Kids & Family
Bikes Allowed on BART Anytime During Five-Month Trial
The BART board agreed Thursday to a test out unrestricted bike hours, including during commute times. The experiment runs from July 1 to Dec. 1.
Cyclists will be able to board BART trains at any time starting July 1 as part of a trail period that runs until the beginning of December.
The BART board of directors agreed Thursday to allow unrestricted access for bicycles on uncrowded BART trains, including during commute hours, for a five-month period.
The experiment will not allow bikes on the first three cars during commute times (7 am to 9 am and 4:30 pm and 6:30 pm), and will preserve the existing ban on bikes in the first car at other times, BART said. Bikes are still not allowed on crowded trains and bicyclists must yield priority seating to seniors and those with disabilities, according to BART. Bikes should also not block doorways or aisles and are not allowed on escalators. Folding bikes are allowed on all trains.
BART said the following in a press release about the decision:
“The success we saw in the early phases of testing showed us it is possible to lift the black-out without impacting service,” said Board President Tom Radulovich. “BART has come a long way in accommodating bikes since we opened 40 years ago. Bikes play an important role in helping people move around the region and I am happy to see we are moving toward greater access.”
According to customer surveys, rider acceptance of lifting the ban is increasing with 76% of respondents supporting the move to allow bikes during the commute. BART is also working to double the number of secure bike parking spots at stations to encourage more passengers to commute by bike, and thus free up parking spots for cars, and then leaving the bike behind at the station. A bike etiquette campaign will also begin in July to encourage safe and courteous practices.
As with previous bike pilots, a passenger survey will be conducted for customer feedback. Staff will also continue to observe how bikes impact service. The Board of Directors will evaluate the pilot before the end of the trial period with a full briefing expected at the second Board meeting in October.
Do you think a BART bike free-for-all is a good idea? Share your thoughts in the comments.
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