Before I retire back in1993, I worked at a Naval Base. This was a large base. In some areas of the Base private owned cars/trucks were not allowed. However, I could go to the bike shop and check out a Navy issue bike to get around the Base. They had only 2 choices for you to check out, a large heavy Beach cruiser type, single speed with coaster brakes (in Black only) or you could check out a tricycle with a huge basket on the back. Since I often had to carry a briefcase and large plans one day I decide to try the tricycle. I was shocked at how easy that tricycle was to tip over if you tried to go fast on it. After turning that sucker over several times I got to where I only felt safe on the tricycle at walking speeds (5 mph).

So I am not sure the tricycles are safer.

I went back to the bicycle. Since I could keep the same bike check out as long as I wanted to, I put my own basket on front to carry my stuff. However, you were fully reasonable for the bike. If it got stolen they would deduct the price of the bike from your paycheck. It never happen to me but it did happen to some of my coworkers.

Oh, one more thing the Government Issue tricycles came in black only also, just like the bike. Was it Henry Ford that use to say, “You can have any color you want as long as it is black.”?