Metro News Release

For immediate release: July 11, 2006

Metro and region aim to improve access to rail stations and bus stops

Metro, government transportation officials and advocacy groups will be trying to improve bicycle and pedestrian access to rail stations and bus stops tomorrow.

The groups are coming together for a daylong workshop in an effort to improve access over the next six months.

Metro is sponsoring the event at the transit agency’s headquarters located at 600 Fifth Street in Northwest Washington.

About 60 participants from local, state and federal government agencies, Metro, and bicycle and pedestrian advocacy groups will discuss safety and access to bus stops and stations; community and government partnerships to benefit pedestrians and bicyclists;communication tools and strategies; ways to predict the number of pedestrians and bicyclists using transit; and partnerships between the transit agency and local governments for funding access improvements.

Metro officials have been undertaking a comprehensive review of bike racks and lockers to develop a plan to improve the amenities for bicyclists. Customers can load bicycles onto racks on Metrobuses and can travel with their bicycles aboard Metrorail weekdays during off peak hours and anytime on the weekends. Bikes are not permitted in the rail system during certain holidays or special events due to large crowds.

News release issued on July 11, 2006.