Metro News Release
For immediate release: May 18, 2006
Metro wants to replace hundreds of bicycle racks
Most of Metro’s bike racks are in poor shape, rusty with broken parts and loose frames. But the Transit Authority wants to change that. Metro managers announced today they expect to spend $200,000 to replace about 640 bicycle racks over the next year.
Metro owns about 90 percent of the more than 1,800 bike racks outside of 74 rail stations. There are about 50 “U racks” and another 40 “Wave racks,” but the rest are older, known as type III racks.
Metro recently began a comprehensive review of bike racks and lockers to develop a plan to improve the amenities. The review found that at nearly 40 percent of rail stations, 50 to 100 percent of the racks are used by bicyclists. But as many of the type III racks are showing their age, bicyclists are opting to lock their bikes to railings, trees and light poles.
Metro plans to replace the type III racks with the more popular “U racks,” which can hold up to twice as many bikes as the old racks. Managers plan to ask the Metro Board next month to approve funding for the racks. The study also found that most of the 1,280 bicycle lockers that cyclists can rent on a yearly basis are in good condition. Other improvements for bike amenities are still under review.
“A few years ago, bicycle racks were installed on all Metrobuses. Replacing the racks outside of rail stations is another strong step in our ongoing efforts to improve access for bicyclists,” said Dan Tangherlini, Metro interim general manager. “I will be biking to work tomorrow in honor of Bike to Work Day and hope other commuters also will use their bikes on buses and trains.”
Cyclists can transport their bikes aboard Metrobuses in heavy-duty racks attached to the front of each bus. Up to two bikes can be stored in each rack, which cyclists can easily load and unload themselves. Instructions are printed on the racks. The racks also have a locking mechanism to prevent bikes from coming loose. There is no charge to bring bikes on buses or trains. And unlike Metrorail, bicyclists can store their bikes on buses during rush hours.
“This is the Year of the Bus, and these racks make it convenient for a bicyclist to use our buses. We hope more people will take advantage of the racks,” said Gladys Mack, Metro Board chairwoman.
Bicyclists also can use Metrorail weekdays during off peak hours and anytime on the weekends. Bikes are not permitted on trains during certain holidays or special events due to large crowds.
“Upgrading the bicycle racks will go a long way toward encouraging people to use both their bike and the transit system to get from point A to point B safely and efficiently. Anything that gives people an attractive alternative to using their cars helps reduce pollution and traffic and improve the quality of life in our region,” said Dennis Jaffe, Chair of Metro’s Riders Advisory Council.
Metro officials point out bicycle use also helps lower emissions in the air. Metro began an ad campaign last month to encourage people to use public transit for the environmental benefits. Metrobus and Metrorail eliminate more than 10,000 tons of pollution and save more than 75 million gallons of gasoline per year. As part of the campaign, Metro is wrapping several compressed natural gas buses in ads that will display plants and animals with the slogan, “Go Green on Metro.”
Riders can visit the Bike-’N-Ride on Metro page for more information about bringing bicycles on buses and trains.
News release issued on May 18, 2006.