Wondering what you'll do with your bike when you hop on the train or
bus? Do you know what the rules are for taking the bus and train with
your bike around town and the suburbs? Or are you curious about taking
your child's bike along or wondering if your teen can bring his or
her bike on board?
We at Green Parent Chicago were curious too, so we rounded up the answers to those questions from the CTA, Pace and Metra's posted rules online. Here's what we found:
CTA buses: Folding bikes allowed at all times. Other bikes may be carried on CTA buses at all times in bus bike racks, every day, all year.
All CTA buses are equipped with bike racks, located on the front of the bus. Most regular, two-wheeled bikes fit into these racks.
Motor powered bikes are not allowed at any time. Ages 14 and up are allowed to bring bikes on trains and rack-equipped buses. Children ages 12 and 13 must be accompanied by adult when bringing their bike on CTA buses and trains. Children 12 and under are not allowed to bring bikes on CTA buses or trains.
CTA trains: Bicycles are permitted on CTA trains every day, except during weekday rush periods (7:00 a.m. to 9:00 a.m. and 4:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m.). Up to two regular bicycles are allowed inside each car. Bicycles are not allowed when trains are full.
Note: Certain rail cars on the Blue Line have doors that swing inward and cannot accommodate bicycles. Only enter cars with green decals that show that bicycles are allowed inside.
-Check out the CTA's Bike & Ride Guide online for more helpful tips on boarding buses and trains with your bike.
Pace buses: Each bus carries two bikes on its front rack. Bikes are never allowed inside the bus. Motorized and tandem bikes are not allowed on bus bike racks.
Metra trains:Individual cyclists must be 16 or older. Ages 12 to 15 must be accompanied by an adult to bring bikes on board train. Children under age 12 not permitted to bring bikes on board. Bikes are allowed during weekday off-peak hours (9 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. and on weekends, see their website for exceptions on certain festival weekends in the summer. 3 bikes are allowed on each accessible diesel car, two on each equivalent electric car.
Having ridden public transit, we know sometimes there are exceptions to those rules, and seasonal events, special service hours, etc. can all impact whether bikes are allowed on board too. Keep these in mind when planning your trip.
***Have more tips for our readers on bringing your bike on the bus or train? Special considerations, insider tips? Please share them with us in the comments below!***
-photo credit: jochemberends, flickr
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