Have you ever seen someone board a Metro Bus after skillfully loading their bicycle onto the rack at the front of the vehicle, and wondered how it’s done? Using our tips on how to safely use the bike racks attached to Metro Buses, you can be cool and confident as you transfer from bike to bus, too! Follow these simple tips and rules for taking a bike with you for your Metro Bus trip:
Loading your bike
Before Boarding the Bus: Arrive a few minutes early and wait on the sidewalk. Be prepared to board by removing any loose items (i.e. bags, helmets, water bottles, etc.) from your bicycle. When the bus arrives, make sure that the bus driver is aware you are loading your bike on the vehicle’s rack by making eye contact with and/or signaling to the driver.
Step 1: Squeeze the handle near the right side of the bike rack.
Step 2: Gently lower the bike rack so that it lies flat in front of the bus.
Step 3: Load your bicycle in an available slot in the rack with your bicycle’s back wheel toward the driver’s side of the bus.
Step 4: Lift the support arm on the left side of the rack up and over your bicycle’s front wheel. Make sure that it is secure in place before boarding the bus.
Step 5: Board the Metro bus and off you go!
Unloading your bike
Before exiting the bus: When the bus approaches your stop, inform the driver that you will be unloading your bike and exit the bus through the front door. Make sure the bus has come to a complete stop, and watch your step as you approach the front of the bus.
Step 1: Lift the support arm and gently remove it from your front tire.
Step 2: Unload your bike from the front rack, positioning yourself between your bike and the bus.
Step 3: If there are no other bikes on the rack, squeeze the handle near the right side and lift the rack back into its upright position.
Step 4: Double-check traffic signals and watch out for any oncoming vehicles or pedestrians before taking off on your bike.
To ensure the safety of you and your fellow Metro travelers, always remember these rules for when you take your bike with you on a Metro bus:
1. Arrive at the stop a few minutes early and wait on the sidewalk.
2. Remove all loose items not attached to your bike (i.e. bags on handle bars, helmets, lights, etc.) and take them with you onto the bus.
3. Locking your bike to the bus rack is not allowed. For extra security, you can lock your wheel to the frame before the bus arrives.
4. You are responsible for loading and unloading your bicycle. Wait until bus is fully stopped before loading your bike. Always approach the bus from the sidewalk.
5. Sit or stand near the front of the bus to watch your bicycle during your trip.
6. Just before your stop, tell the bus operator that you will be getting your bike from the rack and exit through the front door.
7. Never try to retrieve something that rolls under the bus.
Note: Motorized bicycles or any bicycle over 55 pounds cannot be accommodated on Metro bus bike racks. Folding bikes with 20 inch or smaller wheels can be taken on board. Make sure your bike is folded and stored under a rear seat so as not to block aisles and doorways. Motorized folding bikes are not allowed.