references & rules), or make them review the policy and approve your request.

I can understand if this is not the way the Marines would do it.  And judging from your location, the host nation may have their own safety rules.

[burly]

You're not alone.. there are many places that do not allow biking to work... My brother works for a steel mill as an engineer and it was an issue until he just moved to a different site. No motorcycles, convertibles, or bike..

[SwordGuy]

You could park your car near the gate.  Bike to the car, put the bike on/in the car, and drive the last few hundred yards.   Repeat on the way home. 

Unless, of course, you can get them to acknowledge that you can ride a bike the rest of the way...

[ep114]

How frustrating! I've dealt with a lot of bureaucracy on government installations as well and the only thing I would advice is to not forget that the gate guards sometimes have curious interpretations of policy, so even if you've talked to whoever and convinced them that it is allowed, if the guard does not let you in, you are the one who doesn't get to work when you need to be there.  I don't want to be too hard on them though, they have an important job, and are probably told to use their best judgment.  You might have to use your most excellent interpersonal skills to create a good relationship with the guards to smooth things over.