How Bus Bike Racks Work

Bike Racks

The racks consist of long, thin oval-shaped metal bars with an open space in the middle. There is another piece of metal lower than the bars which the bike tires will sit on and be held in place by another bar which folds over the front tire. It is important to use safety precautions and communicate with the driver when using the bike rack. Bus bike racks are safe, effective and easy to use.

Using the Bike Rack

In most cases, the bike rack will be folded up against the bus (unless there is already a bike on the rack). There is generally a small handle on the bar at the top of the bike rack when it is folded up. Squeeze the handle and pull the rack down toward yourself. It will easily fold out allowing you to lift your bike a couple of feet onto the rack. Make sure your tires are not too wide for the rack (the racks are built to fit standard sized, two wheeled bikes). Another bar will go over your front tire to secure the bike in place. Pull that bar over your tire, as close to the bike's frame as possible. Be sure to remove any bags or loose items from your bike to prevent losing them and ensure they do not become a safety hazard to the driver or safe operation of the bus.

Removing the bike is just as simple. Fold the tire bar back against the rack. Squeeze the handle and push the rack toward the bus where it will fold back into position. Some buses have electronic bike racks in which the driver will lower and raise the rack. If you have any trouble figuring out what to do, the driver will give you instructions on how to use the rack although she is not allowed to touch your bike.

Advantages

Bike racks allow cyclists to take advantage of bus transportation for extremely long commutes, surprise bad weather or other emergencies. Since many transit companies do not allow bikes on board due to space limitations, this allows cyclists to still take the bus. Many companies are installing three-bike racks that fold up when not in use. They are typically wider and closer to the actual bus than two-bike racks. Bike racks do increase the bus overhang, which the driver needs to be aware of.

References

• Integration of Bicycles and Transit; Michael Baltes, Transit Cooperative Research Program, National Research Council (U.S.). Transportation Research Board, Transit Development Corporation; 2005
• Iowa Bicycle Coalition