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.